A RESOLUTE HORSE

Azmi (Sid Abouhom x Malaka), who became Nil of Russia

The name, "Azmi", refers to an individual who lives out his promise. Have you ever met anyone who fits this description? More often than not, they are memorable people, never to be forgotten. I have been fortunate over my lifetime to know more than a few people like this, including my brother. These are larger-than-life personalities, who are determined or even, resolute, to accomplishing all that they dream. I wish I were more like them and less like me. I can't seem to get out of my own way! Not so for these iron-willed people, despite life's twist and turns, they remain steadfast to their inner self and all they believe in. To me, they are like a "warrior"  on the "battlefield of life", unwavering as they continue to march forward, overcoming all that gets in the way like complacency, fear, mediocrity, skepticism and such. 

Azmi (Sid Abouhom x Malaka), who became Nil of Russia

For the straight Egyptian stallion, Azmi, his given name was prophetic, as the name foretold the impact he would exert in breeding programs throughout the world. Azmi was a son of Sid Abouhom and out of the Kuhaylah Rodaniyah mare, Malaka (Kheir x Bint Bint Riyala). In his monumental work, The Egyptian Alternative II, world famous author and noted Egyptian Arabian horse breeder, Philippe Paraskevas says, 

"All Bint Riyala's at the EAO, trace back today to the one mare, Malaka, and that makes her sire, the outcross Saklawi Sheifi Kheir of paramount importance." 

Philippe goes on to say that because of Kheir, Malaka carries forward the propensity to produce a horse that gravitates more toward Kuhaylan type, that is, more substance in the form of added bone and width, as well as good movement. At the EAO, he sired the mare Kaydahom, out of Om el Saad. Bred to *Morafic, she produced Kayed, a significant horse for the breeding program of Albadeia in Egypt. 

Azmi (Sid Abouhom x Malaka), who became Nil of Russia

In 1958, Azmi was sold to Russia, where he was renamed Nahr Al Nil and known thereafter as “Nil”. He was considered to be one of, if not the best, Egyptian stallion imported to Russia. He sired 16 horses while in Russia: 7 colts and 9 fillies, who matured to become important horses we know as Plakat, Naina, Polonez, Naslednik and Planeta. The influence of Nil even extends to Poland, through Palas, a son of the Nil daughter, Panel. 

Azmi (Sid Abouhom x Malaka), who became Nil of Russia

Azmi passed away in 1960, 2 years after his importation. It is amazing, really amazing that his influence is as widespread as it is today, considering that he sired only a small number of  horses in his lifetime. In Azmi's legacy, we find the promise his name foretold and the joy that horses carrying a degree of this promise bring to people like you and me.

***This blog was originally published in February, 2021***