NADINA RAF

Nadina RAF (Shahir IASB x NF Nawrah) as photographed by Darryl Larson

Nadina RAF is a 2012 daughter of Shahir IASB (Salaa el Dine x Imperial IM Phayana) and is out of NF Nawrah, an interesting mare, as Prince Fa Moniet represents almost 40% of her pedigree! Through the tail female line of Shahir IASB, Nadina RAF traces to the EAO-bred mare, Tamria (*Tuhotmos x Kamar) who became 9 Tamria, an important broodmare for The Babolna State Stud. Tamria's great-granddam, Layla (Ibn Rabdan x Bint Sabah) was Bukra's maternal sibling, as both horses were out of Bint Sabah (Kazmeen x Sabah). Nadina RAF is part of the unique Tamria-focused breeding program of Jamie Zissis' Rosehaven Arabians.

"What was the pedigree of this ethereal young creature with the large dark eyes and beautiful face - so refined for one so young?" - Judith Forbis, upon meeting *Ansata Bint Bukra for the first time, from Born to Reign

In tail female line, Nadina RAF traces to *Ansata Bint Bukra, a Bukra daughter sired by Nazeer:

The tail female line: Nadina RAF->NF Nawrah->Ansata Neoma->Ansata Bint Halima->Ansata Delilah->*Ansata Bint Misr->*Ansata Bint Bukra

In fact, Nadina RAF has multiple lines to *Ansata Bint Bukra, approximately eight lines and a genetic influence of almost 10%, given that *Ansata Bint Bukra first appears in the 6th generation of Nadina's pedigree:

• Ansata Rosetta - 3 lines (Ansata Halim Shah)
• Ansata Delilah - 5 lines (Ansata Imperial 2x, Ansata Sudarra 2x, Ansata Bint Halima 1x)

Nadina RAF is also overwhelmingly Dahman, as 56.25% of her pedigree reflects horses of this strain.

There is a very special look or rather, an expression that some, not all, of the *Ansata Bint Bukra horses possess, as we observe in the above photo of Nadina RAF.  Carl Raswan, within an article published by Western Horseman magazine, mentioned this unique expression.  Through his experiences living amongst the Bedouin, he learned of psychic powers, passed from the dam to her daughter. These special horses were referred to as Muluq. Raswan further explained, "The gift of an intelligent spirit was bestowed upon the mare of Ishmael and an intuitive soul to dwell within her beautiful, strong and symmetrical body. Psychic powers of her animal spirit were gifts of God, but her conscious mind developed through her intimate human association."

Within the second volume of Authentic Arabian Bloodstock, Judith Forbis wrote about Ansata Delilah (grandaughter of *Ansata Bint Bukra), "an independent soul marked Delilah from the day she was born. Standing in the pasture apart from her mother, she would look off into the distance at something sensed but not seen." Carl Raswan believed that these horses often spent their time listening and meditating, giving the onlooker an impression of being deep in thought.

If what Carl Raswan wrote about the psychic gifts bestowed upon the horses is truthful, then the way in which we measure these horses and the qualities that we have held dear for so many years, pale in comparison to who these horses really are and the significance they hold for our lives, if we remain open to them. You will notice this unique expression in several of the photos published, many never seen before, in Judith Forbis' book, Born to Reign, newly published last year. Have you had the opportunity to purchase this remarkable book, Born to Reign? 

While the centerpiece of Born to Reign is the life of *Ansata Bint Bukra and the families of horses which descend from her; it is also the story of Judith Forbis and of the experiences which shaped her young life and eventually led her to the EAO. *Ansata Bint Bukra's story, so intertwined with the amazing life that Judith Forbis created will inspire you with a similar amount of courage, faith and determination. You will feel empowered to do the same and make all that you dream and believe in, a reality. I strongly encourage you to purchase a copy of Born to Reign, while the book is still available. As we head into Autumn and then, Winter, this book will become a most beloved fireside companion.