A BACKGROUND HISTORY Arabian horse’s competitions, whatever they may be, have both their history and truths, which we must be aware of just as much as their past so to envisage a view to the future. The facts reported in the following text are some references that it is good to know. The shutting-down of the very much regretted Show in Cannes that had been set up by the French Arabian Horse Agency, and covering the years from 1986 to 1988, included manifestations under the Jumping International program with the support of S.e.p.a. Held at around the same time as the conclusion of the International Cannes Film Festival, many ‘stars’ would happily attend the show offered not far from the Palais des Festivals. For its part, A.f.c.a Association had something stronger than the mere ‘interest’, that is, a loyal commitment to give value to a breed that was still quite unknown to the general public. Despite decisions clearly linked to a temporary stop of the event, the enchanting setting was just right for hosting a show horse’s competition. As some of the ‘interested’ candidates could not benefit from the place and its useful amenities, the French National Association of Arab Horse Breeders (ACA) chaired by Ms. Chazel from 1989 t o 1999 came up with an idea. The latter is an unusual personality who lives in the Cevennes having first stepped into the horse world with Camargue horses used for endurance, a small livestock put to breeding and crossed with Arabian stallions. It was right there that she made her discovery. While enjoying the enthusiasm raised by A.f.c.a in terms of organizing competitions and unencumbered by hindrances that could slow down her main objectives, the A.c.a President began all preparations for a demonstration at the Rondelli stadium in Menton under the coverage and supervision of the French National Arabians Breeders Association with support from the city and its technical services network. Like any embryonic manifestation, the beginnings were at the maximum of their technical and material capacities; however, thanks to a strong-minded team that had been set up by drawing upon what existed elsewhere, the event was successful in its format of the time. PORTE DE FRANCE – MENTON GARAVAN – FRANCE Text by William Richardot de Choisey & Guillaume de Cléry Translation by Sonja Smaldone Photos by: Arabian Insider & Edoardo Mainetti The first edition of the competition was held in 1991, and until 1996, it was first called the ‘Arabian Horse Championship of the Mediterranean’ and later with the ‘Trophée des As’ in 1996. What is missing it is a period of transition noted from 1999 to 2003. The recovery in 2004 was significant and labelled with a new title: ‘Mediterranean & Arabic Countries Horse Championship’, a title that remains in the framework established by A.p.c.a (Association of Arab Horse Promotion) which, like other international competition organizations, has also been actively involved in an increased marketing activity in order to realize a ‘cushion’ to the turnover needed to hold the event. When something becomes more widely known, it is clear that it must retain its international standing, however, it should also be borne in mind that prosperity turns its head more often than adversity. A cast-iron certainty of creating an event that brings in a lot of money may provoke illusions about its absolute value. It will be crucial to give back to each of the European breeders their lost yet due consideration seen that the evolution of the contest over the last ten years has made them disappear from the scene; not overshadowing the fact that the reputation enjoyed by an event plays as an indifferent ‘messenger’ of lies GLOBAL MEMORY OF THE MENTON ARABIAN HORSE SHOW Real horses participating per year 2004*88 - 2005*97- 2006*100 - 2007*116 2008*80 - 209*64 - 2010*115 - 2011*108 2012*99 - 2013*118 - 2014*127 - 2015*94 2016*100 - 2017*81 - 2018*88 Attendance Judges Panel per year & Championships results 1991 – Barbié Philippe (FR) - Foch Brigitta (SWE) – Nagel Hans (A) – Santoro Francesco (IT). Junior Female Champion - Melina by Menès & Bylina - owner Shamilah Arabians, France Senior Female Champion - Nairobi by Aswan & Naina - owner Shamilah Arabians, France Junior Male Champion - UP Mobaris by Mohessen & Wahiba - owner Gestut Poth, Germany Senior Stallion Champion - Alidaar by Shaik Al Badi & Bint Magida - owner Gestut Poth, Germany 1992 – Den Hartog Robbie (NL) – Maxwell Patrick (UK) – Mendez Moreno (ES) - Stoessel Peter (CH) Junior Female Champion - Menessa Al Shamilah by Menès & Monbassa - owner Shamilah Arabians, Fra Senior Female Champion - Karanganda by Gwizd & Kaluga owner Shamilah Arabians, France Junior Male Champion - Wladimir de Falgas by Vatican & Lana - owner Domaine de Falgas, France Senior Stallion Champion - NA Colt by Warandès Plakat & Hamua - owner Domaine de Gargassan, France 1993 – Aeschbacher Urs (CH) – Mendez Moreno Diego (ES) Nagel Hans (A) - Richardier Yves (FR) – Scheerder Peter (NL) – Wale Christina (SWE). Junior Female Champion - Mikova by Vatican & Miradowa owner … Senior Female Champion - Karaganda by Gwizd & Kaluga owner Shamilah Arabians, France Junior Male Champion - Taladdin by Dwd Tabasco & Winnetka - owner Thomas Mayer, Germany Senior Stallion Champion - Monitor by Nimroz & Matrista owner Hodson Stud, Great Britain 1994 – Mendez Moreno Diego (ES) – Nagel Hans (A) – de Premorel Roland (FR) - Selva Peppi (IT) – Zawadzka Izabella (POL). Junior Female Champion - Braken by Fakateko & Banika owner J.Vandyke, Spain Senior Female Champion - Shah Xotic by Bey Shah & Juda owner Loris Rondanin, Italy Junior Male Champion - Perlamor by El Perfecto & Porlama owner Jean Luc Parisi, France Senior Stallion Champion - Heleno by Abutig & Zagua owner Domecq Ybarra, Spain 1995 – Al Hussein Al Saleh Alia (JOR) – Huemer Ferdinand (AT) – Pihlstrom Richard (FR) - Pittaluga Marco (IT) 1996 – Bourrasse Christian (FR) – Garde Elhert (A) – Santoro Francesco (IT) - Zawadzka Izabella (POL) Junior Female Champion - Mashourka El Arab by Mashour & Pustoschka - owner Munoz, France Senior Female Champion - Psyche’s Amber Gem by Padron’s Psyche & Zabiya - owner Shamilah Arabians, France Junior Male Champion - QR Excel by Magic Dream & Kouream De Ment - owner Reina, Italy Senior Stallion Champion - Nadir by Neman & Neschi - owner Shamilah Arabians, France 2004 – Al Hussein Al Saleh Alia (JOR) – Aragno Gianmarco (IT) – Marei Nasser (EGY) - Richardier Yves (FR). Junior Female Champion - Sundos Al Nasser by RN Ashal & MS Elvia - owner Ajman Stud, U.a.e Senior Female Champion - ST Petroyka by AF damaskus & Petrouska II - owner Angelo Scipioni, Italy Junior Male Champion - ZT Magnanimus by AB Magnum & ZT Shakmontelite - owner Zichy, Argentina Senior Stallion Champion - Eternity Ibn Navarrone D by Ansata Sinan & Navarrone - owner Dion, Belgium 2007 – Aragno Gianmarco (IT) – Eberhardt Sylvie (A) – Marei Nasser (EGY) - Tengstedt Marrianne (NOR). Junior Female Champion - Venetzia by Versace & Giavanna owner Al Shaqab Stud , Qatar Senior Female Champion - Om El Shadina by Sanadik El Shaklan & Om El Shaina - owner Al Khalediah, K.s.a Junior Male Champion - Marquis Cahr by Marwan Al Shaqab & Rohara Magnifica - owner Al Khalediah, K.s.a Senior Stallion Champion - Dakharo by Dakar Al Jamaal & FOF Karolina - owner Al Khalediah, K.s.a 2008 – Garde Elhert Sylvia (A) – Machmoum Mohammed (MOR) – Norden Ann (….) - Santoro Francesco (IT). and truth. Within the present situation of the sector, which is almost withering away, following the cancellation of beautiful competitions that feel they are being excluded from a better future, the Menton show is yet living by what’s required today to be constructive. Junior Female Champion - Miss El Power by Power World & Elkada Sahibi - owner Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar Senior Female Champion - Venetzia by Versace & Giavanna owner Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar Junior Male Champion - Baanderos by Marwan Al Shaqab & HS Bessolea - owner Al Khalediah, K.s.a Senior Stallion Champion - Nijem Ibn Eternity VI by Eternity Ibn Navarrone - owner Al Khalediah, K.s.a 2009 – Gagliani Titi (IT) – Marei Nasser (EGY) – Pihlstrom Richard (FR) - Trela Marek (POL). Junior Female Champion - Najdah Al Sobair by Marwan Al Shaqab & Bint Ludhan - owner Al Zobair, U.a.e. Senior Female Champion - Kwestura by Monogramm & Kwesta - owner Ajman Stud, U.a.e. Junior Male Champion - Maharaja Hom by Marajj & Miss Yahsminah - owner Mystica Arabians, Australia Senior Stallion Chamopion - Al Lahab by Laheeb & The Vision HG - owner Gestut Friedmann, Germany 2010 – Aragno Giancarlo 5IT) – Lacina Jaroslav (CZ) - Lowe Joanne (UK) – Machmoum Mohamed (MOR) Perroy Lenita (BRZ) – Pihlstrom Richard (FR). Junior Female Champion - Alma Al Tiglio by Ajman Moniscione & Amanda Al Tiglio - owner G.Buzzi, Italy Senior Female Champion - Athenaa by Ashkal Al Rayyan & …….. - owner Al Khalediah, K.s.a Junior Male Champion - Fadi Al Shaqab by Besson Carol & Abha Pyrapar - owner Al Shaqab, Qatar Senior Male Champion - Baanderos by Marwan Al Shaqab & HB Bessolea - owner Al Khalediah, K.s.a 2011 – Hain Manfred (A) – Marei Nasser (EGY) – Poth Willy (A) – Trela Marek (POL) - Van Wyk Marie Luise (ZA). Junior Female Champion - Ghazalat Al Khalediah by PA Gazsi & Argentina SS - owner Al Khalediah, K.s.a Senior Female Champion - CR Jasmeenah by WH Justice & Forget Me Not - owner Jassim Al Thani, Qatar Junior Male Champion - Kahil Al Shaqab by Marwan Al Shaqab & Otwo Mishaal - owner Al Shaqab, Qatar Senior Stallion Champion - Marquis Cahr by Marwan Al Shaqab & Rohara Magnifica owner Al Khalediah, K.s.a 2012 - Detailleur Koenraad (B) – Garde Elhert (A) – Marei Nasser (EGY) - Santoro Francesco (IT) – Stigler Irina (CH) Stojanowska Anna (POL). Yearling Female Champion - Aj Asyad by Marwan Al Shaqab & Aja Angelica - owner Ajman Stud, U.a.e. Junior Female Champion - Aj Siyadah by Vervaldee & Sweet Carolina - owner Ajman Stud, U.a.e. Senior Female Champion - FT Shaella by Sweeet Dream Desert & Soul Pretty - owner Dubai Stud, U.a.e Yearling Males Champion - Sultan Al Shaqab by Amir Al Shaqab & Abdha Al Shaqab - owner Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar Junior Male Champion - Wadee Al Shaqab by Marwan Al Shaqab & OFW Mishaal owner Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar Senior Stallion Champion - Dakharo by Dakar Al Jamaal & FOF Karolina - owner Al Khalediah, K.s.a 2013 - Aragno Gianmarco (IT) – Lowe Joanne (UK) – Marei Nasser (EGY) Norden Ann (…) – Schibler Renata (CH) Stojanowska Anna (POL). Yearling Female Champion - Minwah by Kahil Al Shaqab & LC Primavera - owner Al Jassimyah Farm, Qatar Junior Female Champion - Nada Al Shahania by Besson Carol & MFA Annie Song - owner Al Shahania, Qatar Senior Female Champion - FM Gloriaa by WH Justice & Psity Of Angel - owner Abdullah Al Thani, Qatar Yearling Male Champion - Prussia MI by Abdha Qatar & Parada - owner Abdullah Al Saud, K.s.a Junior Male Champion - EKS Alihandro by Marwan Al Shaqab & OF Psylhouette owner Athbah Stud, K.s.a Senior Stallion Champion - Baanderos by Marwan Al Shaqab & HB Bessolea - owner Al Khalediah, K.s.a 2014 – Detailleur Koenraad (B) – Hain Manfred (A) – Kammer Murillo (BRZ) Santoro Francesco (IT) – Schibler Renata (CH) – Trela Marek (POL). Yearling Female Champion - Aj Sawari by Marwan Al Shaqab & Siberia - owner Ajman Stud, U.a.e Junior Female Champion - D Shahla by Marajj & FT Shaella - owner Dubai Stud, U.a.e Senior Female Champion - Najdah Al Zobair by Marwan Al Shaqab & JFN Bint Ludhan - owner Al Zobair, U.a.e Yearling Male Champion - Ghazwan Al Jassimya by Marwan Al Shaqab & Athina El Jamaal owner Aljassimya, Qatar Junior Male Champion - Fa El Rasheem by Fa El Shawan & Virtuosa - owner Dubai Stud, U.A.E. Senior Stallion Champion - Marquis Cahr by Marwan Al Shaqab & Rohara Magnifica owner Al Khalediah, K.s.a 2015 – Darius Claudia (A) – Lacina Jaroslav (CZ) – Moschini Cristian (IT) - Rocco Vico (BRZ) – Stojanovska Anna (POL) – Veray Marc (FR). Yearling Female Champion - Sultanat Al Shaqab by Marwan Al Shaqab & OFW Mishaal - owner Al Shaqab, Qatar Junior Female Champion - Delight’s Divah by Ajman Moniscione & Honeys D - owner Alsayed Stud, K.s.a Senior Female Champion - Klassical Dream by Klass & Mustang - owner Al Khalediah, K.s.a Yearling Male Champion - Alexander by Excalibur & AR Most Irresistible - owner Alsayed Stud, K.s.a Junior Male Champion - Gallardo J by Esmerald J & Gomera - owner Ajman Stud, U.a.e Senior Stallion Champion - Hariry Al Shaqab by Marwan Al Shaqab & White Silk owner Al Shaqab, Qatar 2016 – Annatore Ferraroni Maria (IT) Bakker Cedes (NL) – Bialobok Jerzy (POL) - Hain Manfred (A) – Polo Joseph -USA) Veray Marc (FR). Yearling Female Champion - D Ajayeb by RFI Farid & Lady Veronika - owner Dubai Stud, U.a.e Junior Female Champion - Elle Flamenca by Ajman Moniscione & Alla Mara - owner Dubai Stud, U.a.e. Senior Female Champion - Aijana OS by Ajman Moniscione & Mikaella - owner Albaydaa Stud, Egypt Yearling Male Championship - D Seraj by Fa El Rasheeem & Lady Veronika - owner Dubai Stud, U.a.e Junior Male Championship Senior Stallion Champion - EKS Alihandro by Marwan Al Shaqab & Of Psylhouette - owner Athbah Stud 2017 – Hennekens Van Nes Helen (B) – Huet Régis (FR) – Moschini Cristian (IT) - Schibler Renata (CH) – Tarczynski Tomasz (POL). Yearling Female Champion - Sweira Al Jassimya by SWA Magic One & Baraka - owner Al Jassimya, Qatar Junior Female Champion - Mozn Albidayer by SWA Magic One & Matahari - owner Albidayer Stud, U.a.e Senior Female Champion - Shirin By Aisha by WH Justice & Aisha - owner Athbah Stud, K.s.a Yearling Male Champion - HL El Ganador by HP Shakir & Lonco Bay Maria - owner Hanaya Stud, CH Junior Male Champion - Fuerte by Shanghai EA & Frymuzska owner Sami Ben Saad Senior Stallion Champion - Wadee Al Shaqab by Marwan Al Shaqab & OFW Mishaal - owner Al Shaqab CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS 2018 23RD – 24TH JUNE 2018 This year’s theme is ‘Pirates’. The original decorations for the arena usually made of oranges and lemons have been changed accordingly, a new thing that is very much appreciated by an audience certainly not so large and not in a real orgasmic situation. 99% of the specialists in the field come from the Gulf countries and the Middle East, thus the title of the event is fully respected. Gathering handlers in the arena, all lined up and well-dressed in their ‘sailor’s jersey uniforms’, is a good idea that offers the best visual effect. It will be unrealistic to think that all these competitors are there in perfect camaraderie, timelines and success indicators are immediate, tension is clearly perceptible among them. It looks like it has become useless to recite the Judges’ oath just before the championships when, in the end, everyone knows what to expect; as well as for singing the French national anthem that is no longer formally in line with the level of this specific competition: Menton is part of Europe so it will be more acceptable for the European anthem to be intoned. A plethora of photographers is crouched down around the arena hindering horses and judges, including a press officer who is partner of the event, hence, not allowed to go where the judges are accommodated to start a debate… These things can be seen in the video, they are showing situations to be taken into account for any credibility to claim. At this level of competition, where it is necessary to ensure everything is needed, why are electronic mark cards still not used given that they do not offer any objections? Marks on paper offer too many negative human interpretations which, besides the principle of eliminating the highest and lowest mark that must be abolished, are absolutely heresy. The question can also be legitimately raised as to a real anti-doping test with a public record, since this shall be made available for legal use. A real conflict of interest is noted as to the fact that in the catalog, the colt No. 118 Shakell De Lafon, ranking 7th in his category, is bred by two members as husband and wife who are also officiating in the Disciplinary Commission. Their impartiality is largely subject to questioning. Promising and attractive premiums probably attract commitments as listed in the catalog with 129 registrations but with an actual presence of 88 horses on departure. The final Championships take place under unusual weather conditions with a real flood that however do not hinder the self-sacrifice of the owners to have their horses presented. A special thank you to the handlers who this time had a hard job to do indeed. The Menton show can live thanks to the dedication from customary volunteers who must take their credit for it. Congratulations also to the Organizers for their tenacity in supporting the event. For sure, there is a reason for it.