I'm working on pedigrees of all the 2008 National winners to update my database today, and am delighted to report on one with a rare CMK sire. U.S. Top Ten Western Pleasure Maturity AOTR JLM Farraoh (unfortunately a gelding!) is by Farrada, who traces in sire line to the gorgeous Gulastra son Naharin. His sire Farrada is out of Princess Parada, a Gai Parada daughter whose dam was the exquisite Hi-Fashion Camaar, an Azraff/Gamaar granddaughter and dam of 2 National winner producers. JLM Farraoh is predominantly Polish on the dam side, but does have lines to Geym, Pulque, and *Royal Constellation through his dam.

It's nice to see the old blood winning at top levels.

Sad that most of the individuals involved don't know who Gulastra is let alone Naharin. He had a wonderful son who was located in Quebec, Canada during the 60's. I remember the stunning beauty of *Royal Constellation. Geym was always one of my favorites. Pulque didn't really appeal to me however I sure admired the athletic ability.

This was a picture Tish sent me for Christmas featuring Geym

Thanks for your insights, Leo-I've always loved that photo of Geym. I'm doing my best to remind people of the good horses of the past...it's a big job though.

Arlene

It is my belief that you are one of the top five IN THE WORLD for knowledge about the Arabian Horse. There are not many who have delved into them through research AND also observed and evaluated most of the Arabians that people only know about through pictures or forum comments. I look forward to your book on the breed (even if you haven't started one I think you should so please put me on your announcement list).

Leo

Leo-thanks for your endorsement. We both have forgotten more than most people will ever know LOL.

I wish a book were possible-the closest I came was doing the research for and editing Arabian Legends for Western Horseman. I get no royalties from that book, I was paid an hourly rate to do my contribution, and I wish my name had correctly been listed as co-author as I really was. There is very little interest these days from commercial publishers for a book about Arabian horses and I am not interested in self-publishing one. I have a chum who keeps poking me to do a book that is print on demand (ie when an order is received) but with the current obligations I have it's unlikely I would have time to do such a book justice since I work full time outside the horse industry these days.

Arlene

The Al khamsa Convention in 2009 in Oregon will focus on the Gulastra's influence in his descendants, in Doyles, CMKs and in general. Lots of farms will be included in tours lasting about a week all over Oregon. That seems like a very interesting topic!

Christine