Poland

Member Report from Poland

REPORT MADE AT THE 2022 CONFERENCE

Mr. President, Executive Committee Members, delegates, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Joanna Krawczyk, I have the honour to present Poland’s delegate report as the Keeper of the Polish Arabian Stud Book. Accompanying me is Mr. Krzysztof Kierzek, the President of the Polish Jockey Club, where the Polish Arabian Stud Book is maintained. But first I would like to thank HRH Princess Alia Al Hussein, as well as the Organizing Committee from the Royal Stables for hosting this wonderful WAHO Conference.

50 years ago, in 1972, Poland became one of the original founder Member countries of the World Arabian Horse Organization. The Polish Arabian Stud Book (PASB) has been maintained since 1926, although our pedigree records go much further back than that (mentions of the first records date back as far as 1803 from the stud in Szamrajówka). In 2021 the PASB celebrated its 95^th anniversary. The PASB is managed by the Polish Jockey Club under the authority of the Ministry of Agriculture. Our Registry office is located at the historic Służewiec Racetrack in Warsaw. Over the last four years our statistics in terms of the number of broodmares and stallions entered for breeding has remained fairly steady.

	2018	2019	2020	2021
foals	647	651	609	584
broodmares	1134	1110	1080	1160
stallions used in breeding	184	161	176	188
exports	197	185	239	231
imports	43	36	17	41

The number of foals born each year has been slowly declining, however this can be linked to the number of exports, which are increasing. as most of the exports are pregnant mares and therefore the foals that they carry are born abroad. Especially since the number of broodmares remains more or less the same.

From a total of 1160 mares entered for breeding, 299 of them are at the three national State Studs. At Janów Podlaski State Stud, which was established in 1817, there are 117 broodmares. At Michałów State Stud, established in 1953, there are 132 broodmares and at Białka Stud, established in 1981, there are 50 broodmares. We are pleased to report that the number of private breeders has been increasing year on year for some time, and today between them they own 861 broodmares, although of course not all are bred from each year. There are 6 private breeders/studs that have 20 broodmares or more and between them they have 369 broodmares in total.

When it comes to foals, out of the 584 born in 2021, 155 were born at the national State Studs and 429 were born at private breeders.

The PASB complies with all EU directives and WAHO registration rules. All our foals have been parent verified by DNA since 2004, and we introduced microchipping in 2010. Artificial insemination is allowed, and there is no longer any time limit on the use of frozen semen from deceased stallions. Embryo transfer has been allowed since 2011, but with a set limit of one naturally born foal and one embryo transfer foal per mare per year.

Genetic disorder testing is not mandatory. In a study carried out in 2017 by the National Institute of Animal Production 448 horses registered in the PASB were tested for SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency), CA (Cerebellar Abiotrophy) and LFS (Lavender Foal Syndrome). The results showed no SCID and LFS carriers and a CA mutation at a level of 11.4%, but only in heterozygotic forms. Testing is possible in various laboratories for those that would like to check their horse.

Polish Arabians have always been regarded as versatile, we like to think of them as both “brave and beautiful”, but more recently some of our breeders have been focusing and specializing in breeding for particular disciplines. The most popular activities that Arabians are bred for are shows and racing.

Racing has always been an important part of the Polish Arabian breeding program, used as a testing ground for the athletic abilities of the horses. It is worth noting that many of our top show horses have spent at least one year, if not more, in race training, many of them with excellent results. In 2021 our Arabian racing program comprised 191 individual races, in which 305 horses took part with a total of 1,474 starts between them. We have several Stakes and Classic races, as well as the Group 3 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Europa Cup, an International race for 4 year olds and older over 2600 metres, which is part of the international Pattern system, the highest level of races. Our Arabians debut at the track at the age of 3. In 2021 there were 168 three-year olds at the track, out of 647 born in 2018, meaning that 26% of that year’s crop participated in racing.

Showing is also very popular in Poland. There used to be a total of 6 halter shows each year, including an A-category show – the Al Khalediah European Arabian Horse Festival. However the pandemic took its toll on private show organizers and in 2021 only three shows were held. The two shows with the longest tradition – and which have been held without interruption – are the Junior Spring Show at Białka Stud, which has been held since 1983, and our Polish National Championships held annually in Janów Podlaski since 1979. This year the Polish Nationals held the Geldings Championship for the first time, which is a nod toward private owners. This class is sure to attract more and more private owners and their geldings in the future. Overall it is difficult to estimate the percentage of Arabians which participate in shows, but we have taken as an example the Junior Spring Show. This show is for horses aged 1 to 3 years old only and is considered as the first opportunity to assess the quality of the juniors and their “entryway” into the show world. This year 49 junior colts and fillies were entered for this show, out of the 584 registered in 2021, which means 8.4% of that year’s foal crop took part.

As regards to other activities, endurance is increasing in popularity and as our riders gain more experience, our international team is improving its results all the time. In 2021 there were around 15 endurance events open to all breeds, at various distances, with the Arabians dominating the results as usual.

Throughout the year many Arabian horses, including many of the breeding stallions from the State Studs, compete in a variety of sports including dressage, show jumping and western riding. Some of these are also in open competition against other breeds. Ridden classes are also popular, in particular Classic Pleasure, Costume classes, and even Ladies Side-saddle classes. Most of these disciplines are represented at the Polish National Championships for Arabian Sport Horses, which in 2016 was held at Michałów Stud. In 2015 Janów Podlaski Stud hosted the European Arabian Horse Sport Championships and our riders compete abroad successfully whenever this Championship is held elsewhere. Of course, as in all countries, the Arabian remains popular as a family horse, for pleasure riding both for adults and children.

Arabians are definitely the most popular breed in our country, they are well known to all Polish people because their long history is so interwoven with the history of Poland that we consider them as our national treasure. The main event of year in Poland, but also of worldwide importance, are the Arabian Horse Days, which include the Polish National Show (held since 1979) and the world-famous auction (the Pride of Poland Sale) since 1970 held at Janów Podlaski Stud; this draws the attention of the worldwide Arabian community, as well as the mainstream media, which brings excellent publicity to the breed. Each year at this event an outstanding individual horse is honoured with the WAHO Trophy. Arabians are mostly associated with being beautiful show horses. When awarding the WAHO Trophy, the Polish Arabian Stud Book uses this opportunity to showcase all facets of the Arabian horse. In 2021 the WAHO Trophy was awarded to the privately bred Almina, a dam of several excellent racing horses, including Derby and Oaks winners.

There are currently two organizations for Arabian horse enthusiasts: the Polish Arabian Horse Breeders Association (PZHKA), established in 1997, which is an Associate Member of WAHO, and the newly formed Polish Arabian Horse Owners Association. Seminars, lectures, and judges’ training courses are all arranged to help educate and inspire our owners and breeders.

Before I conclude the report from Poland, I must pass on the sad news of the passing of Krystyna Karaszewska, a long time keeper of the Polish Arabian Stud Book. Krystyna passed away on the 28th of September, 2022, just two days away from her official retirement. She is a figure inextricably linked with the Racing Track at Służewiec. She started working at the races in 1968, and from 1970 she became the Keeper of the Stud Book. Although she is mainly associated with the Stud Book, it should be mentioned that Krystyna was also the head of the racing department, an advisor to the Polish Jockey Club President, a racing steward and a highly valued racing commentator. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

2019 REPORT:

The Polish Arabian Stud Book has provided the following information. In 2017, 603 foals were registered. 152 horses were exported and 23 horses imported. There were 5 halter shows, 199 races and 16 endurance competitions. In 2018 around 600 foals were registered, 129 horses were exported and 24 horses were imported. There were 5 halter shows, 196 races and 6 endurance events. Other popular activities include pleasure riding and driving.

REPORT AT 2017 WAHO CONFERENCE:

Joanna Krawczyk, Poland: Mr. President, Vice-President, Executive Committee Members, Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen. My name is Joanna Krawczyk, I have the honour to present Poland’s delegate report in the name of Krystyna Karaszewska, Registrar of the Polish Arabian Stud Book. But first I would like to thank His Majesty King Hamad and His Highness Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, as well as the Organizing Committee from the Royal Studs for hosting this wonderful WAHO Conference.

Poland was one of the original founder member countries of the World Arabian Horse Organization. The Polish Arabian Stud Book (PASB) has been maintained since 1926, and in 2016 we celebrated the 90^th anniversary. The Polish Arabian Stud Book is managed by the Polish Jockey Club under the authority of the Ministry of Agriculture. Our Registry office is located at the historic Służewiec Racetrack in Warsaw. Since the last WAHO Conference in 2014, our statistics in terms of the number of broodmares and stallions entered for breeding have remained fairly steady, which you can see on the screen. We have noted a good increase in foal registrations, rising from 505 in 2015, to 558 in 2016. We always have many more exports than imports, with 337 exports and 19 imports in the year 2015, and 170 exports and 31 imports in 2016.

From a total of 1,050 mares entered for breeding last year, 242 of them are at the three State Studs, at Janów Podlaski 95 broodmares, at Michałów 105, and at Białka Stud 42. We are pleased to report that the number of private breeders has been increasing year on year for some time, and today between them they own 808 broodmares, although of course not all are bred from each year. The largest of the private stud farms have about 15 broodmares. In all there are 4,000 living Arabian horses in Poland.

We comply with all EU directives and WAHO registration rules. All our foals have been parent verified by DNA since 2004, and we introduced microchipping in 2010. Artificial insemination is allowed, and there is no longer any time limit on the use of frozen semen from deceased stallions. Embryo transfer has been allowed since 2011, but with a set limit of one naturally born foal and one embryo transfer foal per mare per year.

Polish Arabians have always been regarded as versatile, we like to think of them as both brave and beautiful, but more recently some of our breeders have been focusing and specializing in breeding for particular disciplines. Racing has always been an important part of the Polish Arabian breeding programme, used as a testing ground for the athletic abilities of the horses. It is worth noting that many of our top show horses have spent at least one year, if not more, in race training, many of them with excellent results. In 2016 our Arabian racing programme comprised 223 individual races, in which 311 horses took part with a total of 1,751 starts between them. We have several Stakes and Classic races, as well as the Group 3 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Trophy (Europa Cup), an International race for 4 year olds and older over 2600 metres, which is part of the international Pattern system, the highest level of races. Our Arabians debut at the track at the age of 3. In 2016 there were 176 three-year olds at the track, out of 563 born in 2013, meaning that 31.26% of that year’s crop participated in racing.

Showing is also very popular in Poland, with a total of 6 halter shows each year. The two with the longest tradition are the Junior Spring Show held in Białka since 1983, and our Polish National Championships held annually at Janów Podlaski since 1979. Over the past 5 years more shows have been added to cater to the increasing interest of our owners, these are the Warsaw Championships, the Al Khalediah European Arabian Horse Show, the All Polish Championships and the Cracow Arabian Horse Show. The last two, both initiated in 2016, introduced foal classes for the first time in Poland. Overall it is difficult to estimate the percentage of Arabians which participate in all these shows, but we have taken as an example the Junior Spring Show. This is for horses aged 1 to 3 years old only and is considered as the first opportunity to assess the quality of the yearlings, so entries are normally good for these classes. Last year 61 yearling colts and fillies were entered for this show, out of the 505 registered in 2015, which means 12.1% of that year’s foal crop took part.

As regards to other activities, endurance is increasing in popularity and as our riders gain more experience, our international team is improving its results all the time. In 2016 there were more than 20 endurance events open to all breeds, at various distances, with the Arabians dominating the results as usual. Throughout the year many Arabian horses, including many of the breeding stallions from the State Studs, compete in a variety of sports including dressage, show jumping and western riding. Some of these are also in open competition against other breeds. Ridden classes are also popular, in particular Classic Pleasure, Costume classes, and even Ladies Side-saddle classes. Most of these disciplines are represented at the Polish National Championships for Arabian Sport Horses, which in 2016 was held at Michałów Stud. In 2015 Janów Podlaski Stud hosted the European Arabian Horse Sport Championships and our riders compete abroad successfully whenever this Championship is held elsewhere. Of course, as in all countries, the Arabian remains popular as a family horse, for pleasure riding both for adults and children.

Arabians are definitely the most popular breed in our country, they are well known to all Polish people because their long history is so interwoven with the history of Poland that we consider them as our national treasure. The main events of year in Poland, but also of worldwide importance, are the Arabian Horse Days, which include the Polish National Show and the world-famous auction, the Pride of Poland Sale held since 1970 held at Janów Podlaski. This event draws the attention of the worldwide Arabian community, as well as the mainstream media, which brings excellent publicity to the breed. Each year at this event an outstanding individual horse is honoured with the WAHO Trophy, which in 2016 was awarded to Michałów’s internationally famous show and broodmare, Emandoria.

There are currently two organizations for Arabian horse enthusiasts: the Polish Arabian Horse Breeders Association, established in 1997, which is an Associate Member of WAHO, and the newly formed Polish Arabian Horse Owners Association. Seminars, lectures, and judges’ training courses are all arranged to help educate and inspire our owners and breeders. That concludes the report from Poland. Thank you for your attention.

REPORT AT 2014 WAHO CONFERENCE:

Dr. Marek Trela, Poland: (This report was accompanied by a visual presentation of slides showing various statistics, horses and people). Mr. President, Executive Committee Members, members of the organizing committee, delegates, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Marek Trela, I have the honour to present Poland’s delegate report in the name of Mrs. Krystyna Karaszewska, Registrar of the Polish Arabian Stud Book, for the 2014 WAHO General Meeting. But first of all I would like to express our great thanks to the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club for their great hospitality and perfect organization of our meeting.

The horse, and especially an Arabian one, has a significant place in Polish history and culture. It has been similarly important in the development of the noble horse breeds, which once were so indispensable during the time of war as well as in the time of peace. Due to its geographical position then, with borders reaching the Black Sea and the neighbouring Ottoman Empire, during the 15th to 18th centuries Poland always had an easy and constant access to horses of the oriental breed coming from Arabia. The noble and high quality specimens of oriental origin were finding their way to aristocratic stables, landlords’ manors and royal castles. Breeders in Poland recognized the worth of an Arabian horse, not only appreciating its usefulness but also the horse’s courage, intelligence, grace and beauty. The horses of Arabian blood were bred with great fondness and care. The studs of Polish magnates were known all over Europe and highly valued for their quality. A long history of the Arabian horse breeding in Poland, as the history of our country with its turns of glory and drama, could be easily the topic of an exciting movie. This image shows 3 famous foundation mares of the Arabian breed in Poland, imported in 1845, they are Gazella, Mlecha and Sahara.

This is an interesting example of our earliest records, it is the Slawuta Stud Register for the year 1860 showing the fillies born that year, sired by desert bred imported stallions such as Seglawi-Ardzebi and Kohejlan Abu-Argub, and Slawuta-bred stallions such as Iskander-Basza. The Polish Arabian Stud Book, PASB, was founded in 1931. The first volume of the stud book was published in 1932. According to the Act of the Ministry of Agriculture, PASB is maintained at present by the Polish Jockey Club with the headquarters office located in Warsaw at the Służewiec Racecourse.

Since the last 2011 WAHO General meeting in Doha, Qatar, PASB has the following registration figures to report. 620 foals were registered in 2011, dropping slightly to 602 in 2012 and decreasing again in 2013 to 563. The number of broodmares is also gradually decreasing, from 1,086 in 2011 to 1,056 in 2012, and to 1,009 in 2013. The number of stallions active in breeding on the other hand, is increasing slightly each year, from 238 in 2011 to 256 in 2017 and 277 in 2013. We recorded 59 exports in 2011, this jumped considerably to 204 in 2012 and amounted to 100 in 2013. As for imports, these were 12 in 2011, and 20 in each of the years 2012 and 2013. There are many private breeders in Poland, most with a small number of broodmares, unfortunately the figures show they have been decreasing slightly, from 273 in 2011, to 261 in 2012 and 247 in 2013.

The current stud book Volume 16 supplement 5 is produced by the PASB database and covers the year 2012. The Polish Arabian Stud Book is switching its system from publishing printed stud books to the electronic ones. The electronic data is available on request. DNA testing has been used and has been mandatory since the year 2004. The parent verification of all foals is mandatory before registration but not later than up to 31st December in the year they are born. Microchipping is mandatory since 2010. Passports have been in use and mandatory since 2004, a sample has been brought to the Conference by the Registrar of PASB. Artificial insemination and transported semen both imported and exported, are allowed to be used. The frozen semen of a stallion which died is allowed to be used for one year from his death only. Embryo Transfer once a year per mare is allowed since the year 2011.

The total estimated number of living pure-bred Arabian horses counts at present in Poland about 4,000. The structure of pure-bred Arabian breeding is as follows: 3 State Studs with the total number of 273 broodmares; 247 private breeders with the total number of 736 broodmares. The National Studs are Janów Podlaski established in 1817, Michalów established in 1953, and Bialka established in 1981. One of the oldest and most important Polish private studs is Chrcynno Palace Stud.

The most popular activities for Arabians in Poland are:
Racing – there were 238 flat races for 328 Arabian horses in the 2013 racing season, at 3 racecourses: the principal course in Warsaw, then in Wrocław and in the summer season in Sopot.
Showing, both in halter and ridden: 5 ECAHO affiliated shows took place in Poland in 2014, including the Polish National Arabian Horse Show; the European Arabian Horse Sport Championships with classic, costume, dressage, jumping and western classes; the Polish National Arabian Horse Sport Championships in Janów Podlaski State Stud and the International Al Khalediah Poland Festival. There is also the Spring Show at Bialka Stud, which is probably the biggest show in Europe for 1 to 3 year old horses only. The sport events for Arabian horses are becoming more and more popular, we hosted the European Arabian Horse Sport Championships last year and probably will do so again next year.

Endurance riding is also popular, there were 16 meetings in 2013 which were organized by the Polish Equestrian Federation Endurance Division, open for all breeds. The purebred Arabian horses are definitely dominating in this discipline.

The 2014 WAHO Trophy winner is Echo Apollo, grey stallion born 2006 by Piaff out of Echo Kallisto by Pamir, bred by Chrcynno Palace Stud. This breeding stallion won Sports championships several times and is a gold medallist. This is how we are trying to support the use of Arabian horses.

In terms of Promotion and Education, a very important event is of course the Polish Arabian Days Show and Sale organized in August at Janów Podlaski State Stud. There is always official TV coverage of this event, which includes the ceremony of awarding the WAHO Trophy. There is also the extremely informative activity of the websites of State Studs, particularly of Janów Podlaski State Stud with its pedigree database, news, articles, show and race results, live transmissions from the most important European shows, links to WAHO, ECAHO, the Polish Arabian Stud Book and other organizations active on the Arabian horse field. The website address is www.janow.arabians.pl.

We also have the publication of the quarterly Araby Magazine with numerous articles on history, breeding, racing, endurance and equestrian sports within the Arabian breed, we distributed copies of this magazine this morning. We also have the strong educational activity of the Polish Arabian Horse Breeders Society, PZHKA, which is an Associate Member of WAHO, organizing seminars, courses, shows, presentations and other events, with its very well mastered website hosted by Janów Podlaski website. There are also several very interesting home pages and websites connected to the Polish private studs and promotional organizations.

The PASB Registry office helps breeders to facilitate registration procedures by giving complete information on the website on the websites of the PZHKA and on the website of the Polish Jockey Club, and on the occasion of seminars and meetings, this is as well as keeping registration and paperwork fees on a safe level. Thank you very much for your attention.

REPORT AT 2011 WAHO CONFERENCE:

Dr. Marek Trela, Poland: (The report was read out in conjunction with the visual Power

Point presentation with the same text, illustrated as relevant). Mr. President, dear delegates, ladies and gentlemen. In the name of the Polish Jockey Club, Polski Klub Wyscigów Konnych, represented here by Mrs. Krystyna Karaszewska, who is our Registrar, I would like to present Poland’s Delegate Report for the 2011 WAHO General Assembly here in Doha.

The Polish Arabian Studbook, according to the Act of the Ministry of Agriculture, is maintained by the Polish Jockey Club with the seat located in Warsaw. Since the WAHO General Assembly in Muscat, Oman, in 2009 the Polish Arabian studbook registered 650 foals, 1080 broodmares and 230 stallions active in breeding, 92 exported horses and 8 imported horses. In 2010 there were 598 foals, 1068 broodmares, 220 stallions active in breeding, 155 exported horses and 8 imported. One has to admit the stabilization of Arabian horse breeding in Poland with regard to the number of horses and breeders. At present all efforts are directed towards the breeding stock.

There are the following reasons of the significant progress of the Polish breeding: the growing economy and generally stable interior and exterior political situation; the rapid growth of standard of living of the Polish citizens and search for luxurious good and other sides of life than consumption; the great promotional aspect of the Arabian Horse Days Show and Sale, which is organized in August at Janów Podlaski State Stud, with the official television coverage including the ceremony of awarding the WAHO Trophy. There is also the extremely informative activity of the websites of the three State Studs, particularly of Janów Podlaski State Stud with its pedigree database, actualities, articles, show and race results, live transmissions from the most important European shows, links to WAHO, ECAHO, Polish Arabian Stud Book and other organizations active in the Arabian horse field. We also have the publication of the quarterly magazine ‘Araby’ with numerous articles on history, breeding, racing, endurance and equestrian sports within the Arabian breed. Also important is the strong educational activity of the Polish Arabian Horse Breeders Society, which is an Associate Member of WAHO, in organizing seminars, courses, shows, presentations and other events, with its very well mastered website hosted by Janów Podlaski’s website. There are also several interesting homepages of the Arabian horse-connected Polish private studs and promotional organizations. We strongly believe that thanks to the efforts mentioned above, the Arabian horse is the most popular of all the horse breeds in Poland, is highly respected and loved, not only by the horse breeders but also by ordinary people, politicians, media etcetera. The magic name “Purebred Arabian Horse” opens even very tightly closed doors and is called “the national treasure”.

The total estimated number of living purebred Arabian horses should be, at present, around 4,000. The structure of the purebred Arabian breed in Poland is as follows: there are three State Studs with the total number of 264 broodmares, at Janów Podlaski established in 1817, at Michalów established in 1953 and at Bialka, established in 1981. The private breeders have a total number of 334 broodmares. The current studbook, volume 16 supplement 4, is performed by the PASB database and covers the year 2010. The Polish Arabian Stud Book is switching its system from publishing printed stud books to electronic ones. The past and present volumes and supplements in electronic version should be ready by the end of 2012, however the electronic data is available on request.

The DNA testing has been used and mandatory since the year 2004, the parent verification of all foals before the registration is mandatory. The microchipping is mandatory since 2010. Passports have been in use and mandatory since 2004. The use of artificial insemination, transported semen both imported and exported, is allowed. The frozen semen of a stallion which has died is allowed to be used for one year from his death only. The use of embryo transfer is allowed since the year 2011.

The most popular activities for Arabians in Poland are as follows. Racing: There were 202 flat races for 241 Arabian horses in the 2010 racing season, at three racecourses; the principal racecourse in Warsaw, then in Wroclaw and in the summer season in Sopot. Showing: Both in halter and ridden. In 2010 three ECAHO ‘C’ Shows were held and also the Polish National Arabian Horse Show and the Polish All-Arabian Sport Championships with classic and costume classes, dressage and jumping, were held at Janów Podlaski State Stud. The sport events for the Arabian horses are becoming more and more popular. Endurance Rides: 12 meetings were organized in 2010 by the Polish Equestrian Federation’s Endurance Division, open for all breeds. The purebred Arabian horses are definitely dominating in that discipline.

The 2011 WAHO Trophy winner is Piaff, grey stallion born in 1997 by Eldon out of Pipi by Banat, bred by Janów Podlaski State Stud. The Polish Arabian Stud Book Registry Office helps the breeders to facilitate the registration procedures by giving the complete information on the internet, on the Polish Jockey Club website, and on the occasion of seminars and meetings as well as keeping the registration and paperwork fees on a safe level.

We would like to express our grateful thanks to the State of Qatar for their great hospitality which we feel during this meeting. Thank you very much.

REPORT MADE AT 2009 WAHO CONFERENCE

Mrs. Krystyna Karaszewska who is the Registrar, and myself, Dr. Marek Trela, represent the Polish Arabian Stud Book, one of the original foundation registry members of WAHO.

The total estimated number of living purebred Arabian horses is at present around 4,000. Our current published stud book is Volume 15 supplement 1, up to the year 2002. We are currently switching our system from publishing stud books to electronic ones. The next volumes and supplements in electronic version will be ready by the end of 2009, however the electronic data is already available on request.

DNA testing has been mandatory since the year 2004, the parent verification of all foals before registration is also mandatory. Poland is not yet using microchipping but this will be introduced as mandatory by the end of 2009. Passports are in use and also mandatory since 2004. The use of Artificial Insemination and transported semen both imported and exported are allowed. The frozen semen of a stallion which has died can only be used for one year from the date of his death. We are not yet using Embryo Transfer.

The most popular activities for Arabians in Poland are:

Racing: There were 202 races for 241 Arabian horses in 2008 racing season at three racecourses, the principal course in Warsaw, then in Wroclaw and in the summer season in Sopot.

Showing, both in halter and ridden: We held 3 ECAHO C shows in 2008 including the Polish National Championships and the All-Arabian Sport Championships which has classic and costume classes, dressage, show-jumping, and western riding. We are pleased to report that these ridden events for Arabian horses are becoming more and more popular.

Endurance Rides: 15 meetings were organised in 2006 by the Polish Equestrian Federation’s Endurance Division, open for all breeds. The purebred Arabian horses are definitely dominating in that discipline. Altogether there are approximately 80 purebred Arabian horses registered for the sport events with the Polish Equestrian Federation.

The structure of the purebred Arabian breed in Poland is the following: three State Studs with a total number of 250 broodmares between them, which are: Janów Podlaski – established in 1817; Michalów – established in 1953; and the youngest Bialka – established in 1981. And there are now about 200 private breeders with the total number of 830 broodmares between them. During the last three years a further significant development of purebred Arabian breeding has been noticed in our country, particularly as far as private breeders are concerned. During this short time the number of registered foals per year has increased by nearly 7%; the number of mares entered for breeding has increased by nearly 15%; the number of stallions active in breeding has increased by 24%; the number of exports has risen by 24%, and the number of imports has risen from just 4 horses in 2005 up to 26 in the year 2008.

The reasons for this increased interest in Arabian horses are varied and include the following: Poland’s growing economy and generally stable political situation; the rapid growth in the standard of living of Polish citizens who are now able to revive their long tradition of horse-ownership and equestrian sports as a popular leisure activity; the great promotional aspects of our Polish Arabian Days, which is the Annual Show and Sale organised at Janów Podlaski State Stud with official television coverage including the WAHO Trophy award ceremony; the extremely informative activity of the websites of our State Studs particularly of Janów Podlaski State Stud with a pedigree database, news, articles, show and race results, live transmissions from the most important European shows, links to WAHO, ECAHO, Polish Arabian Stud Book and other organizations active in the Arabian horse field; the publication of the quarterly magazine ‘Araby’ with numerous articles on history, breeding, racing, endurance and equestrian sports within the Arabian breed; the strong educational activity of the Polish Arabian Horse Breeders Society which organizes seminars, educational and judges training courses, shows, presentations and other events as well as running its own very popular website. The tasks of the Polish Arabian Horse Breeders Society, which is an Associate Member of WAHO, is to promote the Arabian breed on country level and worldwide, and to educate the new owners and public on the history, care and uses of the purebred Arabian horse. There are also many other interesting websites connected to the increasing number of Polish private studs and promotional organizations.

Our 2008 WAHO Trophy winner was the stallion Ekstern, by Monogramm out of Ernestyna, bred by Michalów State Stud. He is the well known sire of international champions and is himself the undefeated Triple Crowned winner of the Nations Cup, European and World Championship titles.

We strongly believe that thanks to the above mentioned efforts the Arabian horse is the most popular of all horse breeds in Poland, is highly respected and loved not only by the horse breeders but also by the ordinary people, politicians, media and so on. The magic name “purebred Arabian horse” opens even very tightly closed doors and is our “national treasure”. That concludes the report for Poland. Thank you.

REPORT MADE AT 2007 WAHO CONFERENCE:

The Polish Arabian Stud Book according to the Act of the Ministry of Agriculture is maintained by the Polish Jockey Club with its office located in Warsaw. In 2005 the Polish Arabian Stud Book registered 592 foals, with 945 broodmares and 162 stallions active in breeding, 82 horses exported and only 4 horses imported. In the year 2006, we registered 571 foals, with 970 broodmares, 164 stallions active in breeding, 60 horses exported and 9 horses imported.

During the last 5 years a significant development of purebred Arabian horse breeding has been noticed in our country. In 2002, PASB registered 424 foals, which was 147 less than in 2006. In 2002 there were 723 broodmares which was 252 broodmares less than in 2006. There were 72 stallions active in breeding in 2002, compared to 164 last year. There were 63 horses exported in 2002, and 10 imported. The reasons for this growing interest in breeding Arabian horses are mostly due to our growing economy and generally stable interior and exterior political situation, the rapid growth of standards of living of the Polish people and search for luxury goods. Promotional aspects are also very important, including our Arabian Horse Days National Show and Sale organized every August at Janow Podlaski Stud. Strong educational activities are also run by the Polish Arabian Horse Breeders Society.

The total estimated number of living purebred Arabian horses in Poland is at present about 4,000. The structure of the purebred Arabian breed in Poland is as follows – we have 3 State Studs which are Janow Podlaski, established in 1817; Michalow established in 1953; and the youngest Bialka established in 1981, with a combined total number of 300 broodmares. There are now 175 private breeders with a total number of 675 broodmares. The current published stud book is Volume 15 Supplement 1 covering the year 2002. The Polish Arabian Stud Book is presently switching its system from a printed stud book to electronic ones. These will be ready at the end of the year 2007. DNA testing has been used since 2002, parent verification of foals before registration is mandatory. Poland does not yet use microchipping. We allow the use of Artificial Insemination, transported semen both imported and exported. The frozen semen of stallions which have died can be used for one year from the date of death only. Embryo Transfer is not currently allowed.

The most popular activities for Arabians in Poland are: Racing, there were 265 races in 2006, at 3 racecourses of Warsaw, Wroclaw and Sopot; Showing, both in halter and ridden, we held 4 ECAHO affiliated shows in 2006 including the Polish National Championships and we also held All-Arabian Sport Championships with classic and costume classes at Janow Podlaski Stud. Sport events for purebred Arabian horses are becoming more and more popular, in 2006 and 2007 a spectacular success was achieved by the small 146 cm mare, Niniwa, when she won the title of European Sport Champion in Stadl Paula in the show jumping category. Our shows are run jointly by the Polish Arabian Horse Breeders Society, the Agricultural Property Agency, the State Studs and local administration authorities. Endurance rides are also popular, there were 11 events organized in 2006 by the Polish Equestrian Federation’s Endurance Division, open for all breeds. The purebred Arabian horses are definitely dominating in that discipline.

The Polish Arab Stud Book Registry Office helps breeders to facilitate registration procedures by giving complete information on the internet, on the Polish Jockey Club website, and on the occasion of seminars and meetings, as well as keeping the registration and paperwork fees on a safe level. The tasks of the Polish Arabian Horse Breeders Society, which is an Associate Member of WAHO, are to promote the Arabian breed on a national level and also worldwide, to educate the new owners and the public on the history, care and uses of the purebred Arabian horse; to organize shows, events, seminars, presentations and educational courses; to publish the Arabian horse magazine ‘Araby’ quarterly, and by writing articles for use in various horse magazines.

In 2007, Poland registered 600 foals, and recorded 108 exports together with 15 imports.

Trophy Winners

ALMINA – 2022 WAHO Trophy Winner – Poland

ALMINA. Bay mare, 2001. (Furiat / Amina)
Breeder & owned: Mr. Zbigniew Górski. Strain: Kehaileh Dajanieh (Mlecha, 1840)

The 2022 WAHO Trophy has been awarded to the mare Almina for being an outstanding representative of the Arabian breed.

Almina is the second generation of females born at the stud of Mr. Zbigniew Górski, one of the first private breeders of Arabian racing horses. Almina is the granddaughter of the first mare purchased by him and the foundress of his racing-oriented stud – the mare Aktorka.

Almina herself raced six times over one season (2 second places, 2 third places and 2 Fourth places), but she is most importantly a superb dam of excellent racing horses. She produced eight foals, all of which raced. The best include:

stallion ARASH by Akim De Ducor (FR) – currently a breeding sire
– raced 46 times, over 8 seasons
– won 10 times, incl.: Europejczyk St., Białka St., Sambor St., Criterium St., Comet St., Ofir St.
stallion ALSAHR by Mared Al Sahra (GB)
– raced 11 times, over 2 seasons
– won 4 times, incl.: Janów Podlaski (Produce) St., Derby St.
mare AFRAH by Nougatin (FR)
– raced 20 times, over 3 seasons
– won 3 times, incl.: Polish Arabian Horse Breeders Association St., Oaks St.
mare ALMIZA by Munjiz (FR)
– raced 22 times, over 3 seasons
– won 4 times, incl.: Bask St.
mare AL KARA by Wachlarz (PL)
– raced 12 times, over 2 seasons
– won 3 times, incl.: Sasanka St.
mare ALKORA by Dahess (GB)
– raced 15 times, over 2 seasons
– won 2 times

PALANGA – 2021 WAHO Trophy Winner – POLAND

PALANGA. Grey mare, 2002. (Ekstern / Panika). Breeder and Owner: Michałów State Stud. Strain: Kehailet Ajuz (Gazella, ca. 1840)

Poland has awarded their 2021 WAHO Trophy to the outstanding mare, Palanga. She has had a stellar record in international shows since she was a yearling, and combined that with her duties as an exceptional dam of many foals, both when on lease to Knocke Arabians in Belgium and for her home stud in Poland, where she is one of their greatest treasures. Her most recent show ring success at the age of 19 was at the 2021 Polish National Championship Show, where she took the Gold Champion Mare and Best in Show titles. The WAHO Trophy awarded to her on that same day was truly the icing on the cake.

Show record of PALANGA:

2003 – European Junior Champion Mare

2004 – Białka Junior Spring Show Reserve Champion Mare

2004 – Falborek Junior Reserve Champion Mare

2004 – Polish National Junior Champion Mare

2005 – Ströhen Junior Reserve Champion Mare

2006 – All Nations Cup Senior Reserve Champion Mare

2006 – European Senior Reserve Champion Mare

2006 – World Senior Top Ten Mare

2007 – Polish National Senior Reserve Champion Mare

2015 – Polish National Senior Reserve Champion Mare

2015 – Al Khalediah European Arabian Horse Festival Senior Champion Mare & Best in Show

2021 – Polish National Senior Champion Mare & Best in Show

She is the dam of equally decorated show horses: Padova by Galba (International Wels Junior Silver Champion Mare, Prague Intercup Senior Silver Champion Mare), Parantella by Kahil Al Shaqab (double Top Five Junior Spring Show Mare), Pointer by Sahm El Arab (Polish National Yearling Silver Champion Stallion, Junior Spring Show Bronze Champion Colt, Polish National Junior Bronze Champion Colt, Junior Spring Show Silver Champion Colt, Polish National Junior Silver Champion Stallion) and the Belgian-bred Profender KA by QR Marc (three times Belgian National Champion Stallion).

SALSA – 2020 WAHO Trophy Winner – Poland

SALSA, Chestnut Mare, 2000 (Wojslaw / Sarmacja)
Breeder and Owner: Janów Podlaski Stud
Strain: Kehaileh Dajania (Mlecha, ca. 1840)

Poland has awarded their 2020 WAHO Trophy to the 20-year old mare SALSA, bred and owned by Janów Podlaski Stud, in recognition of her outstanding achievements in her racing and breeding careers.

Salsa, 2020 WAHO Trophy Winner in Poland
photo: W. Pawlowski

Salsa comes from Janów Podlaski’s famous S-line of fantastic racing mares. This damline, stemming from Sabda and her best daughter Sabellina, has produced several generations of stakes winning mares, such as Sasanka, Saszetka, Sarenka, Sajra, Sanna, Samarra and Santa, to name but a few. Interestingly, one of the most well-known mares in this family is Sarmacja, dam of Salsa and a previous WAHO Trophy award winner herself in 2007. Salsa is maternal sibling to several great racers such as: Sarmata (Sasanka and Wielki Szlem Stakes winner), Subaru (Gepard and Kabaret Stakes winner), Sabat (Sambor, Ofir and Kurozwęki Stakes winner) and Savvannah – the best Polish race mare of the new millennium, with 13 wins, including 11 stakes wins.

Salsa herself raced over two seasons, during which she won three races, including the Oaks and Sabellina Stakes. She continues the grand tradition of her accomplished damline by having produced as many as seven race winners, including Sabah (Koheilan I and Sambor Stakes winner), Sabir (Derby, Arabian Produce [Janów Podlaski] and Czort Stakes winner) and Sabatina who is herself the dam of Severus (Derby and Ofir Stakes winner).

WAHO Trophy presentation for Salsa

The WAHO Trophy award was presented to Salsa in a public ceremony during the 2020 Polish National Championships Show.

ZAGROBLA – 2018 WAHO Trophy Winner – Poland

ZAGROBLA, Grey mare, 1994 (Monogramm / Zguba)
Breeder & Owner: Michałów Stud
Strain: Hamdanieh Simrieh (Selma)

Poland has proudly awarded their 2018 WAHO Trophy to the outstanding show and broodmare, Zagrobla, now aged 24, in recognition of her own achievements throughout her life, and of the achievements of her wonderful offspring. Bred by the late Director Ignacy Jaworowski when he was Director of the Stud, she has truly become one of the golden treasures of Michałów Stud.

2018 WAHO Trophy Winner Zagrobla
(photo credit Wiesiek Pawlowski)

Among her many national and international show titles she reached the pinnacle of success with her Gold Champion titles at the Nations Cup in Aachen, the World Championships in Paris, and the US National Championships in USA.

1995 & 1996 Junior Spring Show Reserve Champion Mare, Michałów (PL)
1995 & 1996 Polish National Junior Reserve Champion Mare – Janów Podlaski (PL)
1996 International Junior Champion Mare – Bábolna (HU)
1996 All Nations Cup Junior Reserve Champion Mare – Aachen (DE)
1998 International Champion Mare – Bábolna (HU)
2000 All Nations Cup Senior Champion Mare – Aachen (DE)
2000 & 2007 European Senior Reserve Champion Mare – Vilhelmsborg (DK) & Verona (IT)
2000 World Senior Champion Mare – Paris (FR)
2003 Scottsdale Arabian Show Reserve Champion Mare – Scottsdale, AZ (US)
2003 US National Champion Mare – Albuquerque, NM (US)
2010 World Senior Top Ten Mare – Paris (FR)
2017 Polish National Senior Reserve Champion Mare – Janów Podlaski (PL)

As a broodmare, Zagroba has founded a great dynasty through her offspring and their many descendants. There is only room here to mention just a few of her best progeny from more than a dozen offspring. Among Zagrobla’s best sons is the great moving stallion ZIGI ZAN (2005, by Padrons Psyche), now a Chief sire at Sinus Arabian Stud in Sweden. Considered among her best daughters is her first foal, the mare ZŁOTA ORDA (1999, by Pesal) herself the dam of, among others, the successful show and broodmare ZŁOTA NIC (2005, by Emigrant), and the Michałów chief sire, ZŁOTY MEDAL (2012, by QR Marc). Another successful Zagrobla daughter is the mare ZIGI ZANA (2009, by QR Marc), who has won many show titles including 2010 Polish National Junior Champion Mare, 2010 & 2011 European Junior Reserve Champion Mare, and 2013 Polish National Senior Reserve Champion Mare.

PALMETA – 2015 WAHO Trophy Winner – Poland

PALMETA, Grey mare, 2001 (Ecaho / Pilica)
Breeder/Owner: Janow Podlaski Stud
Strain: Not Recorded (family of Szamrajowka, ca. 1810)

The Polish Arabian Horse Breeders Society (PZHKA) is happy to announce that the exceptional mare Palmeta has been awarded their 2015 WAHO Trophy.

L-R Mrs. Krystyna Karaszewska, Dr. Marek Trela, Palmeta, Anna Stefaniuk

Show Record:

2002 Warsaw Summer Show Junior Champion Mare & Best in Show
2002 World Junior Top Ten Mare
2003 Bialka Spring Show Junior Champion Mare
2003 Polish National Junior Champion Mare & Best in Show
2005 Senior Reserve Champion Mare, Falborek Show
2005 European Senior Champion Mare
2009 Polish National Senior Top Five Mare
2009 World Senior Top Ten Mare
2012 Polish National Senior Champion Mare & Best in Show
2012 World Senior Top Ten Mare

Palmeta, led by Dr. Marek Trela, receiving some carrots from the hands of Anna Stefaniuk.

Palmeta has been active in breeding since 2005 and is now the dam of 9 foals, the most recent is the grey filly Panacea by Pogrom, born in 2015. Among them are the following superb international show winners and champions:

Palatino (2006 stallion, by Pesal); His many titles include Polish National Senior Champion Stallion, All Nations Cup Bronze Champion Stallion, European Bronze Champion Stallion; World Top 10 stallion; Chief sire
Palabra (2007 mare by Enzo). Her titles include Bialka Spring Show Junior Champion Mare & Best in Show and Polish National Junior Champion Mare. Sold in 2011 at the Pride of Poland auction for 400,000 euros. Also herself a broodmare and dam of champions.
Palatina (2009 mare by QR Marc). Her titles include Bialka Spring Show Junior Champion Mare, Prague InterCup Junior Champion Mare, Polska Arabia Festival Senior Champion Mare & Best in Show
Patria (2012 mare by Eden C). Her titles include Polish National Reserve Junior Champion Mare, top 5 at the European Championships and Top 10 at the World Championships.
Paris (2014 Colt by Kahil Al Shaqab). As a yearling, his titles so far include Bialka Spring Show Junior Champion Stallion and Polish National Champion Colt.

ECHO APOLLO – 2014 WAHO Trophy Winner – Poland

ECHO APOLLO, Grey Stallion, *2006 (Piaff / Echo Kallisto)
Breeder: Chrcynno Palace Stud, Owner: Mrs. Kaja Dembińska
Strain: Not Recorded (Family of Milordka, 1816)

The prestigious 2014 WAHO Trophy for Poland has been awarded to the stallion Echo Apollo, a fine example of the versality of the Arabian breed. According to the traditions of the Polish breeding programme, he represents all the desired qualities such as beauty and stamina in one. Echo Apollo, thanks to his national and international show and sport achievements, became a true Ambassador of Polish Arabian breeding.

L-R: Agnieszka Woźniak, Kaja Dembińska on Echo Apollo, Mrs. Izabella Pawelec-Zawazdka, Mrs. Ewa Poszepczyńska and Mr. Krzysztof Poszepczyński of Chrcynno Palace Stud, the breeders of Echo Apollo
Photo: Wieslaw Pawlowski & Lydia Pawlowska

Among his most important show results between 2009 and 2012, apart from several top 5 class results, are: 2009 – Polish National Championships,Top Five Polish National Junior Champion Stallion; and 2012, AHO Breeders & International Championships Europe, Warsaw: Top Five Senior Champion Stallion.

Between 2009 and 2014, under saddle, he has always placed 1st to 3rd in several disciplines, such as dressage, jumping, Classic Pleasure, Native Costume, and Polish Historical Costume. He counts among his most important sports results the following successes:

2012 – Fourth Polish National Arabian Horse Sport Championships, Janów Podlaski – Silver Medal – Polish Historical Costume;
2013 – Austrian National Arabian Horse Sport Championships, Stadl Paura: Gold Medal – All Around Classic; Silver Medal – Classic Pleasure; Silver Medal – Dressage.
Lower Austria Regional Arabian Horse Sport Championships, Stadl Paura: Silver Medal – Classic Pleasure and Silver Medal – Dressage.
5th Polish National Arabian Horse Sport Championships, Janów Podlaski: Bronze Medal – Dressage; Gold Medal – Classic Pleasure.
10th European Arabian Horse Sport Championships, Vilhelmsborg: Gold Medal – All Around Classic
8th Autumn Arabian Horse Sport Championships, Janów Podlaski: 2nd Place – Dressage (C-3),
2014 – Austrian National Arabian Horse Sport Championships, Stadl Paura: Silver Medal – All Around Classic; Bronze Medal – Classic Pleasure; Bronze Medal – Dressage.
Lower Austria Regional Arabian Horse Sport Championships, Stadl Paura: Silver Medal – Dressage; Bronze Medal – Traditional Arabian Riding
11th European Arabian Horse Sport Championships – Janów Podlaski: 5th place – Finals – Dressage; 4th place – Finals – Classic Pleasure.

The WAHO trophy was presented by Mrs. Krystyna Karaszewska, the Registrar of PASB, and Mrs. Izabella Pawelec-Zawadzka, Member of WAHO Executive Committee, in a special ceremony during the Polish Arabian Horse Days at Janów Podlaski Stud on 17th August 2014. Receiving the Trophy was Ms.Kaja Dembińska, the owner and rider since 2013 of Echo Apollo, in the presence of his breeders Mr. & Mrs. Krzysztof and Ewa Poszepczyński from Chrcynno Palace Stud.

Dressage display given by Echo Apollo, ridden by his owner, Kaja Dembińska
Photo: Wieslaw Pawlowski & Lydia Pawlowska

Kaja Dembińska and Echo Apollo happy with their WAHO Trophy
Photo: Wieslaw Pawlowski & Lydia Pawlowska

Echo Apollo (Piaff / Echo Kallisto) at the European Championships for Sport Horses in Janow Podlaski 2013 (Photo: G. Waiditschka / IN THE FOCUS)

Echo Apollo (Piaff / Echo Kallisto) at the European Championships for Sport Arabians in Janow Podlaski 2013
(Photo: G. Waiditschka / IN THE FOCUS)

ECHO APOLLO, 2014 WAHO Trophy Winner, Poland

ELDON – 2013 WAHO Trophy Winner – Poland

ELDON, grey stallion, *1985 (Penitent/Erotyka)
Breeder and Owner: SK Michalow.
Strain: Not Recorded (Family of Milordka, 1816).

Poland’s WAHO Trophy was awarded in 2013 to the 28-year old stallion Eldon, the “Grand Old Man” of Michalow State Stud.

Eldon, Poland WAHO Trophy winner in 2013 during his WAHO Trophy presentation at the age of 28

Photo: Wieslaw Pawlowski & Lydia Pawlowska

His racing record was exemplary: He raced 10 times in 2 seasons (1988 & 1989) with three wins (incl.Comet Stakes), four 2nd places (incl.Piechur Stakes), once third and once fourth. He was only unplaced once.

His show record was oustanding, including:
1991 – European Senior Champion Stallion, Aachen, Germany
1992 – Polish National Senior Champion Stallion, Janów Podlaski, Poland
1996 – British National Senior Champion Stallion, Towerlands, United Kingdom.

And as for his breeding record, since 1991 Eldon has become a highly esteemed sire, one of the most important stallions in the Polish breeding programme. To date he has sired 225 foals and is still active at 28 years old. He is the sire of, among many others, the following stallions used for breeding:
* PIAFF – the most valuable son of Eldon, several times national and international champion stallion, bred by Janów Podlaski Stud;
* ESPADERO – the excellent race horse (triple crowned winner of the Produce, Derby and Criterium Stakes), sold at the Pride of Poland Sale 2006 for the record price of 210.000 Euro to Australia, sire of prominent endurance horses, bred by Janów Podlaski Stud;
* EDEON – exported in 1966 to Great Britain (Patricia Lindsay), many times champion of prestigious show events in GB, esteemed sire, bred by Michałów Stud;
* PASTER – successful sire in private breeding in Poland, bred by Białka Stud.

Eldon, Poland WAHO Trophy winner in 2013 during his WAHO Trophy presentation at the age of 28 with Mrs. Magda Helak-KulczyńskaPhoto: W. Pawlowski

Eldon, Poland WAHO Trophy winner in 2013 during his WAHO Trophy presentation at the age of 28 with Mrs. Magda Helak-Kulczyńska

Photo: Wieslaw Pawlowski & Lydia Pawlowska

Eldon has also proved to be an outstanding producer of broodmares of great merit, with many valuable daughters at the State Studs in Poland, including, to name but a few:
* in Białka – Emika, Fiszka, Floreta, Pereira
* in Janów Podlaski – Arabeska, Arga, Anegdota, Aruba, Atena, Cedynia, Epruwetka, Parafa, Persenkówka, Pescara, Peseta, Siewka
* in SK Michałów – Diastema, Dębowa Polana, Dombra, Escalona, Elgara, Gazira, Kasjopeja, Tonacja.
His exceptional offspring on the racetrack include multiple winners and stakes and Group winners, amongst those are 3 Derby winners and an Oaks winner: Eliat (Derby), bred by Tarus Arabians; Espadero (Derby), bred by Janów Podlaski Stud; Fiszka (Oaks) – bred by Białka Stud, and Sabir (Derby), bred by Janów Podlaski Stud.
Of course many of Eldon’s offspring have been exported around the world, many achieving excellent success in showing, endurance and breeding and other ridden disciplines. Apart from being Chief Sire at all the Polish State Studs and at Tarus Arabians in Poland, Eldon also spent 2 years on lease to Silverdale Arabians in the United Kingdom, where he also sired many quality foals.

Photo of Eldon Poland 2013 Trophy Winner

PIANISSIMA – 2012 WAHO Trophy Winner – Poland

PIANISSIMA, bay mare, *2003 (Gazal Al Shaqab/Pianosa). Owner and Breeder: Janow Podlaski State Stud. Strain: Not recorded, family of Szamrajowka (ca. 1810).

On August 12th 2012 Poland’s WAHO Trophy was awarded to one of the most famous Arabian mares of all time: Janow Podlaski Stud’s incomparable Pianissima. She is the only mare in the history of the breed to be named twice European Triple Crown winner, first as a Junior and then again as a Senior (All Nations Cup, European Championship, and World Championship). She has also won both the Polish National Junior and Senior Champion Mare titles, as well as the Best In Show titles in both Junior and Senior categories on her home turf. During her show career, Pianissima has travelled the world to take the titles of US National Junior Champion Mare, Al Khalediah Senior Champion Mare in Riyadh and Dubai Senior Champion Mare in the United Arab Emirates. Every Championships title she has won has been by unanimous decision of all the judges.

The Trophy presentation ceremony took place in front of a large and appreciative international audience on the occasion of the Polish National Championships. The Trophy was presented jointly by Mrs. Izabella Pawelec-Zawadzka and Mr. Peter Pond, WAHO Executive Committee Member and Vice President respectively. Dr. Marek Trela walked Pianissima round the ring as she bid a dignified last farewell to the audience in what was announced as her last ever public appearance in a show ring. Already the dam of several excellent foals, this exceptional mare now moves into the quieter but hopefully equally rewarding stage of her life – as a treasured broodmare in the familiar peaceful surroundings and extensive pastures at her home stud.

Pianissima particularly enjoys bananas as her special treat and who knows, maybe her foals will inherit not only her beauty and charisma, but also her taste for bananas!

Photo of Pianissima

L-R: Mrs. Krystyna Karaszewska; Mrs. Nancy Gallun; Mr. Feliks Klimczak, President of the Polish Jockey Club; Mrs. Anna Stefaniuk; Mrs. Izabella Pawelec-Zawadzka, WAHO Executive Committee member; (behind Mrs. Zawadzka, obscured, is handler Mr. Pawel Kozikowski); Dr. Marek Trela; Mr. Peter Pond, WAHO Vice-President who presented the Trophy; Mr. Greg Gallun and Miss Johanna UlstrommVisit www.arabianhorseworld.com/Pianissima/pianissima.html to see this special moment of the WAHO Trophy presentation ceremony for Pianissima, courtesy of Arabian Horse World magazine, USA.

PIAFF – 2011 WAHO Trophy Winner – Poland

PIAFF 1997 grey stallion [ Eldon / Pipi]. Breeder and owner: Janow Podlaski State Stud. Strain: Not recorded (family of Szamrajowjka, ca. 1810).

Poland is delighted to announce the award of their 2011 WAHO Trophy to the stallion Piaff.

This exceptional stallion belongs to the group of top chief sires active at present in Polish breeding. Along with the former WAHO Trophy winner Ekstern, Piaff is leading the list of sires according to the total number of foals to date – 121.

L-R: Piaff with rider Artur Bieńkowski and groom; Dr. Marek Trela, Director of Janow Podlaski Stud, Mrs. Anna Stefaniuk, Breeding Manager of Janow Podlaski Stud, Miss Katrina Murray, WAHO Executive Secretary, Mrs. Krystyna Karaszewska, PASB Registrar, and Mrs. Izabella Pawelec-Zawadzka, WAHO Executive Committee MemberPhoto: Wieslaw Pawlowski & Lydia Pawlowska

He successfully passed the test of his soundness, endurance and athletic abilities when he raced for 2 seasons as a 3 and 4 year old, being placed 14 times.

His show record speaks for itself, with his major titles including:
1998: Polish National Reserve Junior Champion Stallion, Bialka
1999: Polish National Junior Champion Stallion, Bialka
2001: (when on lease to Holland) Dutch National Champion Stallion
2004: Polish National Reserve Senior Champion Stallion, Janow Podlaski
2005: Polish National Senior Champion Stallion, Janow Podlaski; International Senior Champion Stallion at Falborek ECAHO B Show
2006: (when on lease to USA) Region II Senior Champion Stallion, Burbank, California; Region III Senior Champion Stallion, Reno, Nevada; US National Top Ten Stallion, US National CHampionshipss, Kentucky.
2007: Reserve National Champion Sporthorse, Scottsdale, Arizona

Piaff is a grandson of one of the brightest stars of Polish breeding, the incomparable mare Pilarka (by Palas), and is a son of the highly respected broodmatron, Pipi (by Banat). As such, he represents the most successful Janow Podlaski family – “P” – line. So many top horses belong to this line it is impossible to list them all, but one of the most famous in recent years is the beautiful young mare Pianissima.

Among Piaff’s progeny are several top quality broodmares and stallions, which have already entered the Polish breeding programme, including Janow Podlaski’s 2010 Polish National Senior Champion Stallion Alert (out of Andaluzja by Sanadik El Shaklan).

His progeny are distinguished by their high potential for all kinds of equestrian sport disciplines, as well as in endurance. Piaff himself is a wonderful riding horse, like all the stallions at Janow Podlaski he is ridden regularly, and also competes every year with success in dressage and ridden classes, including the very popular traditional costume classes. His fleabitten coat and proud bearing make him a particular favourite of the judges and the spectators.

Piaff ridden in Polish historical costume by Mr. Artur BieńkowskiPhoto: Wieslaw Pawlowski & Lydia Pawlowska

Piaff (photo credit Wieslaw & Lydia Pawlowski)

PALMIRA – 2010 WAHO Trophy Winner – Poland

PALMIRA, grey mare, *1995 (Monogramm / Palestra)
Breeder and Owner: Michalow State Stud, Poland.
Strain: Kehaileh Rodanieh (Rodania, 1869).

Poland has again awarded their WAHO Trophy at a warmly received public ceremony on the occasion of the Arabian Horse Days Festival at Janow Podlaski.

L-R: Mr. Scott Benjamin, Ringmaster; Mrs. Izabella Pawelec-Zawadzka, WAHO Executive Committee Member; Mr. Jerzy Bialobok, Director of Michalow Stud; Mrs. Urszula Bialobok, Breeding Manager at Michalow Stud, and Mr. Kamil Kulczyński, handler
Photo: Wieslaw Pawlowski & Lydia Pawlowska

Palmira, the winning mare, comes from a long line of champions and has been chosen both for her achievements as an international show winner and for her equally outstanding achievements as a broodmare of considerable merit. She currently holds the most show-titles of any active broodmare in Poland aged 15 or over. In the showring she has garnered the top titles of, among others, Polish National Champion Mare and Best in Show; All Nations Cup Champion Mare and World Reserve Champion Mare.

She raced 8 times as a 3 year old, with one win and 2 places. Her show and breeding career then started. Her full show record speaks for itself:

2003 – Senior Champion Mare, International Championships, Poznan; and Reserve Senior Champion Mare, World Championships, Salon du Cheval, Paris;
2004 – Senior Champion Mare and Best in Show, All-Poland Arabian Horse Show, Belzyce; and Senior Champion Mare, International Arabian Horse Show, Falborek;
2005 – Senior Reserve Champion Mare, All-Poland Arabian Horse Show, Belzyce;
2006 – Top Ten Senior Mare, World Championships, Salon du Cheval, Paris;
2007 – Polish Senior National Champion Mare and Best in Show, Polish National Arabian Horse Show, Janów Podlaski; and Nations Cup Senior Champion Mare at the Nations Cup, Aachen; and Top Five European Senior Mare, European Championships, Verona; and Top Ten World Senior Champion Mare, World Championships, Salon du Cheval, Paris;
2010 – Top Five Senior Mare, International Arabian Horse Show, Wels, Austria.

Palmira is the classic example of the realization of the Polish breeding programme and a treasured mare at her home Studfarm.

Palmira Poland WAHO Trophy winner in 2010 with handler Kamil Kulczyński
Photo: Wieslaw Pawlowski & Lydia Pawlowska

PALMIRA – Poland 2010 WAHO Trophy winner

ELEKT – 2009 WAHO Trophy Winner – Poland

ELEKT, bay gelding, *1985 (Palas / Elektra).
Beeder: Janow Podlaski Stud. Owner: Agnieszka Romszycka.
Strain: Not recorded (family of Woloszka, ca. 1810)

The 24 year old gelding Elekt became the winner of Poland’s WAHO Trophy 2009. Elekt gave a beautiful demonstration with his owner riding in traditional costume, and the WAHO Trophy was then presented to him, on August 9th during the Arabian Horse Days 2009 Festival at Janow Podlaski.

Elekt is an excellent riding horse – he is twice bronze medal winner of the Polish endurance championships and a contender of the Polish dressage championships. During his long sport career, Elekt has proved how brave, resilient and universal purebred Arabian horses are. He has earned success both in endurance, which is the crown discipline for Arabian horses, as well as in dressage in open competitions. His successes in endurance were gained under his rider/trainer, the late Mrs. Krystyna Romszycka, and his dressage successes have been in the capable hands of his owner Agnieszka Romszycka, daughter of Krystyna. Unusually, he competed successfully in these two very different disciplines in the same years.

At the age of 24, Elekt as an equine professor and teacher is still to this day participating in endurance and dressage competitions. He is showing wonderful physical form and condition and is often presented in classic pleasure and costume classes, both in historical and native dress. He found in Krystyna and Agnieszka Romszycka a wonderful and loving home for life, and rewarded them with so many successes. Just a few are listed below.

ELEKT – Poland 2009 WAHO Trophy winner

WAHO TROPHY PRESENTATION, POLAND 2009:
L-R: Izabella Pawelec-Zawadzka, WAHO Executive Committee member; Agnieszka Romszycka and Elekt; Feliks Klimczak, President of the Polish Jockey Club; Krystyna Karaszewska, Registrar PASB; Dr. Marek Trela, Director Janów Podlaski State StudEndurance: (rider: the late Mrs. Krtystna Romszycka)

1991 – 2nd plcae CEI Hungary (120 km)
1994 – bronze medal, Polish National Endurance Championships (162 km)
1996 – bronze medal, Polish National Endurance Championships (164 km)
1997 – First place in ranking of endurance horses in Poland
1998: 5th place CEI-B Belgium (120 km) ; 5th place CEN-A Poland (160 km); best horse in the Polish National team at the Endurance World Cup; First place in ranking of endurance horses in Poland; 12th place in the world endurance ranking (ELDRIC Arab Trophy)

Dressage: (rider: Agnieszka Romszycka)

1996: Silver medal, Warsaw Junior I Riders Championships
1997: Gold medal, Mazury-Warsaw Makroregion Junior I Riders Championships; 7th place in Polish Equestrian Federation ranking of endurance junior riders; 9th place in the Polish National Junior Riders Championships.
1999: Gold medal, Warsaw Junior Riders Championships
2002: 3rd place Mazowsze Cup, Categogy CC; 6th place in Poland’s Cup – Young Riders Round
2003: 1st place regional competition, category CC-4; 6th place Official Riding Hall Regional Championships, Category C-5; 7th place Official Riding Hall Regional Championships, Category C-4
2004: bronze medal, Amateur Riders Polish Championships; participated in Senior Riders Poland Championships in categories CC-4, CC-7 and CC-8.

Agnieszka Romszycka and Elekt, portrait

Agnieszka Romszycka and Elekt showing dressage movements

EKSTERN – 2008 WAHO Trophy Winner – Poland

EKSTERN Grey stallion, 1994. (Monogramm/Ernestyna). Breeder and Owner: Michalow State Stud, Poland. Strain: Not recorded (Family of Milordka, 1816)

The Polish Arabian Horse Breeders Society is delighted to announce that the renowned stallion Ekstern, bred and owned by Michalow State Stud, was awarded the Polish edition of the WAHO Trophy 2008. The Trophy was presented in a special ceremony to honour Ekstern and his achievements at the Polish National Championships Show and Arabian Horse Days Festival held at Janow Podlaski in August.

At present, Ekstern is acknowledged as the most influential sire in Poland. Renowned for his flamboyant movement, Ekstern holds the rare achievement of being undefeated in the show ring including every championship he contested. He is the winner of the most prestigious national and international show titles including:

1995 Polish National Junior Champion Stallion
1999 International Champion Stallion, UK International Arabian Horse Show (GB)
2000 Polish National Champion Stallion and “Triple Crown” winner in the same year of the three major titles:
European Champion Stallion
Nations Cup Champion Stallion
World Champion stallion.

Ekstern is now the sire of the highest quality offspring which are distinguished by the most excellent features of the Arabian breed. They include several national and international show champions. Ekstern is currently leading the ranking of the best sires in Poland.

EKSTERN – Poland 2008 WAHO Trophy winner

Left to right: Mrs. Izabella Pawelec-Zawadzka, WAHO Executive Committee Member; Mrs. Krystyna Karaszewska, Registrar PASB; Mrs. Urszula Bialobok, Breeding Manager Michalow State Stud; Mr. Jerzy Bialobok, Director of Michalow State Stud; Ekstern; Mr. Stuart Colvin, handler.
Photo credit: Lydia Pawlowska.

SARMACJA – 2007 WAHO Trophy Winner – Poland

SARMACJA, bay mare, *1986 (Gil/Saszetka).
Owned and bred by Janów Podlaski Stud.
Strain: Kehaileh Dajanieh (Mlecha).

The Polish Arabian Horse Breeders Society is happy to announce that the mare Sarmacja was awarded the Polish edition of the WAHO Trophy 2007. The Trophy was presented in a special ceremony to honour Sarmacja and her achievements on Sunday, August the 12th, during the Arabian Horse Days 2007 Festival at Janów Podlaski.

Sarmacja belongs to Janów Podlaski Stud’s world-renowned “S” family of indomitable racers. She represents the fifth generation of race-winning mares originating from Sabellina, the famous mare who founded the line of great race-winners including the all time sire of race-winners, Sambor.

Sarmacja herself raced 10 times in two seasons. As a 3 year old she was unbeaten, winning the Koheilan I Stakes and the Sambor Stakes. As a 4-year old she won 4 races including the Janów Stakes, the Derby, the Oaks and the International Europa Prize – Animex Cup. She was also 2nd in the Criterium and 3rd in the Bandos Stakes.

Sarmacja has also proved to be a remarkable broodmare. She is the dam of 11 foals including a National Show Champion and 6 stakes winners, among them the phenomenal filly Savannah, bred by Janów Podlaski Stud and born in USA when Sarmacja was sent there specifically to breed to Monarch AH. Her best offspring to date include:

1992 Sarmata (colt by Pepton) who ran 19 times, winning 5 races including the Sasanka & Wielki Szlem Stakes, 2nd in Witraz & Ofir Stakes, 3rd in Derby, Criterium & Embargo Stakes. He was exported to Brazil in 1999 and in 2001 he became the Brazilian National Champion Stallion.
1994 Subaru (colt by Europejczyk). 22 races, 5 wins incluidng the Gepard Stakes and several places in Listed and Group races including the Europa Cup and the Derby. Exported to Italy in 1999 where he won several more races.
1997 Savvannah (US) (filly by Monarch AH) 18 races in 3 seasons, 13 wins and 5 places. Wins include: Sambor Stakes, Bialka International, Koheilan I Stakes, Criterium, The Oaks, Ofir Stakes (twice), Michalow Stakes, Europa Cup, Figaro Stakes, Kabaret Stakes. Places include: 2nd in Europa Cup and Derby, 3rd in Janow Stakes. The most successful race mare in Polish history. She was exported in 2004 to Saudi Arabia.
1999 Saracen (colt by Monarch AH). 25 races, 7 wins, several places.
2000 Salsa (filly by Wojslaw) 9 races, 3 wins including Sabellina Stakes and the Oaks. Retained by the stud.
2002 Sabat (colt by Wojslaw). Still in race training. Track record holder for 2400 metres in 2007 in a time of 2’46”. 9 runs to date, 6 wins including Sambor Stakes, Bandos Stakes, Ofir Stakes, Kurozweki Stakes. 2nd in Europejczyk Stakes and Europa Cup, 3rd in Criterium.
2004 Sedna (filly by Espadero). In race training.
Her 2005 colt Saber by Espadero and 2006 colt Sapian by Harbin are waiting in the wings until they too are old enough to compete on the racetrack.

(In photo L-R – Piotr Dwojak & Dr. Marek Trela)

SARMACJA – Poland 2007 WAHO Trophy winner

EMIGRACJA – 2006 WAHO Trophy Winner – Poland

EMIGRACJA, Grey mare, 1980 (Palas/Emisja).
Bred and owned by Michalow Stud.
Strain: Not Recorded (family of Milordka, 1816).

The world-famous and much loved Polish mare, 26-year old Emigracja, was chosen to receive Poland’s 2006 WAHO Trophy for her achievements as an important broodmare of world-wide significance. The serenely beautiful flea-bitten “Pearl of Michalow” was presented with her award at the 2006 Arabian Horse Days Festival in Janow Podlaski, Poland surrounded by her friends and watched by admirers from all over the world. Lightly shown, she achieved the title of Polish National Reserve Champion Mare in 1991.

It can be truly said that Emigracja has founded her own great dynasty, known as the “Family of Champions” which can now be found all over the world – her first, second and third generation progeny have to date won more than 83 National and International Championships at the highest level. They are also proven on the racetrack. She herself is the dam of 14 foals, born over a 20-year period from 1985 to 2005, which include 10 outstanding broodmares, the two most famous being the full sisters Emigrantka and Emanacja.

Emigrantka (1985, by Eukaliptus) – Polish National & European Champion mare.

Dam of, among many others, the internationally renowned mare El Dorada, by Sanadik El Shaklan (World & European Reserve Champion Mare, Nations Cup Champion Mare, US National Champion Mare) and of the Chief Sires: Emigrant, by Ararat (Polish National and European Senior Champion Stallion, sire of champions) and Edeon, by Eldon (Polish National Junior Reserve Champion, multi-champion in UK)

Emanacja (1986, by Eukaliptus) – Polish National, European, Nations Cup & World Champion Mare. Dam of, among many others, the broodmares Emilda by Pamir (European, Polish & British National Champion Mare, herself dam of top show and breeding mares Embra and Emmona); and Emanda by Ecaho (World Champion and Reserve European, Reserve Nations Cup & Reserve Polish National Mare, herself dam of European and World Female Junior Champion Emandoria, by Gazal Al Shaqab); and of the stallion Emanor, by Wojslaw (Polish National Champion, Scottsdale & US National Champion Stallion, Canadian Reserve National Champion Stallion, US & Canadian National Champion English Pleasure & Park Horse);

Emanacja’s other renowned daughters include many internationally successful show, race and breeding mares whose own full achievements, and those of their top class progeny are too numerous to list here, but just to name a few: Ekologia (1989, by Piechur); Erlanda (1990, by Eukaliptus); Ellada (1991, by Balon); Etenta (1994 by Monogramm); dam of European Champion Stallion HS Etiquette (by Simeon Sadik); Emocja (1995, by Monogramm)

IN PHOTO L TO R: Mrs Izabella Pawelec-Zawadzka (WAHO Executive Committee), Mrs Urszula Bialobok (Breeding Manager, Michalow Stud), EMIGRACJA, Mr. Krzysztof Skrzypek (Michalow Stud groom), Mr. Jerzy Bialobok (Manager, Michalow Stud), Mr. Jerzy Budny (President, Polish Jockey Club)

ETRURIA – 2005 WAHO Trophy Winner – Poland

ETRURIA, Grey mare, *1975 (Palas / Etna).
Breeder and owner: Janow Podlaski State Stud.
Strain: Not Recorded, family of Woloszka (1810).

Etruria, the reigning “Queen of Janow”, is the oldest Arabian mare in Poland of such very high merit. She is the worthy recipient of Poland’s first WAHO Trophy for the following reasons:
Her show record includes the titles of European Junior Champion Mare 1978; World Senior Champion Mare 1981; Polish National Champion Mare 1988 and European Reserve Champion Mare 1988.

As a broodmare of distinction, she is the dam of 10 outstanding foals, including six daughters who all received broodmare status and are now founding their own dynasties in Poland or abroad, they include Enaria (sold at the 1985 Polish Ovation Sale for $520,000); Etruska, Etana, Ettoria, Esparceta and Epifraza. Even more significantly, Etruria is the dam of three chief sires:

Etogram (1981, by El Paso), three times Polish National Senior Reserve Champion Stallion (1991-1993), Polish Senior Champion Stallion & Best in Show (1994), International Senior Champion Stallion, Babolna, 1994; Swedish and Norwegian Champion Stallion in 1996; Scandinavian Senior Champion Stallion, Blommerod, 1997. Sire of many show and race winners both nationally and internationally, and excellent broodmare sire.
Etman (1986, by Gil), a very prominent racehorse, winner of four stakes races including the Skowronek and Bialka (International) Stakes, second in the Comet and Bandos Stakes, 3rd in the Criterium. Exported to Sweden in 1990, Swedish Senior Champion Stallion 1992; Scandinavian Senior Reserve Champion Stallion, Blommerod 1992. Leased to the United Kingdom for the 1999 breeding season.
Ecaho (1990, by Pepton). Polish National Senior Champion Stallion 1995; Nations Cup Senior Champion Stallion 1995; exported to USA in 2004, Top Ten Stallion at US Nationals in 2005. Sire of Polish, International and World Champions.

Beautiful, feminine and a dynamic mover, Etruria was the most beloved mare of the late Mr. Andrzej Krzysztalowicz, long-time director of Janow Podlaski State Stud and a founding member of the first WAHO Executive Committee. Etruria had the great honour to accompany her old friend on his last journey, leading the funeral procession to his graveside. Etruria’s place in the history books of Polish Arabians is assured and she received her WAHO Trophy with her usual grace at a special ceremony during the 2005 Polish Arabian Horse Days Festival. On 23 January 2006, she will celebrate her 31st birthday.

L-R: Mr. Jerzy Budny, President of Polish Jockey Club; Mrs. Krystyna Karaszewska, Registrar of PASB; Dr. Marek Trela, Director of Janów Podlaski State Stud; Ms. Anna Stefaniuk, Breeding Manager at Janów Podlaski State Stud; Etruria; Mrs. Izabella Pawelec-Zawadzka, WAHO Executive Committee Member.