Originally Suhala Arabians was established in the year 2000, driven by a deep appreciation for the unique beauty and presence of the Arabian breed. Today Straight Egyptians International, owned and operated by Lachlan Bate, specializes in the breeding of straight Egyptian Arabians. SEI is situated on a picturesque estate in Yamba, New South Wales, approximately one hour south of Ballina.
From an early age Lachlan has dedicated his time to striving to produce the perfect Arabian. Lachlan says: ‘Arabians are one of the most exquisite creatures you will find in any horse breed. It’s no surprise that they are loved and treasured by so many.’
Although still relatively young, Lachlan is fast earning a reputation for excellence in this field. Louise Cordina of Saba Arabians reports: ‘When I first met Lachlan I was very impressed by his passion for Arabian horses and knowledge that far outweighed his years. I thought immediately that this was someone who would be an integral asset to the breed in the future. Since that time I've been proud to call Lachlan a close friend and member of our extended family. His uncommon integrity, willingness to stand up for what he believes in and constant seeking of perfection are attributes that will bring him success in everything that he strives for.’
Lachlan says, ‘I was captured by the appearance of the Straight Egyptian Arabian. From the purest of any horse strain, I believe this type of Arabian will compliment what I am striving to achieve superbly.
In today’s industry, the straight Egyptian has become so popular, yet so diverse with the array of bloodlines flowing to our shores. I believe that it is a credit to any breeder who can produce a quality Arabian, with what is considered a much smaller gene pool to work with than other types.
‘Although there are many great farms, bloodlines and horses around the world, the breeding of straight Egyptian horses still remains small compared to other strains.
‘Each of the horses selected for the stud, not only represent some of the most influential and well admired bloodlines in the world, but must also ‘fit’ their pedigree. I’ve seen far too many people get strung up on pedigrees, not actually looking at the individual. Pedigrees are definitely very important, for me in particular, but I do believe the horse must represent it well. I see myself as being very critical with pedigrees, after all, it is the gene pool we are working with.’
‘In the year 2003, Lachlan purchased a superb straight Egyptian colt. The Anaza Bay Shahh Imp USA son, Shalin Al Saba. His dam, Simeon Siboni was one of the most beautiful mares he had seen. Simeon Siboni being by Asfour Imp Ger. and out of the Imperial Madaar Imp USA daughter, Simeon Sippora. Shalin Al Saba is a true representative of his bloodlines and is one of few horses incorporating the three resident stallions of Simeon Stud, with his tail female line tracing to the admired Simeon Safanad.’
‘Shalin possesses the persuasive persona of a true Arabian stallion. I admire his masculine type and balance. When you look at him the outline of the Arabian standard comes to focus. Standing tall and proud, he has the disposition that all Arabian horse owners dream of.’
‘Some stunning straight Egyptian mares have also been acquired with pedigrees incorporating some of the most profound Egyptian lines in the arabian eternity. A bay daughter of Asfour Imp Germany, Simeon Silpa is from the El Halimaar (Ansata Ibn Halima x RDM Maar Hala) daughter, Maardassa Imp USA. Maardassa’s dam, Hadassa was a daughter of The Egyptian Prince and out of Nafairtiti, a full sister to Shaikh Al Badi.
‘Simeon Silpa brought to the stud a collection of diverse bloodlines through her dam, which seemed to be a flawless cross with that of Asfour. Simeon Silpa is the only daughter in Australia from Maardassa, by Asfour, with her only full sister, Simeon Sefirot situated in Europe.
‘Another remarkable Asfour daughter, Simeon Sie has been purchased by the stud to integrate again a variety of different bloodlines. Simeon Sie’s dam, Raafallaa Imp USA is by the Morafic son, Dalul and out of BF Bahaala. BF Bahaala incorporates the lines of Ansata Ibn Halima, Ibn Moniet El Nefous, and Akhtal (EAO).
‘Her feminine power, exotic type and dry face are hard for anyone to overlook. But Simeon Sie is the kind of horse that exudes a certain persona, something that an Arabian should have that extends far beyond sheer beauty and Egyptian type.
‘This season Simeon Sie has given us a beautiful colt, Shakib SEI (pend) sired by Shalin Al Saba. With his type and quality, he combines the elegance and stature of his sire, with the integrity and charisma of his dam.’
Although only a relatively small stud, Straight Egyptians International has collected a fine group of straight Egyptian horses, from some of the most profound breeders in the Egyptian industry. Although very different, each in their own way, their bloodlines together represent a majority of well known producing stock from around the world.
Lachlan says: ‘By incorporating the best stock possible, I will continue to work to my goal of producing my identifiable, Egyptian Arabian.
As featured in the
Arabian Horse Express
