She had it all; Quality, Class and Style... And she did it in her own way!
Loubna 1997-2022
A short time ago we received some sad news from Germany: Loubna (Imperial Imdal x Imperial Kalatifa) had passed away at age 25. Yes, I know it's been a long time since she took her first breath in my hands, but that doesn't make it any easier.
She was a one of a kind mare, a horse that from her very first day had that special aura that meant she was destined to become exceptional, and so she was.
Her show career started at a very young age as she was named 1997 Israeli National Champion Filly the same year she was born (Back then we still didn't have foals classes at the Israeli Nationals). Later on, in 1999 she was named again Israeli National Champion Filly and in 2001 Israeli National Champion Mare and High- Scoring Horse of the show.
In 2003 we decided to fly her to Germany to be shown by Frank Sponle. As far as I recall, Frank was the only handler to show her throughout her entire lifetime. I don't believe she was ever shown by anyone else.
In Europe she took the show ring by storm. I will not start writing all her show wins as that would make this too long a post, but will say that in 2004 Loubna gave me some of the most emotional moments of my life as I stood up to hear the Israeli national anthem played first at the All Nations Cup in Germany and later at the World Championships in Paris.
At the end of 2005 we had to take a very difficult decision, and eventually we sold Loubna to the Ajman Stud. It is never easy to let such a beautiful mare go, but knowing she would have the best possible life in Ajman, made this decision easier.
Under the flag of Ajman Stud Loubna again achieved greatness and brought a lot of pride to her new owners. Just to name a few of her show wins: in 2006 she was European Champion Mare & Reserve Champion mare; in 2007 she was named Middle East Champion Mare and High- Scoring Horse of the show; and in 2008 she was named Champion Mare and High- Scoring Horse at the Dubai International Show. Finally, in 2011 she was named Gold Champion Mare and High-Scoring Horse at the Abu Dhabi International Horse Show (94.50 points) and then again Gold Champion Mare at the Dubai International Championships.
I believe that until today she is the most successful Straight Egyptian show mare of all times. That being said, for me she will always be Loubna, the special mare who became the springboard for the achievement of my own dreams, and I will forever be grateful to her for that.
I wish to send my condolences to Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi of Ajman Stud and to thank him, Elisa Grassi and Frank Sponle for the wonderful life they gave this once in a lifetime mare.
Photo by Moshe Sandbank.
