|
THE LEGEND OF THE BLOODY SHOULDER ARABIAN
Once upon a time, many years ago in the desert of Arabia, there
was a Bedouin Warrior who owned a very special Arabian mare, the
mare he rode into battle and to whom he entrusted his life.
Theirs was a very special relationship, a
bond of trust, love and mutual respect. Either would have given
their life for the other.
In fact, their bond of trust was so strong that the mare often "read
her master's thoughts", doing exactly what he needed at exactly
the right time, allowing them to win many battles, and to be the
envy of all the Bedouin tribes.
Years passed and one day in a fierce battle the master was severely
wounded, falling across the neck and shoulder of his beloved war
mare. Although her master was unconscious and she was many miles
from home, the mare balanced her master across her shoulder carefully
carrying him toward home. She walked for days without food or water
to return her master to his family.
When the courageous mare finally arrived at the encampment, she
was exhausted and weak and her master was dead. As the family carefully
removed the master's body, they saw that the mare's shoulder was
heavily stained with his blood, leaving a distinct red mark on her
shoulder.
Although they had lost their leader, the Bedouin family was eternally
grateful to the mare for delivering his body from battle. They knew
that the long journey had been very difficult for the courageous
mare, and they were very concerned because she was heavily in foal.
As the days passed, the cherished mare received only the best of
food and care, and she was visited and admired not only by members
of the master's tribe, but all the other tribes in the area.
Finally the time of her foaling arrived, and
there was great concern for the cherished war mare. But when the
long-awaited foal was born,
he was vigorous and healthy and of exceptional quality. He also bore
the identical "bloody shoulder" that his mother had from
her master's blood.
It was then that the Bedouin tribe realized that Allah had rewarded
this mare and their tribe for their courage, loyalty and faith, and
that the bloody shoulder was a reminder of his favor.
Since that time, hundreds of years have passed. But once in a great
while there is a mare of exceptional beauty, quality and courage
who foals a very special foal graced by God with the bloody shoulder.
The Bedouins have continued the belief that this is a sign of Allah's
favor. Who are we to disagree?
As told by Carol Deegan, a friend, horsemaster
and scholar of the Howettatt tribe. As printed in Arabian Horse World.

2003
National Australian Champion, Champion Yearling Colt.
East
Coast Champion, Champion Yearling colt. . Michael Ollinger (USA)
2004
Top 10 Junior Colt, Australian National Arabian Championships.
Junior
Champion and SUPREME MALE EXHIBIT. Pan Pacific Showcase. Judge; Dr.
Francesco Santoro. Italy.
Intermediate
Champion Colt. Queensland State Championships - Challenge show. Judge;
Judith Forbis (USA)
2004
Champion Colt. Victorian Classic. Judge; Greg Hazelwood. (USA) |