Passion, Insight & Inspiration - The Arabian State Studs of Poland - 23 June - 2 July 2014
POLAND..the name evokes historical significance, achievement in the arts and sciences, struggle and tragedy, vision and triumph – devout, resolute, inspirational and revolutionary - a country and a people inextricably linked to the destiny of civilization for the past millennium. To the equine world, Pola
nd is more than just a pivotal country in Central Europe – it is an essential entity in the history of the horse, a nation of accomplished horsemen and horsewomen whose profound influence and extensive impact resounds with significance around the globe. The Arabian horse is the epicenter of all things equine in Poland – for nearly seven centuries, the Arabian horse has been bred with vision and foresight by Polish horsemen of legendary acclaim. The incomparable list of accomplishments profess the profound reality – nowhere outside the homeland has the Arabian horse thrived nor achieved the level of fame and influence as it has in Poland. The tradition of excellence that defines Poland is most fully realized in the nearly 200-year-old breeding program of the State Studs. The depth and breadth of quality within the broodmare bands is truly astounding – to enjoy generations of success in one visit is the privilege of a lifetime. Walking amongst the mares and foals, reaching out to stroke an admired stallion, turning the corner in the spacious, improbably peaceful stables to discover a beloved old friend or a “take–your–breath-away” icon, the omniscient serenity in the soft dark eyes of the venerated matron, the effervescent energy of the young filly with a destiny of greatness to fulfill – these are the moments that forever change you, moments that inspire you to be and to do more...
It is our distinct pleasure to invite you to attend the inaugural Arabian Insights Breeders Tour. It is both an honour and a privilege for the State Studs of Poland – Janow Podlaski, Michalow & Bialka – to extend an open invitation to worldwide breeders, under the guidance of your tour hosts: Arabian Ambassadors Scott Benjamin, Anette Mattsson & Gene Lacroix. Arabian Insights Breeders Tours offer a unique, one-of-a-kind experience to get behind the scenes of the world’s leading Arabian breeding programs. Each tour guest will have the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the horses, to see generations of dam families and sire lines together and to interact with and learn from the breeders who have dedicated their lives to the Arabian horse. Each evening, your hosts will guide participants through the daily Insights Forum, an open discussion during which the horses will be evaluated and discussed, photos and videos reviewed, questions answered and knowledge gained as you begin to discover the inherent strengths, qualities and characteristics of not only the horses, but the breeding vision that guides the programs forward. So much more than just a trip to see the famous Arabian horses of Poland, Arabian Insights Breeders Tour is the ultimate breeder’s workshop. Expect to sharpen your eye in assessing Arabian quality, type and conformation, hone your knowledge and awareness of how desired traits and characteristics are inherited and successfully trasmitted from generation to generation, and broaden your understanding of pedigrees and the significance of the horses that comprise the heritage of the modern breed. It is the ultimate aim of Arabian Insights Breeders Tour to empower breeders with knowledge and understanding of, as well as appreciation for, the science, art and philosophy of Arabian horse breeding, regardless of strain or discipline. Through exposure to the horses, open access to breeders and breeding programs, in-depth evaluation of phenotypes and genotypes, hands-on education and acquisition of practical knowledge and proven breeding strategies, it is the objective of your hosts that each and every one will be inspired and empowered to strive for new standards of excellence in the breeding of the Arabian horse. Be a part of it all - embrace the history and the tradition, discover insights into successful breeding principles, be inspired by world-class Arabian horses, enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship, share in the excitement and the significance of these standard-setting breeding programs as they chart the destiny of the Arabian breed. Arabian Insights Ambassadors:
Scott Benjamin
With a lifetime of animal industry experience, Scott has been actively involved with the Arabian breed for over 35 years. Having earned a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science from Michigan State University specializing in Equine Management and Animal Breeding/Genetics, he has since been actively involved with Arabian events in the US, Canada, the Middle East, the Arabian Gulf, Australia, South America, Africa and most of Europe as director, judge, manager, trainer, steward, clinician, coach, author, speaker and auctioneer. Scott is the Director of Benjamin Equine, an Equine Consultancy based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In addition to his professional and judging responsibilities, he currently assists with the annual Polish Arabian Horse Days in Poland and serves as Arabian Ambassador for Arabian Insights Breeders Tours. Anette Mattsson
Anette has been actively involved with Arabian horse breeding since 1982. She visited Poland for the first time in 1989 and is visiting the country and the State Studs several times every year. Anette has worked as a farm manager and trainer in Sweden and since 1991 Anette have her own breeding program with Polish bloodlines. Since 1992 Anette has worked as a professional Arabian Horse photographer and journalist. Anette is a respected breeding and marketing consultant as well as clinician and she is the Director of her own company based in Falun, Sweden. Anette has been a board member of the Swedish Arab Horse Society since 2006, responsible for education and marketing/communication and her tasks has also been as the editor for the SAHFs Magazine and webmaster for the SAHF website. Anette organized the California Arabian Breeders Celebration together with Scott 2009-2013. Anette serves as Arabian Ambassador for Arabian Insights Breeders Tours. Gene LaCroix
Gene´s first trip to Poland was in 1962 when he and his father discovered and bought Bask who revolutionized the Arabian Horse breed. Gene has won over 100 United States National Championships in Open competition in Halter, Park, English Pleasure, Western Pleasure, Driving and Reining. He was elected as the Horseman of the Year in 1979 by the American Horse Show Association (now United States Equine Federation). In 2011 the LaCroix Family received the Arabian Breeders Association Lifetime Breeder Award for their huge contribution to the breed. Gene has for the last 10 years worked as a consultant/coach to owners, trainers and exhibitors throughout the US. He and his wife Erin operate LaCroix Rehab and Lay-Up LLC located in LaGrange, Kentucky, USA. Gene´s last trip to Poland was in 2011 with Anette and Erin where they saw the greatness in the yearling filly Wieza Mocy. Gene feels like each trip to Poland is going on a treasure hunt, there are always treasures to be found whether you are looking for an outstanding show horse, a special broodmare or if you just seek knowledge and inspiration. Gene serves as Arabian Ambassador for Arabian Insights Breeders Tours. Tentative Schedule
23 June | Monday Arrive Warsaw, Travel to Janow Podlaski
24 June | Tuesday Janow Podlaski Stud
25 June | Wednesday Janow Podlaski Stud
26 June | Thursday Travel to Bialka, Bialka State Stud
27 June | Friday Bialka State Stud
28 June | Saturday Travel to Warsaw, Sluzewiec Race Course
29 June | Sunday Warsaw Sightseeing, Travel to Michalow
30 June | Monday Michalow Stud
01 July | Tuesday Michalow Stud
02 July | Wednesday Return to Warsaw
