S pa town ‘par excellence’ and ancient French city, Vichy has got no shortage of heritage and architectural attractions to magnetize passing tourists and spa guests in search of well-being. What marks the most to Vichy, surely the remains of the thermal center of the nineteenth century. One can still admire an eclectic and impressive architectural ensemble like the Allier Napoleon III Park, a covered metal gallery of the Parc des Sources, with its chestnut and plane trees, or the Dômes spa center. The Congress Palace, Opera, 1865, is also a must in the city. This former large casino decor Rudnicki Art Nouveau painter is complemented with a performance hall, lounges and a ballroom. The sources that have made the reputation of Vichy can be discovered, like the source Chomel, that of the Hospital or that of Celestine, in the lobby of the sources, all glass a n d m e t a l . R e v e re d in poorly healing spa guests, the Black Madonna of St. Blaise church, Notre-Dame-desMalades, takes its place amidst beautiful stained glass windows and mosaics in very modern style. On the banks of the Allier largest confluence of the Loire, parks and other green spaces abound. On both sides of Bellerive Bridge, the English-style gardens are an opportunity to stroll and enjoy the weather, while walking on the right bank appointed allows picnicking, biking to walk on the tracks bike or to relax. Tastefully renovated, extensively pedestrianised and decorated with flowers, Vichy’s town centre is ideal for strolling and shopping seven days a week including on public holidays. However, the ex-capital of France is not only the place to look after yourself! We cannot ignore either virtues or appeal of its mineral sources, yet, the beautiful historical town and the famous spas have all become protagonists of one of the not-to-miss International Arabian horses shows in Europe. For years now Vichy welcomes Arabian Horse Shows with admirable style. Our wonderful horses, the luxurious structure of the Stade du Sichon, the impeccable organization of M.me Christiane and Daniel Souppat (A.C.A.S.) make this exceptional venue possible year after year while Albidayer Stud has served as the main sponsor. Held on 22nd23rd July in an enthusiastic atmosphere, the ECAHO International B show has celebrated this year its 6th anniversary as an international show. And the show was really international with a very high level of horses. Many French breeders have enthusiastically taken part in the show together with the other 14 nations competing for the title! The team of Judges on this occasion was formed by: Mrs. Sylvie Eberhardt (Germany); Mr. Trela Marek (Poland); Dr. Mohamed Machmoum (Morocco); Mr. Cedes Bakker (Netherlands); Mr. Marc Veray (France). The Disciplinary Committee was composed by: Dr. Malak Benamar (Morocco); Mrs. Serenella Zerbini – Santoro (Italy); Dr. Gilles Hodenq (France) and Mr. Eggink Gijs (Belgium). In his role of Ringmaster, the impeccable Mr. Alain Ladek (France). This year the live-streaming and the voiceover were managed by Mr. Michaël Steurs from Belgium. The Venue followed its schedule perfectly. Colts, fillies and mares were shown on Saturday along with the 4-6 years Stallions; on Sunday there followed the Final Championships and Special Prizes. The Great Final started at 2:30 pm and opened with a little surprise for all guests: the exhibition of the Stallion Sabir Albidayer from Albidayer Stud. Right after this admirable presentation, the Yearling Fillies category kicked off the competition. Gold medal winner the bay D WASAYEF (WADEE AL SHAQAB x ROYAL EMIRA) proudly owned and bred by DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD and presented by handler Paolo Capecci. Silver medal winner the grey PRINCESS MARWAN RC (MARWAN AL SHAQAB x AL PRINCESS ALIH) bred and owned by ROYAL CAVALRY OF OMAN and presented by handler Franck Cibois. Bronze medal winner the grey D FEDDAH (SHANGHAI EA x D JOWAN) bred and owned by DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD and presented by Paolo Capecci. As for the Yearling Colts category, Gold medal winner the bay D IBN RASHEEM (FA EL RASHEEM x ANGELICCAH) bred and owned by DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD and presented by handler Paolo Capecci. Silver medal winner the bay LAZEEZ AL SHAHANIA (EKS ALIHANDRO x ZT MAKBEY) bred by AL SHAHANIA STUD, owned by COMBETTE MICHEL and presented by handler Bernat Tolra. Bronze medal winner the grey RAYAN RC (IM BAYARD CATHARE x ROA’A) bred and owned by ROYAL CAVALRY OF OMAN and presented by handler Franck Cibois. As for the Juniors Fillies category, Gold medal winner the grey JUMANA DELPALAZZOTTO (WH JUSTICE x ZB LAMANTE) bred by AZ. AGR. IL PALAZZOTTO owned by ALSAQRAN ARABIAN HORSE STUD and presented by handler Roberto Zaniboni. Silver medal winner the bay D YARA (FA EL RASHEEM x FRASERA MASHAR) bred and owned by DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD and presented by handler Paolo Capecci. Bronze medal winner the bay JAMEELAH AL ADEYAT (FADI AL SHAQAB x JUVITA) bred and owned by ROYAL CAVALRY OF OMAN and presented by handler Franck Cibois. In the Junior Colts category, Gold medal winner the chestnut PERSEUS KA (ESPRESSIVO x PHIROUETTES) bred by GHEYSENS PAUL, owned by DANIEL GROSSI and presented by handler Paolo Capecci. Silver medal winner the chestnut TCHAATA INIZIATO (INIZIO x AVALON JUST MYW) bred by TCHAATA ARABIANS, owned by LYS D’OR ARABIANS and presented by handler Bernat Tolra. Bronze medal winner the grey THE PRINCE EA (EXCALIBUR EA x LAMIRA) bred by AGROPECUARIA DEL MOIANES, owned by LYS D’OR ARABIANS and presented by handler Bernat Tolra. Next was the Senior Female Championship. Gold medal winner the beautiful grey REDWOOD LODGE SAFFIQUA (REDWOOD LODGE ARTIQUE x REDWOOD LODGE) bred by STEPHEN PATRICK, owned by ALSAQRAN STUD and presented by handler Paolo Capecci. Silver medal winner the bay PERVINKASETTIMOCIELO (AJMAN MONISCIONE x ELGIRIA) bred by MARIA FERRARONI, owned by TAREK MAMOUN and presented by handler BERNAT TOLRA. Bronze medal winner the grey L’IMPERATRICE EA (SHANGHAI EA x LAMIRA) bred by EQUUS ARABIANS, owned by JJ ARABIANS and presented by handler MATHIEU MILOUX On it went the Senior Stallions championship which concluded this elegant show that, like every year on Sunday night, saw a clash among titans with world champions and other winners of the most successful international competitions contending for the first place on the podium. A championship with a line-up of three stunning Purebred Arabian sires, divining the quality always present at this show! Gold medal winner the stunning chestnut D KHATTAF (ROYAL COLOURS x D JOWAN) bred and owned by DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD and presented by Paolo Capecci. Silver medal winner the chestnut JAHAMAL DE CARTHEREY (AJMAN MONISCIONE x YALLAH BINT MAH) bred by RIGAT CHANTAL, owned by MANTILLERI JEAN & COUTTY ANNE and presented by handler MATHIEU MILOUX. Bronze medal winner the grey FREE GANGES (MUNDHER AL SHAQAB x BASMA PASB) bred by GEMAR SRL, owned by GEMAR SRL/VITTORIO GENTILLI and presented by handler Giacomo Boscarino. Moreover, Best French Horse the grey REDWOOD LODGE SAFFIQUA (REDWOOD LODGE ARTIQUE x REDWOOD LODGE) bred by STEPHEN PATRICK, owned by ALSAQRAN STUD and presented by handler Paolo Capecci. Best Foreign Horse the chestnut PERSEUS KA (ESPRESSIVO x PHIROUETTES) bred by GHEYSENS PAUL, owned by DANIEL GROSSI and presented by handler Paolo Capecci. Best European Mare the grey L’IMPERATRICE EA (SHANGHAI EA x LAMIRA) bred by EQUUS ARABIANS, owned by JJ ARABIANS and presented by handler Mathieu Miloux. The Best Movement award was given to the bay PERVINKASETTIMOCIELO (AJMAN MONISCIONE x ELGIRIA). Most Beautiful Head was the bay PRISTINA LD (VEGAS DPA x CATALINA SF). Best in Show the fabulous D IBN RASHEEM (FA EL RASHEEM x ANGELICCAH). In a frame of lights and sounds effect, the 7th intense edition of this show full of high quality horses and perfectly organized by M.me Christiane and Daniel Souppat (Acas) came to an end, a fundamental stage for the International circuit. Now, enjoy the pictures by Mr. Jan Kan (Netherlands) which are here below showing the champions, their owners and breeders and some moments from this fantastic event. Arabian Horse Magazine warmly invites you all to put the Vichy Show 2018 on your next year’s agenda.