The Institute for the Desert Arabian Horse is committed to the global preservation of the Desert Arabian horse. We aim to identify the worldwide population, demonstrate publicly their athleticism and versatility, provide models of sound breeding practices, and conduct historical and scientific research. (Full mission statement)

Hugh Fillmore (June 3, 1941 — July 17 2011)

Hubert Fillmore approached Arabian horse breeding as he approached all aspects of his life, with full-throated enthusiasm, determination, and a grand vision. He embraced the concepts of preservation breeding and supported preservation efforts with fervor and generosity. He bred selectively, and was well known among California Arabian horse lovers.

Hugh worked within the Heirloom (pre-R.A.S. Egyptian) paradigm and supported the Heirloom preservation effort with generous sponsorship of Heirloom Egyptian Arabian Horses, 1840-2000 and subsequent publications of Heirloom Arabians, to which he was a frequent contributor. He advertised in the preservation magazines Khamsat and Al Khaima. He was one of the earliest sponsors of the gallery in The Babson Influence: A Retrospective.

Hugh purchased the Pritzlaff /Weeks mare So Soniet in 1996 from Irene and Brad Aborn. Taken with her sweet temperament and doe-like beauty, her acquired two of her offspring and got a colt out of her by the prolific Heirloom stallion, Saud El Ameer. He called So Soniet and her brood his “Fab Four.” Hugh proceeded to acquire more Pritzlaff-bred horses, notably the sport horse sire Rashad Nefuso RSI from longtime breeder Ernest Golden. Golden also introduced Hugh to the Pritzlaff horses of Germain Egyptian Arabians in Canada. From Dynasty Egyptian Arabians, Hugh leased the grand old horse Snowlion RSI and purchased his only Heirloom son, DE Nahed. Hugh listened to longtime breeders and mentored new breeders and owners of Heirloom Arabians.

Alongside from his interest in the Pritzlaff bloodlines, Hugh purchased his first Straight Babson mare, Princeton Negma, in 1998. Although he never got a foal from Negma, she hooked him on the Babson magic. He acquired three SBE Charab daughters and a blind granddaughter of one of these mares by Char Iswid. From longtime breeder Jay Gormley, Hugh got Ibn Fa Asar, the Babson stallion that completely stole his heart, and from Springmeadow Ranch he acquired the lovely Tariifah Bint Aurora. These horses produced two exquisite fillies for Hugh’s Rarest-of-the-Rare Egyptian Arabians program before Hugh’s sudden and untimely death on July 17, 2011.

As with all of us, there was much more to Hugh Fillmore’s life than his horses, but in his later years, the Desert Arabian was his core. We celebrate his contributions to the Desert Arabian community even as we miss his indefatigable laughter and enthusiasm. May his horses and their descendants gallop through the coming decades, tossing their heads with tails aloft and nostrils flaring, drinking the wind.

DRINKERS OF THE WIND
PERFORMANCE AWARD NEWS
Congratulations to OT Sara Moniet, the 2010 winner with five first-place finishes (including the Scottsdale Dynamite Dash of 100 miles) and six other top tens in AERC competition. She was bred, trained, and ridden by Crockett Dumas. Reserve is Shy Gayfeen++++//, who was also our 2007 Champion. He is owned and ridden by Cori Wilson in Hunter Pleasure.

Our Schooling/Local Show champion is Aelfleah Hadhafang, owned by Tamara Woodcock and ridden by Junior Sheyenne Boone. Reserve is TreffHavenAlizeer, owned and ridden by Chris Bode.

See the February issue of Al Majlis for complete top ten results and more pictures. If you ride or drive, enroll now for 2011. Participation is FREE. Contact Susan Mayo ().

SYMPOSIUM 2011 – THE INSTITUTE COMES TO YOU
For 2011 the Institute will sponsor several regional symposia rather than holding a single event that requires people to travel long distances. The first will be Saturday, March 26, in Delevan, Wisconsin. The event is jointly sponsored by the Institute and WEAHA (Wisconsin Egyptian Arabian Horse Association). The Institute will present the afternoon session, with a focus on genetic issues for breeders. Contact: Mark Rustebakke ()

Al Majlis News - February 2011 is the current issue

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LAVENDER FOAL SYNDROME GENETIC TEST NOW AVAILABLE
Research conducted at Cornell University shows that Lavender Foal Syndrome is caused by a mutation that works as a simple recessive. A horse with a single copy of the mutated gene is not affected; a horse with two copies is affected. LFS is thus inherited just like SCID and Cerebellar Abiotrophy. By avoiding carrier-to-carrier matings, breeders can avoid producing affected foals.

A test is now available from Cornell. Go to http://desertarabian.org/LFS_Test_Information.php for more information and instructions on how to submit test samples.

Go to http://www.plosgenetics.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pgen.1000909 to read the newly published paper. Our next issue of “Al Majlis” will offer a non-scientific summary of the paper.

ORAL HISTORY PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
The Institute has begun an Oral History Program that will capture, on video, the recollections of those whose associations with the Desert Arabian horse laid the foundation for breeding in the 21st century.
    The first interviews will be conducted with people associated with the rapid growth of Desert Arabian horse breeding from the 1950s to 1980s and the development of preservation breeding through both formal and informal organizations. The Institute seeks to capture the memories and viewpoints of people involved in the full breadth of bloodlines and breeding traditions.
    The program will be led by Kent Mayfield as Principal Investigator. Longtime historians and former breeders Joe Ferriss and Lisa Lacy will serve as advisors. The program will be conducted under the model developed by Baylor University, the leader in the discipline of Oral History since 1970. More information, including the press release, program description, and program plan can be found here.

THE BABSON INFLUENCE: A Retrospecive
ONLY $95 PLUS SHIPPING
Place your order via email to

The first major publication of the Institute chronicles Henry Babson’s importations from Egypt, Canada, England, and Poland, and traces the influence of these horses in Arabian breeding around the world.

Get yours while this limited edition is still available —
only $95 plus shipping ($5 U.S., $30 Canada)
Email
or download an order form.
Also available in the UK (www.thearabianmagazine.com)
and in Australia (www.equinebookgallery.com)

READINGS IN CONSERVATION BREEDING -- Whether you are exploring the concept of conservation breeding or are seeking to broaden your knowledge of the genetics issues involved, you will find some interesting reading material here. These articles will both broaden your knowledge and challenge some long-held beliefs.

The Institute is a 501(c)(3) public charity and depends on donations from those who share a commitment to the Desert Arabian horse. Donations from individuals and businesses, and gifts from estates and trusts, are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. Donations may be made via PayPal or by contacting the Institute business office:

    email:
    business office: 2410 Sam Browning Road Lebanon, KY 40033