Photo: Allison Peacock

The rooftop of the main barn set against the gray
fall sky of the Ansata domain in Mena, Arkansas
greeted visitors from around the world.

There aren't many places on earth that are more beautiful in the fall than Arkansas's Ouachita Valley, USA. Masses of tourists in recreational vehicles and on motorcycles can be found this time of year drifting along the Natural State's highways…slowing as they travel to notice the turning leaves and enjoy the crisp mountain air. Observing the fall foliage on the winding mountain roadways of Arkansas has become a pilgrimage of sorts for many people living in surrounding states. The weekend of October 10, 2003 in Mena, Arkansas was like many others: cool clear days buzzing with beauty seekers. Few of these thousands of meandering souls, however, had any idea that nestled just beyond the highway in the forests of Mena was scenery far more beautiful than those famous turning leaves. Little did they know that the magnificent Arabian horses of Ansata Stud were holding court for 175 visitors from around the world. These visitors from far and near had come to Ansata to celebrate the 45 year history of Don and Judith Forbis in breeding these beautiful animals, as well as to participate in envisioning, and in turn creating, the future for all breeders of the Egyptian Arabian horse.

I for one can hardly believe that 45 years have gone by since the girl with the horse dream met the handsome young service man in Turkey and a legend was born. "The celebration and seminar were held not really to celebrate our 45 years," Judi explains, "but to hopefully inspire others to work together to take the Egyptian horse to a new level of appreciation in America and worldwide." She adds, "Time will tell!"

Photo: Sparagowski

Hosts Don and Judith Forbis greet their guests

Like all of my fellow visitors to the Ansata domain, I was treated on this historic weekend to several lectures in addition to the fun of enjoying the presence of friends and acquaintances that I see once a year at the Egyptian Event. And in her own distinctive way Judi Forbis ensured the enjoyment of all of her guests by unabashedly displaying the sharp wit and playful spirit that are her nature and yet often a well kept secret. Many don't realize that this prolific writer and "serious" scholar in the art of Arabian breeding has an abundant good humor, as well as a habit of bestowing such treasures as yard flamingos and rubber chickens upon unsuspecting honorees! With her casual ease she ensured that every attendee felt a part of something special and personal.

The weekend's lectures included a visual study of Arabian horse art and how it related to the art of breeding; a study of strains and pedigrees; and discussions on conformation and judging. Specialists in other equine matters such as photography and tax laws rounded out the weekend. And perhaps the most unique and important of all of the event's many opportunities was a round table discussion by all participants on subjects of importance in our industry.

The weekend's focus on Arabian horse breeding as an art form was eloquently and perfectly reflected in the open letter to Judi from client, Dr. Chess Hudson, which she kindly shared with the group. Hudson is a former speaker at Ansata events who was unable to attend this function. My heart soared as I read his description of art and the artist's relationship to the Divine. His thoughts could have been my thoughts, and once again I felt lucky as I have a very few times in my life before, that someone, in this case Dr. Hudson, had been afforded a very special gift for defining what many people find indefinable:

"Art is the protest of romance against the commonplace, the burning defiance of the heart against cruelty, ugliness, and the barbarity of the world. It is the secret portal through which those grown sickened by the ways of the world can touch the face of the Infinite. We cling passionately to art in our search for meaning in a world filled with tedious banality. The human heart longs for harmony, but finds
itself immersed in strife, divisiveness, and conflict. The human heart longs for a sense of significance, only to encounter seemingly endless evidence of impermanence and mortification. It is precisely here that the creative instinct is born, demanding to be born, in reaction to the heart's fervent desire for wholeness. Man is driven to create, and we call this act, derived as it is from the sexual generative instinct: art. And breeding the Arabian horse is high art."

It was appropriate that a weekend dedicated to the art of breeding began with a look at the Arabian horse as depicted in the visual arts. Artist and sculptor Karen Kasper presented a slide show of the wonderful Arabian horse images that so many of us love and have seen over and over in our various activities surrounding our horses. In doing so she shared a startling revelation with the audience, which was a distinction previously lost on even this devoted art historian and collector. And that was the relationship of the Arabian horse in art to its viewer. Never one to exist placidly in its surroundings, the Arabian horse in virtually every piece clearly commanded the attention of the observer…often interacting with him, if you will.

When comparing equine art of other genres to Arab pieces the striking difference in the attitude of the horse is that in many other forms, western for instance, the horse often is lackluster, downtrodden even…its eyes vacant. The spirits of the horses of Remington's cowboys truly are broken to suit the needs and purposes of their dominators. While the Arabian, on the other hand, is dynamic in its relationship to its owner as well as the viewer of any piece of art depicting it. These horses are alive with fire and spirit…the focus of the piece. The independent and proud bond with man that the Arabian is so noted for is evident to even the most casual observer.

It was noted in one such painting of an Arabian that Napoleon himself would be disappointed to know that in his famous portraits it is the white Arabian charger, not the embattled emperor, who commands notice! When considering the vast variety in artists, geographic locations, and time periods represented by the body of work in this type of art it would be virtually impossible to suggest conspiracy or accident. In discovering this phenomenon in example after example of Arabian horse illustrations, I will never again look at equine art the same way. It is so gratifying to begin to define a previously distinct, yet ethereal and often indescribable passion.

In seeking to put this artistic passion to form, one must begin a study of the various characteristics exhibited by the different strains of Arabian horse. Following the opening on equine art, Mrs. Forbis gave a lecture on families, strains, and pedigrees, and how certain combinations of individuals within pedigrees were used to achieve this "living art" as demonstrated by the Ansata horses. It became clear to me during this presentation that a lot of ambiguity and risk in Arabian breeding might be avoided by breeding true to strain. Whether one chooses to breed completely "pure" in strain, or whether a combination is preferred, it is clear that mindfulness to strains is essential to the breeder who sees his passion for these horses as an artful opportunity to assist nature in the creation of breathtakingly beautiful individuals.

Many modern day pedigrees are a mélange of different strains, which often leads to loss of type. By becoming a good student of the strains we can often increase our chances of influencing our results positively and more predictably. It was even suggested that to clarify type in a horse whose pedigree is too varied one may go back to the tail female, or to the tail female of the sire. By breeding back to this strain deliberately, the type of future generations can be redefined.

Such detailed study and scrutiny for hours can tire the brain of even the most devoted student of breeding! The Forbises, being the wise and gracious hosts that they are, treated their guests on Friday evening to a cocktail party held at their residence. Replete with a storyteller, classical musicians, and a spectacular buffet to accompany the spirits they offered, their home was transformed for the evening into a place to "relax and enjoy" for their attendees.

I can't recall ever feeling so at home and comfortable in such a jovial atmosphere with so many virtual strangers. And we didn't stay strangers for long. Groups of people that knew each other only in passing, or not at all, became intimate companions for a few brief hours. I found myself reflecting that this kind of intimacy is probably no different than what the Bedouins must experience when entertaining strangers passing through, and with whom they share nothing but the distinction of a shared geography for a moment in time and an affinity for their beloved horses. The atmosphere and the company truly inspired the kind of evening that memories are made of.

I wasn't alone in noticing this. "The thing that I'll always remember about this weekend was the intimate way that Don and Judi opened their home to us," says Gail Mailloux of Two Silos Farm. "The way that they share their gifts and knowledge with breeders around the world is so completely generous," she continues. "Cynthia Culbertson's telling of an Arab tale around the fireplace and the evening's gathering of both old and new lovers of the Egyptian Arabian horse was just magical."

Don, ever present throughout the weekend with his steadfast support from the sidelines, probably spent this particular evening blissfully unaware that a dozen or so of his fellow horse breeders now know the truth of his secret automobile curse: he's pretty darned hard on Cadillacs! And then…alas our evening was over. We did have a 9:00 am SHARP arena call, after all. (Judi Forbis could never be accused of supporting vagueness!)

The weekend continued on Saturday morning with additional lectures of interest to Egyptian enthusiasts. Graphic designer Joe Ferris, collaborator with Judi on many of her books, presented a brief history of great historical breeders and how their judgments and dedication influenced the breed. Noted judge Lisa Lacy, along with Judi, discussed judging systems and other subjects relative to judging in the Arabian horse word today. Storyteller Cynthia Culbertson continued the morning by sharing her insights as to how Arabic literature reflects on the breed's standard in relation to judging conformation. And the effervescent Jerry Sparagowski "focused" on how a photographer evaluates horses and how photography hones the eye for judging and illustrating minute details in our horses.

After lunch on Saturday, our group was afforded a completely unique occasion to take part in round table discussions on various industry conditions. This "think tank" session was developed as workshop registrants were asked to submit questions and subjects for discussion before arriving. This evolved into an unprecedented opportunity to participate in charting the future of our industry with the assistance and involvement of our peers. Along with the other speakers, Pyramid Society executive director Anna Bishop was an invaluable presence during this period. Topics which ranged from enthusiastic to mildly heated included Egyptian Event definitions and concerns, marketing our horses, and the need for promotional activities within the Egyptian community.

One such suggestion was to create regional events exclusively for the purpose of promotion and education for interested potential Egyptian owners to exchange information and resources in a non-competitive and fun environment. Most everyone in attendance wholeheartedly embraced this need for non-competitive regional activities. "One of the things that struck me most clearly was that there seems to be a unified opinion across the board that marketing is a key challenge," says Equinox Arabians' John Fox. "Smaller farms seem to find getting exposure for their horses more difficult than say, the larger farms. Grouping together for promotional activities is something we all agreed is essential."

Mrs. Forbis obviously realized the importance of the opportunity her gathering afforded for discussion of industry needs when I asked her about her observations of the weekend's activities. "I was very pleased that the seminar and celebration was so well received," she said. "And I believe that the Pyramid Society developments in the future will be a direct reflection in several respects of the round table discussions that were held and the desires expressed by the attendees....particularly a fair-type concept for the Egyptian horse - educational, breeder-oriented, and non-competitive."

Photo: Sparagowski

Partygoers at Saturday night's festivities learned
turban wrapping techniques from the mistress of turbans, hostess Forbis!

Saturday evening was NOT for the timid. And thank goodness by this time no one in attendance seemed to BE feeling timid! The covered arena which had been filled with pristine shavings for the weekend's activities came alive with Arkansas barbecue and a turban contest complete with silly Egyptian music. Contestants either brought fabric from home or dipped into the famed Forbis turban fabric collection to vie for prizes. I felt like we were being given the "keys to the kingdom" when Forbis shared her turban wrapping secrets and techniques with us. The results varied from authentic to patriotic to downright ridiculous.

Although Gail and Joe Mailloux's Scooby Doo fabric was hard to miss, my personal favorite - aside from the glorious cobalt velvet and beads that I adorned John Fox with, of course - was the winner of the "Most Regional Turban." Pyramid Society president Martha Lucas, who hails from "Saaaaouth Carolina, y'all," was resplendent in a southern belle turban adorned with magnolia blossoms and dripping Spanish moss. (There was absolutely no political nepotism in that award. Really.)

Speaking of turbans…yes, that turban. One brave soul took the stage during the hilarity on Saturday evening and related the story of the local elementary school teacher who assigned his students the arduous task of writing a story about the "real" truth behind the ever present turban which Judi is rarely seen in public without. The winning essay which was presented to our hostess and appreciated by the entire audience was full of mythical adventures and a barn full of dirty stalls to endlessly clean out which soiled our heroine, Lady Judi's hair. Needless to say, we will all rest easy now knowing the answer to that burning question.

Photo: Allison Peacock

The beautiful Egyptian filly, Antara Shalima, owned
by Jerry and Nancy Gates, models patiently for hours under the watchful eye of trainer Steve Diamond during Jerry Sparagowski's horse photography lecture

In closing out the weekend, Sunday was spent at a more relaxed pace with guests afforded the chance to learn horse photography tips from Mr. Sparagowski, peruse the gorgeous horses in the barn and ring, and ask questions of farm staff. The chance to observe the master of horse photography at work was particularly relevant to me and something I didn't miss a minute of. I found it completely refreshing to have such a gifted professional artist share his secrets with potential clients, as well as at least one would-be challenger to the throne. (Some day in my wildest dreams...I told him to give me ten years or so!) I think it is the truly gifted individual who can share his wisdom and experience freely with others without fear of competition.

In this respect, Mr. Sparagowski shares the attitude of the Forbises, his clients of 30 years. Without their efforts to share what they've learned and her body of work on the art of breeding classic Arabian horses, the task before us would be far bleaker, far grayer than the colorful, vibrant world created by the shared experiences of impassioned individuals, some friends and some strangers, that Egyptian Arabian breeding is today. "The weekend was very informative, entertaining and thought provoking, says Kehilan Arabians' Janice Bush. "We came away with a wealth of information and a desire to formulate 'something' that can be done on a regional basis to further promote the Egyptian horse."

Robbin Ainsworth of Mississippi agrees as to the special opportunity we all enjoyed to be refreshed and renewed in our passion for the art of breeding the Egyptian Arabian horse. "As King David in the 23rd Psalm so eloquently put it, 'He maketh me lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He RESTORETH my soul!' That is how I felt Sunday afternoon as I reluctantly pulled out of Ansata....restored."

Thank you, Judi and Don Forbis for sharing your insights and experiences…and especially…for sharing the dream!