A son of Laheeb and out of The Vision HG, bred by Ariely Arabians, I wrote about Al Lahab previously. If you scroll down to the Blog Archive (in the sidebar, located on the right hand side of the page) you will find his blog, in year 2008. Also, there have been excellent articles written about Al Lahab, for example: the article written by Monika Savier and Bettina Borst, published by Desert Heritage magazine, which presents his many accomplishments, both as a show horse and as a sire, in detail. With all of that said, I was still impressed to learn that VZAP (the German Association for Breeders of Arabian horses) named Al Lahab an Elite stallion, which is an impressive achievement for a most extraordinary horse.
As I was thinking over what and how to write about the very unique horse that Al Lahab is, I thought of a story that I had read, told by Janina Merz of the world famous Om El Arab International, in Santa Ynez, California. The very lovely stallion, Om El Extreem, was being shown for the first time in Belgium and she planned to film his European show debut. She met up with some people that she hadn't seen in a long time and you know how that goes, engaged in conversation, you lose track of time. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she realizes that her horse has already entered the arena and she drops everything in the hope of catching even the smallest bit of video footage of him. However, as she starts filming, Janina realizes that the horse she believed to be Extreem is not, it's another horse and his name is Al Lahab! This case of mistaken identity was a good thing for Al Lahab, as it led to a significant opportunity, as he was leased by Om El Arab for 2 breeding seasons, siring horses who would further his influence outside of straight Egyptian breeding.
This story tells me a few things about Al Lahab:
- an affirmation of Al Lahab as a uniquely beautiful specimen of the breed
- that a long-lived, multi-generational breeding program like Om El Arab International, known the world over for the consistency of their breeding program, recognized Al Lahab, as if he was produced by them
- because his phenotype is so complementary to their own vision of the ideal Arabian horse, Om El Arab International desired to incorporate his quality, type and genetic influence within their breeding herd
Al Lahab, whose name means "the flame" has been owned by Hansjürgen and Inge Friedmann since he was a young colt. The Friedmanns, on their website have written a statement that I found in its simplicity, profound: "You wouldn't do Al Lahab justice if you only saw him as a show horse or a breeding stallion. This horse is much more than that!" It is their words that have inspired this blog post to be more than the standard fare of who he has sired and which prizes he has won. This blog post celebrates the complete individual that Al Lahab is: he is as beautiful inside, as he is on the outside.
Al Lahab's temperament is really outstanding, with much evidence of the goodness that resides not only deep within his heart but also for the interest and affection he has for people. Granted, the Friedmanns have built a life of comfort for him, with large pastures in a serene setting, where he can not only graze quietly but he is amongst other horses. His sweet nature is most evident with young children, enjoying their company, while carefully aware of their smaller size. However, it's something that Hansjürgen said that really got me. In 2012, Hansjürgen was seriously ill and without Al Lahab, whom he considers to be the best friend he has, he would not have returned to the state of good health that he enjoys today. Hansjürgen credits his strength and confidence as "a blessing" that comes from the happiness that Al Lahab brings in to his life. I've read many times of the healing that horses can offer us and Hansjürgen is living proof that horses are really good for us. If it is truthful that God created the Arabian horse from the south wind, then He must have also filled their hearts to overflowing with joy. It makes sense to me that humans, as "hungry" as we are for happiness, because we are always searching for it, are attracted to another living being like the Arabian horse, who possesses a joyful spirit. If you read between the lines, there is a hopeful message in all of that, founded upon gratitude.
And so it is, that a happy birthday is truly just that...HAPPY...for a horse that brings much happiness to not only the people who know him intimately but also to people all over the world, who are inspired, as I am, by his beauty and if given the chance, his amazing personality.
Happy Birthday Al Lahab!
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