KALHARABI RAJA – 2008 WAHO Trophy Winner – Namibia

KALHARABI RAJA, Grey Mare, *2001 (Simmenau Gharun / Danon Rasheeda).
Owners and breeders: George & Belinda Wessels, Farm Valerie.
Strain: Kehaileh Rodanieh (Rodania, 1869).

The Arab Horse Breeders Society of Namibia is pleased to announce their 2008 WAHO Trophy winner.

Kalharabi Raja was born on the farm Valerie in Namibia on 25/11/2001. The Kalharabi Stud belongs to George and Belinda Wessels.

Raja grew up in open unspoilt Kalahari savanna-fields with camel thorn trees in this far-east part of Namibia. She had three foals which all had excellent individual achievements. One of them, Kalharabi Jadri, was the Namibian National filly champion in 2006.

As a six year old, Raja started her endurance career. She made rapid progress and her natural talent was soon recognized.

Kalharabi Raja with George Wessels
Kalharabi Raja with George Wessels

She was chosen for the Namibian Heavy Weight team for the African Championships in Walvis Bay in 2008. Ridden by the 100kg George Wessels himself, she excelled herself in this ride with only 320 recorded kilometers on her log book. After finishing second she also won the best conditioned award (also known as fittest horse award). This surely was a remarkable achievement!

The Heavy Weight team of Namibia also won the HW-division in the Tri-Nation competition among the three countries, South-Africa, Botswana and Namibia.

She has all the wonderful characteristics of a good endurance horse that make her one of the best. In physical appearance and spirit, Raja has combined all the virtues of the Arabian breed. Raja has proved herself on all the different levels: as a mother, as a breeding mare and as an excellent sport achiever. She really makes us proud!