Finland

Member Report from Finland

2019 REPORT:

The Finnish Horse Breeding Association has provided the following information. In 2017, 3 foals were registered and 6 horses were imported. There was 1 Arabian show and 12 endurance competitions.

REPORT MADE AT 2009 WAHO CONFERENCE:

I am Ilse Ackermann, the official Finnish representative. In Finland, breeding Arabians is a small-scale activity: there are only a few larger breeders in the country. Annually, about 10 to 20 foals are born, with about 20 stallions available for breeding. Some foreign stallions have also been leased to Finland, and Artificial Insemination has also been used in Finnish Arabian horse breeding. Finnish-bred stallions have been used for breeding on a larger scale only recently, as there hasn’t been much supply available in the past.

In 2007, 17 Arabians were imported to Finland, with 14 Arabians exported. Currently, there are about 570 purebred Arabians in Finland.

The official Registry, as required by the law, in Finland is Suomen Hippos. Hippos and the Finnish Arab Horse Society Registrar, Tuija Sipilä, cooperate together with the registrations, as Hippos needs the help of FAHS for publishing the Finnish Arabian stud book, among other things. Hippos also have certain pedigree requirements for their own stud book and FAHS do their best to influence this state of affairs so that the views of WAHO could be followed as closely as possible. Participation in the Hippos Stud Book is voluntary. FAHS registers and enters all purebred Arabians into its stud book as required by WAHO.

The purebred Arabian in Finland is first and foremost a riding horse, some Arabians are also even trained for team driving. Arabians only used for breeding or showing are rare. Thus, FAHS encourages the owners of Arabians to compete with their horses by arranging our annual Purebred Arabian Cup and All-Round Arabian Cup competitions. In the Purebred Arabian Cup points are collected from designated competitions, with equestrianism, show jumping and dressage as disciplines. The All-Round Arabian Cup rewards frequent competing in all disciplines for horses. Points are awarded based on the level of the competition and the placing in the competition. FAHS have also arranged Western and English Pleasure classes in the shows. In addition to this, FAHS rewards the purebred Arabian with the largest number of approved kilometres in endurance, and FAHS have also awarded special awards for purebred Arabians with good results in Western.

The winner of the WAHO Trophy chosen by FAHS in 2008 is the Arabian stallion Dali, with excellent results in endurance. Dali has previously also competed in equestrianism and show jumping, but currently he is trained only for endurance under his rider, Joona Mickelsson. The pair has achieved a number of results in International endurance riding competitions and they are currently on place 22 in the FEI ranking list for endurance.

FAHS have also annually arranged one show with ECAHO classification and also run workshops on show training and handling. The 2008 show was an International ECAHO C show and it was held in Lahti in northern Finland. 40 horses were entered in the show with international participants from Sweden. Additionally, small shows with classes for purebred Arabians are also arranged in Finland. Arabians can also be entered into shows arranged by Suomen Hippos, provided the registration requirements of Hippos are met.

The latest stud book published by FAHS is Volume 4. Volume 5 will be published somewhat late in 2009, this volume will include horses registered in 2002-2007. That concludes the report from Finland, thank you very much for your attention.

REPORT MADE AT 2007 WAHO CONFERENCE:

The Finnish Arabian Horse Society is responsible for compiling the Stud Books and annual supplements. The official Registry is with Suomen Hippos. Currently the registrations are computerized and, due to the low number of horses, the registers are up to date.

There are 477 registered Arabians in Finland. Most of the Arabian horses are owned by individual persons for recreational purposes. We use Arabian horses in dressage, showjumping, and many riding events including eventing and of course endurance. Our Arabian horses are also use for pleasure riding through snow, ice, forests and beautiful summer nature.

In 2006 a total of 17 foals were registered, we had no exports that year but 9 purebred Arabians were imported. We use both blood-typing and DNA typing. Micro-chipping is voluntary. The use of Artificial Insemination and Embryo transfer are both allowed. The Finnish Arab Horse Society holds one major show every year with about 50 entries in each show. Arabian horses have had success in both endurance and eventing in Finland. Endurance seems to be an increasing popular sport in Finland with approximately 20 rides each year. There are no Arabian races in Finland.

Our main lines of purebred Arabian horses are from Poland, Russia and Egypt. Last year we had a general repetition of the first National Championships with 3 judges from abroad, this event is going to take place again this year. The interest in the Arabian horse in Finland is more vivid today, and we are very happy to have Estonia with us as a new Applying Member of WAHO, as this is our close neighbour.

In 2007 Finland registered 17 foals, they also processed 3 exports and 21 imports.

Trophy Winners

WYNJA AF EGGERSMANN – 2016 WAHO Trophy Winner – Finland

WYNJA AF EGGERSMANN, Chestnut mare, 2005 (Wytok / Zariba)
Breeder: Denise Tackman, Owner: Emmi Kumpuvaara
Strain: Kehaileh Rodanieh (Rodania, 1869)

The Finnish Arabian Horse Society has awarded their 2016 WAHO Trophy to the 11-year old broodmare Wynja af Eggersmann, who is of predominantly Polish bloodlines. This mare is B graded for her offspring.

With her kind temperament, Wynja af Eggersmann has acted as a gentle therapy horse for mentally handicapped people and taken part in a sponsorship programme that brings horses to schools, nurseries, retirement homes, and similar social enterprises.

This lovely mare is also a talented jumper, she has been enjoying herself competing in showjumping and eventing. Athlete, therapy horse and broodmare – altogether she has certainly proven the true spirit and versatility of the Arabian horse.

PELENNOR – 2015 WAHO Trophy Winner – Finland

PELENNOR Chestnut stallion, 2004. (Monograf/Penelope). Owner/Breeder: Tuija Sipila. Strain: Hadban Enzahi (Venus)
The Finnish Arabian Horse Society has awarded their 2015 WAHO Trophy to the lovely chestnut stallion Pelennor, in recognition of his admirable achievements in the show-ring. His pedigree shows an excellent blend of the best in Russian and Polish bloodlines, he has an exceptionally good temperament and is very well mannered both under saddle and in harness. He is also now showing great promise as a sire, with several excellent foals born to date.

His successes include:

2005 Champion Junior Stallion, Harju
2006 Champion Junior Stallion & Best in Show ,Ypäjä
2007 Champion Junior Stallion Reserve, National Championship Show Ypäjä
2008 Champion Senior Stallion Reserve, International Championship Show Takkula Lahti
2009-2010 Class placings at International Shows including Frankfurt, Blommeröd Scandinavian Open and Lowland Arabian Cup
2012 Class winner and Bronze Champion Senior Stallion at Forssa International C-Show
2013 Class winner and Silver Champion Senior Stallion at Hamina National Championship Show
2014 Gold Champion Stallion at Hevosten Show Metsäkylä

Pelennor – 2015 WAHO Trophy Winner of Finland

L-R: Vice President of Finnish Arabian Horse Society Eija Lipponen, handler Minttu Pihl, ownwer and breeder Tuija Sipilä and Society’s treasurer Hanna Sinkkonen.

The versatile Arabian – Pelennor, 2015 WAHO Trophy Winner of Finland

2015 WAHO Trophy Winner of Finland

BESHMET – 2013 WAHO Trophy Winner – Finland

BESHMET, grey gelding, *1990 (Namakan / Bespa)
Breeder: Tellervo Larja, Owner: The Siltakorpi Family
Strain: Not Recorded, family of Milordka, 1816

The Finnish Arabian Horse Society is proud to award the 2013 WAHO Trophy to the 23 year-old gelding Beshmet, after a long and successful competing career, mainly in junior eventing and jumping.

Beshmet’s sire and dam were both imported to Finland from Russia. This talented and athletic gelding was on top of his game in the early 2000’s as, among other achievements, he twice won the Gold medal in the Ponies’ Eventing Finnish Championships with Sanna Siltakorpi. After his more demanding competing years were over, Beshmet has been a loyal companion and teacher to Jenni Siltakorpi and her brother Sami. Most recently, Beshmet has been competing in jumping in lower classes with Sami until early 2013. Today he is enjoying his retirement days. Jenni and Beshmet sadly couldn’t make it to the award ceremony at the Finnish National Arabian Horse Show, so their WAHO Trophy was formally presented by Tuija Sipilä to FAHS’s president Annie Liman standing in for Jenni Siltakorpi, who received the trophy later.

Good friends, Beshmet and Sami Siltakorpi in 2013

Beshmet competing with Jenni Siltakorpi

Beshmet competing with Sanna Siltakorpi

Beshmet enjoying his retirement

IBN MAY – 2012 WAHO Trophy Winner – Finland

IBN MAY, Chesnut gelding, *1996 (Ibn Jahanir / Mazdah). Breeder: Katariina Kurki-Joensuu. Owners: Ira and Mila Munsterhjelm. Strain: Kehailan Rodan (Rodania, 1869).

The Finnish Arabian Horse Society has awarded their 2012 WAHO Trophy to the 16-year old gelding, Ibn May, who has achieved highly commendable results in dressage for several years. Among his achievements, Ibn May has won the Arabian Horse Cup in 2010 and 2011, and he was also Finland’s best Sport Arabian horse in the years 2004 and 2007.

L-R: Trophy presentation: Ibn May with his 2012 rider, Vilja Nurminen; Sanna Auvinen; owner Mila Munsterhjelm; FAHS president Taina Hindrell.

Ibn May competing in 2011 with his rider Eeva-Liisa Nurminen.

SHEBA – 2011 WAHO Trophy Winner – Finland

SHEBA, Grey mare, *1991 (Pomar / Soannja).
Breeder: Scanarab OY. Owner: Ursula Turtiainen.
Strain: Not recorded, family of Milordka (ca. 1810).

The Finnish Arabian Horse Society has awarded their 2011 WAHO Trophy to the 20-year old broodmare Sheba, who is of predominantly Polish bloodlines.

This outstanding and elegant mare is the only Finnish-born mare in Finland that is AB graded for her offspring. Among others, these include:

Shalomon (Finland’s WAHO Trophy winner in 2006) – breeding stallion, also licensed to produce riding ponies in Sweden and warmbloods & riding ponies in Finland.
Shaaga – broodmare, B graded for her offspring, and with excellent show results in her own right.
Sharongramm – excellent results in international ECAHO shows.

Sheba herself is also a successful show mare and was awarded the 2000 Finnish Champion Mare title with gold medal points. She is a very well deserved winner of the 2011 WAHO Trophy for Finland.

Sheba, Finland WAHO Trophy Winner 2011

Sheba with her owner and breeder, Ursula Turtiainen

ZIRYAB – 2010 WAHO Trophy Winner – Finland

ZIRYAB, Grey gelding, *2004 (Dalia Halim / Zizi).
Breeder: Hovi Matti. Owner: Sari Kumpulainen.
Strain: Hamdani Simri (Selma)

The Finnish Arab Horse Society is delighted to award the WAHO Trophy to Ziryab. This lovely young gelding has already achieved success in Western riding classes and has also done well at halter, being awarded a gold medal with 85.83 points at the Society’s SAHYN show in 2009.

His owner says that Ziryab, or “Repe” as he is called at home, is a very sensitive horse that is always willing to please. He has a lively temperament and “fire in the soul” but his reaction to new things is calm and thoughtful. It is very nice to spend time with Repe and learn new things.

Ziryab and Sari Kumpulainen with WAHO Trophy

NAURISKYDÖN FARAH – 2009 WAHO Trophy Winner – Finland

NAURISKYDÖN FARAH, Grey Mare, *2001 (Fadarath / Bint Smaragd).
Breeder: Marketta Sandberg. Owner: Annie Liman.
Strain: Kehaileh Rodanieh (Rodania, 1869)

The Finnish Arab Horse Society is delighted to award the WAHO Trophy 2009 to Nauriskydön Farah. This lovely mare has been competing in showjumping, eventing and dressage and has proven the versatility of the Arabian horse. She is a fine ambassador for the Arabian horse in open competitions, and is now competing at national level in showjumping for ponies in Finland, ridden by Elena Hietanen.

Showjumping with rider Elena Hietanen

Trophy presentation: Owner Annie Liman holding the trophy with
Ellen Liman, Wilma Liman and breeder Marketta Sandberg

Cross country test in eventing, rider Wilma Liman

DALI – 2008 WAHO Trophy Winner – Finland

DALI, Grey Stallion, *1996 (Kismet / Dafne)
Breeder: Päiivi Lantta. Owner: Marielle Hacklin.
Strain: Hamdani Simri (Selma).

The winner of the WAHO Trophy chosen by the Finnish Arab Horse Society in 2008 is the Arabian stallion Dali, with excellent results in endurance. Dali has previously also competed in equestrianism and show jumping, but currently he is trained only for endurance under his rider, Joona Mickelsson. The pair has achieved a number of excellent results in international endurance riding competitions and they are currently ranked in 22nd place in the FEI world ranking list for endurance.

(Further information and photo to follow)

NAPOLEON – 2007 WAHO Trophy Winner – Finland

NAPOLEON, Grey gelding, *1998 (Primo/Nefretetetoo)
Breeder: Ursula Turtiainen. Owner/Rider: Marianna Jaatinen.
Strain: Kehailan Moradi (Sahara, ca. 1840)

The Finnish Arabian Horse Society proudly announces that their WAHO Trophy 2007 has been awarded to the gelding Napoleon, who is owned and ridden by 16 year old Marianna Jaatinen. Together, Marianna and Napoleon had many victories and placings in show jumping and dressage during the seasons 2006 and 2007. In 2007 Marianna Jaatinen also won “The Rookie of the Year” award with Napoleon in the Scandinavian Open Arabian Sport Horse Championships in Strängnäs, Sweden. Napoleon has also had success in the show ring being Champion gelding in Ypäjä, Finland in 2002.

Prize giving ceremony at the Finnish National Championships show.
L-R: Hanna Sinkkonen, Chairman of Finnish Arabian Horse Society and Marianna Jaatinen.

Marianna Jaatinen riding Napoleon in the speed section of the competition at the Sandinavian Open Arabian Sport Horse Championships 2007 in Strängnäs, Sweden.

SHAH EL TEMAREEF – 2006 WAHO Trophy Winner – Finland

SHAH EL TEMAREEF, Grey Stallion, *1997 (Shah El Tareef / Tematika).
Breeder and Owner: Erkki Kuvaja.
Strain: Kehailan Ajuz (Gazella).

The Finnish Arabian Horse Society selected the stallion Shah El Temareef as their winner of the 2006 WAHO Trophy for Finland. This award is very well deserved. A beautiful stallion, he has competed in endurance riding with very good results in national and international competitions up to CEI** level. In show halter classes, Shah El Temareef was also successful, taking the title of Reserve Finnish National Champion Stallion with gold medal points 87,50 in the Finnish National Arabian Horse Show of 2006. He was also placed third in the ECAHO C Show 2001 in Nurmijärvi, Finland. In between these show ring achievements, Shah El Temareef was busy with his endurance career, and in the 2004 season he completed more approved endurance competition kilometres than any other purebred Arabian horse in Finland.

Shah El Temareef with his proud and happy owner/breeder Erkki Kuvaja and
the Chairman of Finnish Arabian Horse Society, Hanna Sinkkonen.

SHALOMON – 2005 WAHO Trophy Winner – Finland

SHALOMON, Grey stallion, *1998 (Primo / Sheba).
Breeder: Nina Tiainen. Owner: Anna Toikkanen.
Strain: Not recorded, family of Milordka (1816).

The Finnish Arabian Horse Society chose Shalomon for their first WAHO Trophy winner, because he is the first Finnish born horse who has gained so much international success. Shalomon is a National and International Arabian Show Winner. He has also won English Pleasure riding classes. His show ring successes include the following:

The best Finnish born stallion 1999; Class winner and Junior Champion Finland 2000 & 2001; 2nd place int. B-show Blommerod, Sweden 2002; Winner English Pleasure Blommerod, Sweden 2002; Class winner and champion Munkedal, Sweden 2002; Winner and champion English Pleasure Blommerod, Sweden 2003; 2nd place int. B-show Blommerod, Sweden 2003; 2nd place Swedish Nationals Halmstad, Sweden 2003; Winner English Pleasure Halmstad, Sweden 2003 Shalomon has been shown only three times in Finland and was undefeated.

Shalomon was judged in the German Stallion Show in 2002, where he got a white ribbon. He was also approved as a first-class breeding stallion in Sweden in 2003 and also approved for Swedish riding pony breeding. In Finland Shalomon was approved for Finnish warm-blood, Finnish riding pony and Arabian breeding in 2004. This approval by other breed societies proves his qualities and makes him an excellent ambassador for the Arabian breed in several countries. Having been used as a breeding stallion in Finland, Shalomon has now moved to Belgium with his owner, and there are high hopes for his foals in the future.