Any important event has its own successes as well as its own controversies. In both cases, the Arabian horse’s sector does not fail to occupy people’s minds and it continues to fuel debates that are more or less supported by truths of how it should be in reality. However, since the creation of the European Championship in France its activity still continues to this day. Without being too controversial, many things need to be improved for the future. The Arabian horse industry is becoming a problem especially for European breeders who do not see their work be adequately rewarded. They are confronted with many foreign breeders and wealthy investors with limitless financial resources. For sure, this is a very good thing for the organizers of competitions, while it is most certainly not for all those who in the current context are participating in less and less useful events for the promotion of the Arabian horse. Do not lose sight of the fact that the purebred Arabian horse has ridden through the centuries and he can still fascinate people at European events. The latter will only survive thanks to the determination of the bravest characters that will have to invent another kind of competition or quality events. According to international practices and conveniences relating to all gatherings as well as to any human or sports sector bearing the European title of a major event in the strict sense, current competitions can only be legally accessed by nationals who belong to the European Community from birth. Thus, the ownership of a property or an animal does not confer citizenship to a foreigner who has even invested in a EU member state. In truth, nothing has really changed in recent years. Resentment has been further exacerbated by the results of the 2018 European Championship where we could hear the anthems of European countries four times. The public audience expressed their disagreement without even standing up during the awards ceremony. This is not an offence. This is about compliance with the rules governing one’s membership to a continent. In any National Competition held in the Middle East it has never been observed or heard that a foreign anthem is being sung for a European owner. Today’s organizers’ compulsive drives for power combined with the huge windfall brought by investors from the Gulf countries have twisted a lot of peoples’ minds. No sense of fairness is being applied to many competitions organized in Europe. Wh e t h e rdecisions continue to be taken by decision- makers with no compliance with the international law, it will also be the end of the European Championship. A sad end accompanied by the changes which however are in the pipelines for year 2019. In order to revive this state of affairs, and also not to lose the interest shown by rich investors from the Gulf countries, from 2019 it will be necessary to set up a competition which for instance could bear the title of ‘Intercontinental Arabian Horse Championship’. A competition that will be open to any horse registered to any recognized Stud Book. Probably, by doing that, the current state of affairs will be sorted out, while the industry will be able to regenerate the horses who have just won at any International Affiliate competition. A lot remains to be done about the sensitive issue of the weak-minded judges, so eager to please. To reminisce about the good old days throughout the 2018 European show season, which is now coming to an end, you will find below the Championships that have marked the history of the Arabian horse on the old continent. DATES & PLACES Paris - France 1979 – 1980 – 1981 – 1982 – 1983 – 1984 - Leyden – Netherlands 1985 Oostende – Belgium 1987 - Frauenfeld – Schweiz 1988 - Fontainebleau – France 1989 Lier – 2014 - 2016 – 2018 - Menton – France 1993 - Vichy – France 1996 - Verona – Italy 1997 – 1999 – Wilhemsborg – Sweden 2000 - Verona – Italy 2001 – 2003 – 2005 – 2007 – 2009 – 2011 – 2013 – 2015 – 2017 - Moorsele – Belgium 2002 – 2004 – 2006 – 2008 – 2010 – 2012 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 1979 Kalilah, grey .. .by SaintSimon & Kazminda Enklawa, grey … by Bandos & Engracja El Borr, grey….. by Espartero & Borexia Kaborr, grey…..by Naborr & Bint Kholaheb The 1979 European Championship was included in the program of the International Days of the Arabian Horse set up by the French Arab Horse Agency in the framework of the Salon du Cheval organized by Spodex. It was an incredible event with the participation of excellent purebred Arabian horses, each possessing a rare and a sought after pedigree. The preliminary classes of selection kicked off the competition in deep silence. The greatest connoisseurs of the breed came in from all over the world. They garnished the tribunes holding the precious catalog and a pen in their hands, so to follow the evolution of the competition. At that time, exchanges were at a level never met until today. In the participating classes we can note the presence of some iconic reproducers: •Idoki, female by Negus II & Nundina III by Saludo – owner Georges Perret, France •AK Abriel, female by Ibn Moniet El Nefous & Monissa by Rushan – owner Bentwood Farm, U.s.a. •Taniec, female by Ansata El Arabi & Hi Tam Raffmeta – owner Tom Chauncey Arabians, U.s.a. 1979 Taniec •Algerina, female by Ellorus & Algeria by Célébès – owner Stadina Konie Poland •Chafiza, female by Shaker El Masri & Promedita by Chamzar – owner Haras de Chaumont, France •Enklawa, female by Bandos & Engracja by Comet – owner Stadina Konie, Poland •Fa Halima, female by Ansata Ibn Halima & Sabrah by Fabah – owner Bentwood Farm, U.s.a. •Ramses, male by Fikri & Nora by Ibn Fahkri – owner Tore Svensson, Sweden •Sakhs, stallion by Morafic & Shiaa by Alaa El Din – owner Maxwell Arabians, U.k •Blue Hassan, stallion by Hamdan II & Mawaheb by Ibn Hafiza – owner Piduch, Germany •Negus II, stallion by Zafiro & Smalia by Congo – owner Dr Georges Perret, France •Ansata Abbas Pasha, stallion by Ansata Ibn Halima & Ansata Bint Mabrouka by Nazeer – owner Bentwood Farm, U.s.a. To give an Oriental image linked to the purebred Arabian Horse, Cernay Stud installed in the Yvelines offered a beautiful painting of three stallions: Aquarius, Eao and Fayek, mounted by riders wearing costumes of desert nomads. A good memory for all visitors. EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 1980 Like any success that brings about even necessary evolution, this high-end edition was placed under the Presidency of HRH Princess Lalla Amina from Morocco. The competition gathered two major events. The European Championship with its four categories directly open to classified horses at preliminary screening; and later the 1st World Championship with four age categories: Junior Females of 3 years old, Senior Females of 4 years and older, with same age categories for Male contenders. As in the previous year, the success of this European Championship broke through the international calendar of prestigious competitions. Although having a defined Regulation, competitions of the time were substantially free from any conflict of interests and any compromise. Entry applications were too many to recall each of them. Once again, the participation featured high quality purebred Arabian horses whose famous ‘Golden Cross’ made its first appearance. And, once more, they all amazed an audience that had become a fine ‘connoisseur’ of the breed. Let us mention: •Katun, female 1968 by Aswan & Kapella by Priboj – owner Joseph Peeters, Belgium •B’Zoula, female 1972 by Burhan & Quintana by As Saad Al Ali – owner Morocco Stud, Morocco •Estawa, female 1974 by Shaker El Masri & Estopa by Tabal – owner Om El Arab, Germany •El Masra, female 1978 by Shaker El Masri & Estasha by Shaker El Masri – owner Om El Arab, Germany •Seja, female 1974 by Hadban Henzahi & Sethnacht by Hadban Henzahi – owner Mundinger, Germany •Gamal El Din Ibn Feshira, male by Kaisoon & Feshira Bint Shaker by Shaker El Masri – owner Hennen, Belgium •El Shaklan, stallion 1975 by Shaker El Masri & Estopa by Tabal – owner Om El Arab, Germany •Numizmat, stallion 1974 by Aswan & Nemezida by Arax – owner Joseph Peeters, Belgium •El Jafoul, stallion 1975 by As Saad El Aali & Saloua by Eglantier – owner Morocco Stud, Morocco EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 1981 Resumption of the activities from Spodex Company by C.e.n.e.c.a. - National Center for Agricultural Exhibitions and Competitions – chaired by Senator Michel Souplet, directed by Mr. Marc Couillens and technically supported by William Richardot de Choisey as regards the Salon du Cheval. The latter created and improved Arabian horse competi-tions under the conditions set out before with the Spodex. EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 1982 To further showcase the European Genetics of purebred Arabian horses, this year’s event saw good horses compete in strong classes. •Pénalba, female 1979 by Kilimandscharo & Pionga – owner Make Believe Fam, U.s.a •Orla II, female by Galero & Garipa – owner Rivero Miro - Spain •El Mokari, male 1981 by El Shaklan & Mohena – owner Om El Arab, Germany •Ibn Espopa, male 1977 by & Estopa Shaker El Masri – owner Om El Arab, Germany EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 1987 •Saskia RJ, grey 1984 by Plakat & Barnwa •Pilarka, grey 1975 by Palas & Pierzga •Waracz, grey by Haracz & Wolga •Penitent, grey 1979 by Partner & Penza EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 1989 •Marenga, grey 1998 by Menès & Marel •Gruzza, grey 1978 by Andrut & Gwardia •Negresco, grey 1998 by Neman & Neschi •Piruet, grey 1983 byProbat & Piezec EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS 1993 •Maikova grey 1992 by Vatica & Miradowa by Mir •Karaganda, grey 1986 by Gwizd & Kaluga by Aswan •Taladdin, dark bay…by Dwd Tabasco & Winnetka by Aladdin •Monitor, chestnut 1988 by Nimroz & Matritsa by Topol EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2001 •Destiny Bint Eternity, grey 2000 by Eternity Ibn Navarrone & OFW Elycja •Eskalopa, grey ….. by Monogramm & Egzotyka •Al Lahab, grey 2000 by Laheeb & Vision HG •Emigrant, grey 1991 by Ararat & Emigrantka EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2002 •Lady Psyche, bay 2001 by Psytadel & Ibara •Shadra, grey…..by El Shaklan & Hal Sheena •Marwan Al Shaqab, bay 2001 by Gazal Al Shaqb & Little Liza Fame •Khidar, grey 1997 by Ansata Sinan & Elizja EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2003 •Palanga, bay 2002 by Ekstern & Panika •Gelgelah Albadeia, grey 1995 by Imperial Madori & Anhar Albadeia •SG Dagash, grey…. by Davidoff & Verbala •Escape Ibn Navarrone, grey…. by As Sinans Pacha & Navarrone P EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2004 •Pianissima, bay 2003 by Gazal Al Shaqab & Pianosa •El Dorada, grey 1998 by Sanadik El Shaklan & Emigrantka •Nijem Ibn Eternity, grey 2003 by Eternity Ibn Navarrone D & Naravna •Hlayyil Ramadan, grey 1996 by Kamar El Zaman & Haboub EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2005 •Panarea, grey 2004 by WH Justice & Palawan •Palmeta, grey 2001 by Ecaho & Pilica •Ma Shadow El Sher, grey 2004 by El Sher Man & Cal Yenna El Jamaal •HS Etiquette, grey 1998 by Simeon Sadik & Etenta 1982 Penalba 1991 Medalj EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2006 •Emandoria, grey 2004 by Gazal Al Shaqab & Emanda •Loubna, grey 1997 by Imperial Imdal & Imperial Kalatifa •Fever Ibn Eternity, grey 2005 by Eternity Ibn Navarrone & WH Marissa Rose •Ma Shadow El Sher, grey 2002 by El Sher Man & Caleynna El Jamaal EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2007 •Pistora, grey 2004 by Gazal Al Shaqab & Palmira •Atheena, grey 2002 by Ashhal Al Rayyan & Ass Windi •Memphis 27, grey 2005 by El Amin & Sa Misha Apal •Bs Specific, grey 2000 by Sandstorm & Basara Saiyana EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS 2008 •Abha Palma, bay 2006 by Marwan al Shaqab & Abha Gazali par Sel Perfecto •Ali Moniscione, chesnut 2007 by Psytadel & Alianna Moniscione •Pianissima, bay 2003 by Gazal Al Shaqab & Pianosa par Monogramm •Nijem ibn Eternity, grey 2004 by Eternity ibn Navaronne & Naravna EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS 2009 •Juwanda OS, grey 2007 by WH Justice & Shak Lavanda •Kwestura, chestnut 1995 by Monogramm & Kwesta •Abha Qatar, chestnut 2007 by Marwan Al Shaqab & ZT Ludjalka •FS Shamaal, chestnut 2000 by Maysoon & Sarameena EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010 •Fm Gloriaa, grey 2007 by Wh Justice & Magnum Psyché •Aja Justified, grey 2007 by Wh Justice & Aja Beneja •Emandoria, grey 2004 by Gazal al Shaqab & Emanda par Ecaho •Ma Shadow el Sher, grey 2002 by El Sher Mann et Calyenna el Jamaal EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011 •Marc’s Star, bay 2010 by Qr Marc & Fs Magic •Alia EA, grey 2006 by Khidar & Arabeska •Shanghai EA, grey 2008 by Why Justice & Sealyham by Khadar •Lorenzo El Bri, grey 2003 by Ch el Brillo & Lara el Ludjin EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013 •Ajmaniah OS, bay 2012 by Aja Moniscione & AB Nastrapsy •Nastya OS, bay 2010 by Marajj & AB Nastrapsy •Emandoria, grey 2004 by Gazal al Shaqab & Emanda •Primera, bay 2009 by Eden C & Preria •Maestro des Alpes, bay 2012 by Marwan al Shaqab & Maya des Alpes •Dali, bay 2011 by Lazaal & Elektra •Shanghai EA, grey 2008 by WH Justice & Salymah EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2014 •Mounira J, grey 2014 by Emerald J & Magnificent Lady J •Piacolla, bay 2012 by Enzo & Polonica •Primera, bay 2009 by Eden C & Preria •Gallardo J, bay 2013 by Emerald J & Gomera J •Excalibur EA, grey 2011 by Shanghai EA & Essence Of Marwan •Equator, bay 2010 by Qr Marc & Ekliptyka EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2015 •Adelita, grey 2014 by Kahil Al Shaqab & Altamira •Penelope KA, grey 2012 by Qr Marc & Polonia •Aj Azzam, bay 2014 by Aj Mardan & Ysadora •Gallardo J, bay 2013 by Emerald J & Gomera J •Equator, bay 2010 by Qr Marc & Ekliptyka EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2016 •HDM Maria Apal, bay 2015 by RFI Farid & WW Imania Apal •MM Niyama, grey 2014 by WH Justice & Nautis El Perseus •Etnologia, grey 2003 by Gazal Al Shaqab & Etalanta •MM Jabari, chestnut 2015 by Eks Alihandro & MM Julietta •Gallardo J, bay 2013 by Emerald J & Gomera J •Im Bayard Cathare, chestnut 2004 by Padrons Immage & Shamilah Bagheera EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 •Aj Norah, chestnut 2016 by Aj Mardan & Inspired Najla •Da Alihandra, grey 2015 by Eks Alihandro & Da Miss Justice •Menes El Markhisa, grey 2011 by Marwan Al Shaqab & Nesj El Khisaya •Aj Radman, chestnut 2016 by Aj Mardan & Aj Rahifa •Wortex Kalliste, grey 2014 by Shanghai EA & Marvannah Kalliste •Excalibur EA, grey 2011 by Shanghai EA & Essence Of Marwan EA.