Namibia

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MEMBER REPORTS

2019 REPORT:

The Arab Horse Breeders Society of Namibia has provided the following information. In 2017, 33 foals were registered. 8 horses were exported and 44 horses were imported. There were 2 shows and approximately 19 endurance competitions held. In 2018, 65 foals were registered.

2017 REPORT

The Arab Horse Breeders Society of Namibia has provided the following information. In 2016, 99 foals were registered. 5 horses were exported to South Africa and 17 horses imported from the U.S.A. and South Africa. In both 2016 and 2017 there were 2 Arabian shows and 25 endurance competitions. In 2017 the number of foals registered dropped to 33, this was due to an ongoing drought and adverse weather conditions. In 2017, 8 horses were exported to South Africa and 44 were imported from South Africa and Poland. Trail riding and gymkhana events are also popular activities.

A SYNOPSIS OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ARAB HORSE BREEDERS SOCIETY OF NAMIBIA
The Society proudly represents the majestic Arabian Horse in our vast country of over 800000 sq.km with its small population of under three million inhabitants. It is the guardian of over 1400 registered Arabian horses and cares for the interests of 98 breeders.
We are a Society not for gain and exist out of membership fees, sponsorships and funds generated from our functions and activities.
The support of the members and public is encouraged through regular articles in magazines and the news media. One event is the annual fun-filled “ARABIAN NIGHTS” function , an open air evening of barbeque fires, fire-eaters, belly dancers, horse races (reminiscent of the Moroccan Fantasia) and Arabian Costume parades. This year‘s event will take place mid December on the beach at the coastal town of Swakopmund. This is the most popular holiday destination in Namibia and will attract enthusiastic participants and spectators.
The yearly Arabian Horse National Show is held in September/October, well clear of the Summer rain season which brings the dreaded African Horse sickness. This year a Breeder’s Cup was presented for the first time. Our Breeders have become very selective and knowledgeable in breeding and acquiring horses and have contributed to the high standard of our show. Horses are bred from world class stallions, either from direct imports or artificial insemination.
The Arabian horse is favoured as the ultimate endurance horse in Namibia. Club and championship races are presented throughout the year. The Africa Endurance Ride in the Namib Desert has become the ultimate challenge. This year the Arabian Kalharabi Dakar won Namibia’s coveted WAHO Trophy.
We trust that all participants will benefit from this Conference. We sincerely hope that we will be able to attend in the future.
Please accept this as an open invitation to visit Namibia and its Arabian Horses.
For the love of the Arab.
Kind wishes,
Willem Paul Michau
President of the Arabian Horse Breeders Society of Namibia

REPORT MADE AT 2009 WAHO CONFERENCE:

My name is Mike Bredenkamp, I am representing the Arab Horse Breeders Society of Namibia.

Our current published stud book covers from January 2001 to December 2004, the next edition is due in March this year. The number of purebred Arabian foals registered during 2008 was 159, our number of imports was 42 and number of exports was 5. The estimated number of living Arabians in Namibia in 2008 was 974, which is an increase of 20% over the last 3 years. This increase can be mainly attributed to the increase in the popularity of endurance riding in Namibia, South Africa and neighbouring countries.

Only horses being exported are microchipped, and those are regulated and controlled by the State Veterinarians. DNA and parent verification is compulsory on all horses. We are in a transitional period to allow multiple foals per mare per year by Embryo Transfer.

Showing is our second biggest activity for Arabian horses in Namibia, our Society organizes various halter and ridden classes during our annual National Championships. The biggest activity for Arabian horses in Namibia is endurance riding. Namibia has entered the international arena and has competed at four World Championships during the last 4 years. On a regional basis, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana are competing annually and Namibia has been victorious in the region in these tri-nation competitions. The most prestigious endurance event in Namibia is the Africa Championships hosted in Walvisbay, this event has gained a new international interest due to the unique venue. This ride is partly in the Namib desert, crossing one of the highest dunes in the world, as well as the scenic part of the ride along the Atlantic Ocean. Other activities include tent-pegging. About 20% of the Arabians in Namibia are involved in all the above mentioned activities.

We award the WAHO Trophy annually, at the introduction of this award the interest was not that big due to lack of awareness and knowledge. However, interest in the award has grown during the last few years and breeders are now very conscious of this award. Nominations for the Trophy increase annually and breeders are now viewing this as a very prestigious award. Namibia would like to thank WAHO for the introduction of the WAHO Trophy and the opportunities it has created to indirectly improve breeding standards in the country. Further to the WAHO Trophy, we have also introduced trophies in endurance riding at the flagship event in Walvisbay. There is an award in each category for the first purebred registered Arabian, the motivation for this award is to raise the awareness of the exceptional ability and performance of the Arabian horse in this specific discipline. It is worth mentioning that at the 2008 event, all four category winners were registered purebred Arabians.

Awareness of the general public regarding knowledge and uses of the purebred Arabian is achieved by regular articles in newspapers, magazines, yearbooks, and by television coverage of events, we also have an active website with useful information for members and the general public. During Arabian related events, there is a perception that the general public is more knowledgeable and informed.

The Arab Horse Breeders Society of Namibia would like to thank WAHO for their dedication and the vital role they are playing in ensuring the growth and improvement of the Arabian horse industry.

PREVIOUS REPORTS:

The Arab Horse Breeders Society of Namibia was accepted as a full Registering Authority Member of WAHO at the 2002 Conference and their first and second stud books have been printed. Their horses were formerly registered for them by South Africa.

There has been a very good increase in the number of Arabian horses registered in Namibia. For example, in 2001 they reported 89 registered foals. In 2006, this has risen to 150 foals, with approximately 180 broodmares and 51 breeding stallions. All horses are DNA typed and all foals are parent verified by DNA prior to registration. 2 horses were exported to South Africa in 2006, and 10 were imported, 8 from South Africa and 2 from Zimbabwe. The use of Artificial Insemination, transported semen and embryo transfer are permitted.

Riding and especially endurance are popular activities for Arabian horses in Namibia. There are now 2 annual shows, and there are approximately 25 endurance rides. At present there is no racing. Another popular and unusual activity for Arabians is tent-pegging.

In 2007, Namibia registered 111 foals. Four horses were exported to South Africa, and 14 were imported from South Africa plus 10 from Germany.

Trophy Winners


SKAI JULJUL 2021 WAHO TROPHY WINNER – NAMIBIA

SKAI JULJUL  Grey stallion, 2017. (EKS Antiqua / EKS Justina). Breeder & Owner: W.P. Michau, Skai Arabians. Strain: Kehailan Moradi (Sahara, ca. 1840).

The Arab Horse Breeders Society of Namibia is pleased to announce the winner of their 2021 WAHO Trophy is the young stallion Skai Juljul.

Skai JulJul ridden by Bertus Tjipanga (Ouboet)

The Citation is from his breeder and owner, W.P. Michau:

“In Skai Juljul’s short existence of 4 years he has made his ancestors proud as a winner in the showring. In 2018 he was Namibian Colt Champion, Regional Colt Champion, Liberty Colt Champion and South African Northern Cape Reserve Champion Foal. In 2019 he won the South African Northern Cape Junior Champion stallion title. In 2021 he became the Namibian Junior Champion Stallion, Junior Show Hack Champion, Junior English Pleasure Champion And Junior Costume Champion. At the Namibian championship of 2021 he was voted best bred Namibian horse by judges Holger Ismer and Nadia Bouwer.

Skai JulJul with breeder & owner W.P. Michau

He has a gentle, loving nature, is an excellent performer and a real show-off. Being near to Juljul makes my heart overflow with loving emotion. I am the proud owner.”


KALHARABI JANIE 2020 WAHO Trophy Winner – Namibia

KALHARABI JANIE   Chestnut Mare, 2012.  (FS Simply Illustrious / Danon Jawwaad).  Breeder & Owner: George Wessels.  Strain:  Kehaileh Rodanieh (Rodania, 1869)

The Arab Horse Breeders Society of Namibia is pleased to announce that the winner of their 2020 WAHO Trophy is the mare Kalharabi Janie, a top mare of the Kalharabi stud of Mr George Wessels.  She has proved her outstanding quality as an endurance horse in the Namib dunes of Walvisbay and has been awarded the WAHO Trophy in recognition of her excellent career in endurance.

Citation from the owner:  “We are very proud of Kalharabi Janie as she achieved 2nd place at the 2019 Walvisbay Endurance Championship in the Standard Weight division.  Walvisbay Endurance Championship is the toughest endurance course in Southern Africa and a good test for mental and physical performance of horses.

There was only a difference of a split second from the winner’s time as the race ended with a finishing sprint between three Standard Weight horses. Janie also received the Best Condition Award in the Standard Weight category. The award is decided by a panel of vets that judges the horse’s physical appearance and soundness together with the results of the ride throughout. She was an absolute stunner after the gruelling ride and awed everyone with her energetic strong performance.

She then also astonished by winning against all winners of Best Condition Awards the ‘Best of the Best’ Award. That was also the first time ever that she did the distance of 120 km.

The first and second (Kalharabi Janie) place horses’ overall time of the ride was also the fastest time of completion of all categories that took part in the ride.

After all, we just love her determined spirit and loving temperament that makes her not only an outstanding athlete but a horse that is permanently engraved in our hearts.”

It is worth noting that her dam, Danon Jawaad, is also a successful endurance competitor, and that this is the fourth time since 2005 that horses bred by Kalharabi Stud have won the WAHO Trophy, which is a very notable achievement.

Above – Kalharabi Janie in competition

Trophy presentation:  L-R:  Mr. George Wessels, breeder and owner, Dr Barbara Scholz, President of the Arab Horse Breeders Society of Namibia.


GÜLILAH NAHGALIT – 2016 WAHO Trophy Winner – Namibia

GÜLILAH NAHGALIT, Bay Gelding, 2007 (Nabilah Nahd / Gülilah Galisa)
Breeders: Mrs. Helga Aschenborn, Fritzi & Gisela Uijs, Owners: Reni and Rinus van der Merwe
Strain: Seglawi Al Abd (Wadduda, 1899).

The Namibian Arab Horse Breeders Society is pleased to announce they have awarded their 2016 WAHO Trophy to the gelding Gülilah Nahgalit. It is worth noting that his grand-dam, the outstanding broodmare Gülilah Güleh Güleh, was Namibia’s first WAHO Trophy winner in 2005. Sired by Nabilah Nahd and out of Gülilah Galisa, he was bred by Mrs. Helga Aschenborn and Fritzi & Gisela Uijs, the product of several generations of their breeding programme.

Mr. Wickus Esterhuizen, President of the Namibian Arab Horse Society, presents the WAHO Trophy to Mrs. Reni van der Merwe and her horse Gülilah Nahgalit

Citation by Reni and Rinus van der Merwe, Atashi Arabians:
Born in 2007, Gülilah Nahgalit was sold to us as a yearling. Our idea of the ideal Arabian is a functional horse that has good conformation and that proves themselves on endurance rides. Gülilah Nahgalit had all these attributes and had the “looks” to go with it too. He had everything we looked for in a “drinker of the wind”. Once he was old enough, he embarked on his enruance career. During the beginning stages and rides he wasn’t eliminated once, and had very good heart rates, a free flowing stride, correct conformation, clean legs and most of all a head and heart that made a true champion. The first couple of years of his career were just his building phase, not riding him to win, but just to get the experience as the kilometres added up.
Here is a list of his Club rides:
• 06/06/2013 – 60km – 2nd
• 17/06/2013 – 60km – 3rd
• 20/07/2013 – 60km – 2nd
• 07/02/2014 – 80km – 3rd
• 20/06/2014 – 80km – 2nd
• 06/03/2015 – 80km – 1st
• 17/04/2015 – 100km 1st and Best Conditioned Horse.
• 19/06/2015 – 100km – 3rd
• 11/06/2016 – 80km – 3rd

Reni van der Merwe riding Gülilah Nahgalit on the beach during the 120 km Africa Endurance Cup at Walvis Bay 2016


Reni van der Merwe riding Gülilah Nahgalit at a Club ride in 2015.

This year we felt that he was ready, and rode him in the 120km division at Walvis Bay. This ride is truly one of the most gruelling rides in the world and a big challenge for any horse, and even more so if its your horse’s first 120km of his career. His achievements at Walvis Bay for the African Endurance Championships on the 24th August 2016 were:
• 122km – 3rd – Standard weight – Bronze medal.
• Trophy for Best Conditioned Horse in Standard weight.
• Trophy for the Best of Best (best horse out of all the Best Conditioned horses of all categories).

He amazed us with his achievements – he was 3rd in the standard weight division less than a minute behind the first two horses. In my eyes an even bigger achievement was not only winning the best conditioned horse trophy, but also the “Best of Best” trophy. We are extremely proud of him. Thank you for awarding him with the honour: WAHO TROPHY WINNER 2016

Photos: Mr. Wickus Esterhuizen, President of the Namibian Arab Horse Society, presents the WAHO Trophy to Mrs. Reni van der Merwe and her horse Gülilah Nahgalit

Reni van der Merwe riding Gülilah Nahgalit on the beach during the 120 km Africa Endurance Cup at Walvis Bay 2016.

Reni van der Merwe riding Gülilah Nahgalit at a Club ride in 2015.


KALHARABI DAKAR – 2014 WAHO Trophy Winner – Namibia

KALHARABI DAKAR, Grey gelding, *2003 (Assad Kalifah / Danon Naadiya)
Owner/Breeder: George Wessels, Kalharabi Stud
Strain: Kehailan Rodan (Rodania, 1869)

Kalharabi Dakar, 2014 WAHO Trophy Winner, Namibia

Kalharabi Dakar, 2014 WAHO Trophy Winner, Namibia

Kalharabi Dakar has been awarded Namibia’s 2014 WAHO Trophy. He was born in the eastern savannas of Namibia, on the farm Valerie, on the 15th of February 2003. Dakar is a stallion by birth and a champion by heart.

Kalharabi Dakar started his endurance riding career as a gelding in 2008, and was mainly ridden by Suné Wessels throughout. Dakar finished seven 120 km rides and two 160 km rides and always finished in the top 3 in his category. His outstanding performances in 2014 were just the cherry on the cake of his career this far. He finished 1st (10:11:34) at the Stephanus Pienaar Memorial ride, March 2014, in the 160 km CEI*** Junior category with Suné. He was chosen with Suné for the Namibian team to take part in the TriNations Endurance event in May, in Parys, South Africa. He came 3rd (5:44:25) in the Junior Division FEI 120 km of the ride. Dakar and Suné represent the Namibian team again in the African Championships, held in Walvisbay in August. Dakar finished well in 1st place (6:46:10) in Junior FEI 120 km category. Dakar won with Suné for the 3rd year in a row, the NERA Junior Rider of the Year trophy.
Dakar also won the Best Performance of a Purebred Arabian in the Jnr Category, Walvisbay Championships 2014.

Kalharabi Dakar is and always has been a horse to rely on and has never let his rider down. He is as friendly as he is dependable and willing as a horse; he is both a a pleasure and a pride to all his connections.


ZABUBEGA MANNA – 2013 WAHO Trophy Winner – Namibia

ZABUBEGA MANNA, Grey Gelding, *2000 (Sidi Majiid / Zabubega Majim)
Breeder and owner: Gawie and Carina Viljoen, Zabubega Arabians
Strain: Seglawi Al Abd (Wadduda, 1899)

Namibia is proud to announce the winner of their 2013 WAHO Trophy winner, the home-bred gelding, Zabubega Manna. Zabubega Stud was founded in 1976, which makes it one of the oldest Arabian studs in Namibia. From the start, the aim of the breeding programme was to produce tough and sound horses for farm work and long days carrying a rider, also when hunting. In 2007 the Viljoen family took up Endurance riding as their sport of choice, even though their location is quite remote being 400km from the nearest club ride, so they are not able to attend a lot of rides as a result. Even so, from the start Zabubega Manna formed a great partnership with Gawie Viljoen riding as a heavyweight, with many excellent results, thoroughly enjoying being part of such a lovely sport with friendly fellow competitors. Zabubega Manna’s rider, Gawie Viljoen, has several times been selected as Team Captain in various competitions. Their WAHO Trophy win is very well deserved.

Results for Zabubega Manna to date include:

  • 2009: – Namibia Heavy Weight Team Tri-Nations Beaufort-Wes: Fourth Place
  • 2010: – Namibia Heavy Weight Team Tri-Nations Walvis Bay: Second Place; and winner of the Rubicon Horsemanship Trophy
  • 2011: – Namibia Heavy Weight Team Tri-Nations Walvis Bay: Winner and also First place Pure Bred Arabian Horse – Category: Senior Heavy Weight; Family Choice NERA Namibia Senior Heavy Weight winner; Heavy Weight Floating Trophy Champion: Rider to complete the ride in the shortest time; Winner of the Rubicon Horsemanship Trophy
  • 2012: – Namibia Heavy Weight Team Tri-Nations Walvis Bay: Third Place; and First place Pure Bred Arabian Horse, Category: Senior Heavy Weight; and Winner of the Rubicon Horsemanship Trophy, shared with Springbok Rider and friend, Johan Raubenheimer
  • 2013: – Namibia Heavy Weight Team Tri-Nations Fauresmith: Eight Place Namibia Heavy Weight Team Tri-Nations Walvis Bay: Third Place and First Pure Bred Arabian Horse, Category Senior Heavy Weight
Zabubega Manna & Gawie Viljoen with Trophy

Zabubega Manna & Gawie Viljoen with Trophy

Gawie Viljoen riding Zabubega Manna in the dunes at Walvis Bay

Gawie Viljoen riding Zabubega Manna in the dunes at Walvis Bay


SIMMENAU RAHIDA – 2012 WAHO Trophy Winner – Namibia

SIMMENAU RAHIDA, grey mare, *2002 (Sidi Jellaby/Simmenau Razna) Breeder: Mrs. S. Lambrechts. Owners: Rinus and Reni Van Der Merwe. Strain: Keheilet Ajuz (Nejdme, 1887)

Simmenau Rahida was entered for the WAHO Trophy and chosen by the Board of the Namibian Arabian Horse Breeders’ Society as the ultimate winner for the year 2012. Rahida is a grey 10-year old mare, bred from the following blood-lines: On her father’s side – Morafic, Ibn Morafic, Ahir and Tuwaisan. On her mother’s side – Laddin, Darius, Robdon Zingari and Vlinkfontein lines. Her proud owners are Rinus and Reni van der Merwe of Atashi Arabians.

Owner Reni van der Merwe takes up the story of Rahida: “Rahida is the horse that made my dreams come true. She has a will of her own. She gives everything because of companionship and definitely not because she has to. She is very temperamental and nervous and needs careful and understanding handling. She has very sound and strong legs and a strong heart with very good pulses. For me she is the example of the perfect endurance horse that I have always dreamed of. If I manage to stay on her back early in the morning with the start of a ride, which luckily I normally do, I know she will finish the ride for me.”Rahida started her endurance career in August 2009, and now has 1,576 competitive endurance kilometers on her book. She represented the Namibian National Senior standard weight team in Walvis Bay 2011, where she was placed 4th, winning the Best Conditioned Horse award, the Best of the Best Conditioned Horse Award and the Spirit of Endurance trophy. In May 2012 she represented the Namibian Senior Standard weight team in Aldam, South Africa, where she finished in 7th place with a good time. In Walvis Bay 2012 she represented the Namibian Senior Standard weight team, finishing in 5th place, winning once more the Best Conditioned Horse award, the Horsemanship award, and the award for the First Registered Arabian Horse with the fastest time.”I am extremely proud of her, the example of horse that perfectly fits into the breeding aims of Atashi Arabians. I am thankful for having the opportunity to posess and ride a horse like her and hope that she will be spared to still be with us for a long time.”

Simmenau Rahida competing at Aldam in 2012
Simmenau Rahida competing at Aldam in 2012

Simmenau Rahida competing at Walvis Bay in 2011
Simmenau Rahida competing at Walvis Bay in 2011


SIMMENAU GHARUN – 2011 WAHO Trophy Winner – Namibia

SIMMENAU GHARUN, Bay Stallion, *1987 (Rhyom Ghazi / Carsdale Kherun).
Breeder: Mrs. S. Lambrechts, Simmenau Stud. Owner: Mr. Jan Pienaar & Family, Enduro Stud.
Strain: Kehailan Rodan (Rodania, 1869).

The Arabian Horse Breeders Society of Namibia is pleased to announce that their 2011 WAHO Trophy winner has been awarded to the stallion Simmenau Gharun.

“Gharun is the sire of more than one great endurance winner. He is now 24 years old and is still a very active stallion with a lot of endurance. Endurance that is a characteristic found in Arabian horses. Gharun has a very calm temperament and is a pleasure to have as a stallion.

We hope Gharun will still be with us for many years to come and after that he will be remembered as a brilliant Arabian stallion and his spirit will live on in his many offspring.

Mr Jan Pienaar with Simmenau Gharun
Mr Jan Pienaar with Simmenau Gharun
Mr Jan Pienaar with Simmenau Gharun


DELMANGA HAHZAN – 2010 WAHO Trophy Winner – Namibia

DELMANGA HAHZAN, Grey Gelding, *2000 (Shaheer Ahsan / Southwind The Queen).
Breeder: Mr. Danie Delport. Owner: Mr. Rudolf Oosthuizen.
Strain: Kehailan Rodan (Rodania, 1869).

The Namibian Arab Horse Breeder’s Society is proud to announce their 2010 WAHO Trophy winner, Delmanga Hahzan, a 10 year old gelding from the Delmanga Stud of Danie Delport. His owner Rudolf Oosthuizen explains how Delmanga Hahzan earned this prestigious award.

Danie Delport (breeder), Delmanga Hahzan and Rudolf Oosthuizen (owner) with the WAHO Trophy
Danie Delport (breeder), Delmanga Hahzan and
Rudolf Oosthuizen (owner) with the WAHO Trophy

President of Namibian Arab Horse breeder’s society, Wikus Esterhuizen, handing over the trophy to Rudolf Oosthuizen
President of Namibian Arab Horse breeder’s society, Wikus Esterhuizen,
handing over the trophy to Rudolf Oosthuizen

“When we started our endurance career as a team during 2008, someone asked me what I was doing with this donkey, and I only proceded in silence, just to be told by the same person after winning the heavy weight category during the 2008 African Championship at Walvisbay, that I have an excellent performer and that I can be proud of him.”

2008 Walvisbay
2008 Walvisbay

2009 Beaufort Wes
2009 Beaufort Wes

“Hahzan has completed 2,472km successfully since 2005, of which 2,010km was with a heavyweight rider. Of 28 starts, he only once failed to proceed after 80km due to metabolic failure. What makes him such a wonderful horse is his willingness to still go at an average of 24km/h on the last 20km loop after he has finished 100km, finishing with an average speed of 19,3km/h during the 2010 tri-nations championship at Schweizer Reneke, RSA. Hahzan has completed five 80km rides, four 100km rides, six 120km rides, two 130km and one 160km at 15,4km/h with a heavyweight rider. He finished 7 of these events in the first place, with two of the events as best condition horse in the heavyweight category. One of his best achievements was winning consecutively two years in a row, during 2008 and 2009, the horse-rider combination, in the 14year history of Walvisbay. For the past 3 years he has finished in the top 2 horses on the NERA rankings, and in 2009 he was awarded Horse of the Year by NAMEF.”

2010 Walvisbay
2010 Walvisbay


KALHARABI NADIR – 2009 WAHO Trophy Winner – Namibia

KALHARABI NADIR, Grey Gelding, *2001 (Benhan Stings Image / Danon Naadiya).
Breeder and Owner: Mr. George Wessels, Kalharabi Arabian Stud.
Strain: Kehailan Rodan (Rodania, 1869).

The Arab Horse Breeders Society of Namibia is pleased to announce their 2009 WAHO Trophy winner.

Kalharabi Nadir is an exceptional gelding and has proven his worth at endurance rides in his home country Namibia and in South Africa. His potential as an endurance horse of exceptional quality was evident at a young age. At the age of seven years he won the Child Class Africa Championship in Walvis Bay, Namibia, in 2008 and was the fastest horse in the 120 km division of this difficult desert ride. In May of 2009 Kalahari Nadir represented the Namibian Senior Team at the Tri-nations FEI Endurance Ride in Beaufort West in South Africa and achieved a 4th placing. At the Walvis Bay Africa Championship of 2009 in Namibia, he proved his worth. Carrying a rider of 85 kg, he was crowned the new Senior Africa Champion. Up to the end of every gruelling endurance ride, Kalharabi Nadir has emanated the proud stance of a pure Arabian horse, tail flagging, ears pricked and striding comfortably, always prepared to add another kilometer or two.

Photo L-R:  The Vice President of the Arab Horse Breeders Society, Willem Paul Michau presents the WAHO trophy to the owner of Kalharabi Nadir, George Wessels.
L-R: The Vice President of the Arab Horse Breeders Society, Willem Paul Michau presents the WAHO trophy to the owner of Kalharabi Nadir, George Wessels.

Photo:  Kalharabi Nadir and rider Bredell Wessels during the Africa Champion Ride in the Namib Desert.
Kalharabi Nadir and rider Bredell Wessels during the Africa Champion Ride in the Namib Desert.

Kalharabi Nadir is an exceptional gelding and has proven his worth at endurance rides in his home country Namibia and in South Africa. His potential as an endurance horse of exceptional quality was evident at a young age. At the age of seven years he won the Child Class Africa Championship in Walvis Bay, Namibia, in 2008 and was the fastest horse in the 120 km division of this difficult desert ride. In May of 2009 Kalahari Nadir represented the Namibian Senior Team at the Tri-nations FEI Endurance Ride in Beaufort West in South Africa and achieved a 4th placing. At the Walvis Bay Africa Championship of 2009 in Namibia, he proved his worth. Carrying a rider of 85 kg, he was crowned the new Senior Africa Champion. Up to the end of every gruelling endurance ride, Kalharabi Nadir has emanated the proud stance of a pure Arabian horse, tail flagging, ears pricked and striding comfortably, always prepared to add another kilometer or two.


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!


KANAB TSAAR – 2007 WAHO Trophy Winner – Namibia

KANAB TSAAR, grey gelding, *1998 (SAF Firstaar / Zayan Dhanii).
Bred and owned by Piet van Rooyen, Kanab Arabian Stud.
Strain: Not Recorded (family of Nightingale).

The Namibian Arab Horse Breeders Society is pleased to announce they have awarded their 2007 WAHO Trophy to the great endurance gelding, Kanab Staar. Although still quite young for this demanding sport, at 9 years of age he has already completed a total of 1,870 competitive kilometres. At the top level he has successfully completed two 160km rides, 1 at 130 kms and 1 at 120 kms. In 2007 his major wins include the heavyweight rider divisions of the 160 kms Independence Ride and the 130 kms Walvis Bay African Endurance Championships.

Tracing to the important foundation mare Nightingale, who came from India to Great Britain in the early 1930s and went on to South Africa in 1937, Kanab Tsaar is a superb example of the attractive, athletic, hardy and sound Arabians bred in Namibia, and is an excellent ambassador for the breed.


Piet van Rooyen with Kanab Tsaar.


Kanab Tsaar at a competitive ride.


LE-WARDI DANESKA – 2006 WAHO Trophy Winner – Namibia

LE-WARDI DANESKA, Grey Mare, 1999 (Elsabad Habdan / Le-Wardi Tamara).
Breeder: Mrs. Lihane M. Esterhuizen. Owner: Mr. Louis De Kock.
Strain: Seglawieh Al Abd (Wadduda 1899).

The Arab Horse Breeders Society of Namibia is proud to announce that the 2006 WAHO Trophy for Namibia has been awarded to the mare Le-Wardi Daneska. This mare is one of the most highly regarded endurance horses in Namibia, at only 7 years of age she has already successfully completed 1,280 competitive kilometres in this tough sport. She is currently rated 27th on the FEI World ranking list, and 8th in Namibia.

Together with her owner, Louis de Kock, Le-Wardi Daneska has represented Namibia on their Junior Team at two International Endurance rides (against South Africa and Botswana) in 2006. Louis is also one of the Junior riders chosen for the Namibian Team to participate in the World Endurance Championships in 2007 in Argentina.

Le-Wardi Daneska’s successes since late 2005 include four wins and four high placings from eight rides, two of those competitions were 80 km events and the rest were over distances ranging from 100km to 127 km. Most importantly, she also achieved the Best Conditioned Horse Award at seven of those eight events.

The Arab Horse Breeders Society of Namibia considers that Le-Wardi Daneska is a remarkable Arabian and an excellent ambassador for the breed, As she is still young the Namibian Endurance Team hope that she will continue to represent her country for many years to come.


GÜLILAH GÜLEH-GÜLEH – 2005 WAHO Trophy Winner – Namibia

GÜLILAH GÜLEH-GÜLEH, Bay mare, *1984 (Ashari / Gülilah Gülmek).
Breeder: Mrs. H. Aschenborn and Children. Owner: Mrs. H. Aschenborn and F. & G. Uijs.
Strain: Seglawieh Al Abd (Wadduda 1899).

The Arab Horse Breeders Society of Namibia is proud to announce the winner of their WAHO Trophy for 2005.

The Gülilah Stud was founded by Mrs. Aschenborn and her daughter, Mrs. Uijs, in 1968 in Pretoria, South Africa, and moved to Orumbo North in Namibia in 1980. Vlinkfontein Galli Girl was the foundation mare of the stud, and is the grand-dam of Gülilah Güleh Güleh. Her dam, Gülilah Gülmek, died only recently at the ripe age of 31, having given the farm 16 foals.

The aim of the breeding programme was to produce beautiful Arabians which were both beloved family members and versatile all rounders. Gülilah Güleh Güleh, representing the third breeding generation of the stud, and still in the ownership of her breeders, is exactly that. A sweet-natured friend to the family’s children who played with her, rode her and showed her, she could switch on all the characteristics of a fiery drinker of the wind in the showring. As a broodmare she shows all the desirable qualities of a good mother. This charming mare had an excellent show career with innumerable show wins and championships. She is the dam of 12 foals of outstanding quality, some of which are successful endurance horses, others have been show winners, and many have entered the breeding programmes at several stud farms in Namibia. Gülilah Güleh Güleh has certainly done more than her fair share to contribute to the improvement of the Arabian horses of Namibia.

Click to Enlarge -  L-R: Mrs. H. Aschenborn, Mr. M. Brendenkamp & Mrs. Gisela Uijs, with Gülilah Güleh Güleh.
L-R: Owner Mr. Mokveld with WAHO Trophy; Amal; Trainer Mr. Chris van Schalkwijk
& Mrs. Hannie Wehkamp, President of the AVS.
(Photo copyright Jan Kan).