Grand Champion Straight Egyptian Stallion and Most Classic Head RA Nocturne (Bellagio RCA x AA Aleeyah), owned and bred by Greg Grow and Monique Siex and Simone Siex, Rockbridge Arabians, Glasgow, Virginia, and handled by Mike Wilson.
“We eagerly anticipate the birth of every one of our foals,” says Greg Grow, “We love them all.” Greg, his wife Monique, and Monique’s sister Simone Siex, owners of Rockbridge Arabians, are the breeders of the 2022 Egyptian Classic Champion Stallion RA Nocturne (Bellagio RCA x RA Aleeyah by The Sequel RCA out of a *Mishaal HP daughter who is out of a Magic Elixir daughter that goes to *Deena). “We have the mindset that even with the best sires and dams, about three percent of colts born will be worthy of being a breeding stallion,” Greg continues. “When Mark Burke and Shawn Crews kept our boy on their ‘do not geld list,’ we were not sure whether to be thrilled or nervous as we know what a big commitment it is to promote a promising colt. “It has been an exciting journey from Scottsdale, Arizona to Ocala, , then full circle to having RA Nocturne win the stallion championship in our own state of Virginia. We are loving every minute of watching our homebred colt excel each step of the way and are grateful to the professionals who have so kindly cared for him, and all of our horse-friend family that have been by our side cheering him on.”
Grand Champion Straight Egyptian Mare and Grand Champion World Class Mare/Stallion Amer Raadiyah (Caiiro x AA-Cinderella-I), owned by Gail Ahrens, Tribunal Arabians, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, and handled by Mike Neal.
Grand Champion Straight Egyptian Mare and Grand Champion World Class Mare/Stallion Amer Raadiyah (Caiiro x AA-Cinderella-I), owned by Gail Ahrens, Tribunal Arabians, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, and handled by Mike Neal.
Portrait of Antara Shalima, Nancy Gates’ mare who passed this summer. She donated two halters to the straight Egyptian yearling colt and yearling filly winners.
Reserve Champion Golden Oldies Halter Asila Arabella CA (Thee Infidel x Bella Asila RCA) and Gwen Soong, Caledonia Arabians, Clearwater, Florida. “Yes!! This is my first creation,” says Gwen.
Second Place (to Amer Raadiyah) Straight Egyptian Mares 2018 & Older Magidaas Vision TF (*Al Ayal AA x Magidaas Rose RCA), owned by Lisa Cifrese, Thornewood Farm, Stockton, New Jersey, handled by Ted Carson.
Champion Western Pleasure Hilal Al Sahrah ESA (EAI Silvereen x Suhair), owned by Michelle Montague, West Grove, Pennsylvania, ridden by John Ryan.
Jillian Amato Whitlow, Empire Arabians of North Carolina, LLC, Timberlake, North Carolina.
Gwendolyn and Warren Soong, Caledonian Arabians, Tampa, Florida.
Allison Mehta, Talaria Farms, Newnan, Georgia, and friends.
EAST COAST EGYPTIAN CLASSIC SHOW — August 5 & 6, 2022
Virginia Horse Center, Lexington, Virginia
by Lisa Cifrese
The East Coast Egyptian Classic, also known as “the most fun you can have at a horse show,” did not disappoint. Breeders, spectators, exhibitors, and trainers did not allow the stormy skies to dampen their spirits as Egyptian horses were beautifully presented in front of the magnificent grandstand at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Virginia. Fun and educational activities during the week made this a show not to be missed.
An Amateur Halter Tune-Up Clinic, hosted by Mike Neal, launched the week’s activities. This event was enjoyed by all, and allowed amateurs of all ages to get last minute pointers from one of the finest handlers of Egyptian horses. Thursday evening’s Ghost Tour of historic and haunted Lexington added some non-horse related fun, while attendees strolled through the darkness listening to haunted tales. During the day on Friday, all eyes turned towards the youth, as kids participated in a craft event, creating their own stick horses to be presented as part of the opening festivities. Friday evening the Wine and Cheese Social, hosted by Smith-Embry Insurance Associates, Inc., kicked off the presentation of classes, and helped keep everyone’s spirits high during the showers. On Saturday, Two Silos Farm Egyptian Arabians supplied an Ice Cream Social, providing respite from the heat. Wrapping up the week was a Breeders and Trainers Discussion Forum, providing a stimulating opportunity for attendees to learn from some of the best in our industry. Overall, the week was filled with educational and fun activities.
The Virginia Horse Center was a picturesque setting for magnificent Straight Egyptian, Egyptian Heritage, and World Class horses. “Although class sizes were small, the overall quality of horses presented was magnificent,” notes Show Chair Cricket Gates. “Thanks to the overwhelming support from our sponsors, we were thrilled to award $8,000 in prize money this year, setting the stage for an even better show next year. In addition, there was a great spirit of cooperation and camaraderie among handlers, exhibitors, and spectators that made the Egyptian Classic a great success!” Success certainly followed for Gail Ahrens of Tribunal Arabians, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania who took home the Gold with her mare Amer Raadiyah (Caiiro x AA-Cinderella-I). This elegant flea-bitten grey was named Grand Champion Straight Egyptian Mare, and was also Grand Champion World Class Mare/Stallion. In the stallion division, the typey black colt RA Nocturne (Bellagio RCA x AA Aleeyah), owned and bred by William Grow of Glasgow, Virginia, was Grand Champion Straight Egyptian Stallion and Most Classic Head Winner. The Grand Champion Egyptian Heritage Mare/Stallion honor was awarded to the lovely grey mare CW Princess Exxalta (Exxalt x MVA Princess Mishaal) for owners Jeff and Sybil Collins and Brandi Carson of Allgood, Alabama.
Overall, the East Coast Egyptian Classic, dubbed the most fun you can have at a horse show, should definitely be a destination for Egyptian Arabian enthusiasts. Join us next year, August 4-5, 2023, in the alluring city of Lexington, Virginia.
Sponsored by Rockbridge Arabians; Greg Grow, Monique Siex and Simone Siex
