Photo: Erwin Escher

Salaa El Dine under sadlle

Just like Maysoun, Salaa El Dine often passes colour on to his foals. There are greys and bays as well as chestnuts and even blacks. Two extremely typey examples of chestnuts are the late Nashua (x Lotfeia) and her younger sister Nashwa. They are full-sisters of Salaa El Dine's first-born son, the above mentioned Nejdy. Both mares produced exceptionally lovely foals and those who witness Dr. Nagel during a presentation of these foals can see the pride gleaming in his eyes. These are the horses closest to his heart - and of course their ancestor Salaa El Dine is right on top of his list.

Photo: Rik van Lent Jr

Nashua (Salaa El Dine x Lotfeia)
Ihre Nachkommen sind vor allem im Mittleren Osten begehrt

Salaa El Dine's life is indeed exciting. There is hardly another studfarm in Germany that is frequented so often by visiting mares. Today a group of Italian mares is awaited. Tomorrow it might be two mares from Kuwait, the following day a mare from England, Sweden, Qatar, Egypt or any other place on this earth. This fact alone is exciting enough. Salaa El Dine's nerves, however, are also strained through the other stallions in the boxes around him. It is of little consequence that these are his own sons, his grandsons, even great-grandsons, for by now quite a few mares are brought to them as well. He always seems to be on guard to defend his position against these perceived greenhorns. Therefore he always appears to be a bit nervous in his box, since the planks are low enough to give him a good look at the competition.

Photo: Kerstin Anders

Nur Ad Dine (Salaa El Dine x Ayda)
One of his straight Egyptian sons in Germany

Visiting Katharinenhof a couple of years ago, I found myself in a situation that caused me a strange state of mixed feelings. I heard my name called by a familiar voice: "Susanne, would you hold Salaa for a minute? You are not afraid, are you?" I gasped. "Nooo, of course not," I replied with a certain reserve. But before could say any more, Salaa El Dine's rains were already in my hands. When handed over to me, the stallion nuzzled my hand very softly, barely noticeably. In fact, only the fine hairs of his muzzle touched me. Smoothly he arched his neck; perhaps I had rained him in too much. His slightly too broad thin bit lay loosely in his mouth. Salaa El Dine just gave a short and vigorous snort and eventually started chewing. With his tail carried high, the stallion pranced ever so lightly at my side and seemed to respond to the movement of a single finger. I held this stallion only for a few minutes, but these are minutes I have not forgotten. Today I don't mind admitting to the insecurity I originally felt. Salaa El Dine certainly noticed it, but did not exploit my weakness. What a gorgeous stallion - and a true gentleman as well!

Photo: Rik van Lent Jr.

Salaa El Dine as a mature horse

Maysoun and Salaa El Dine! They are two extremely noble Egyptian stallions. Two brothers who have been leaving their mark on the history of breeding for a long time now. It is quite irrelevant to ask who of the two is superior. Both are first-class stallions, who excel in a league that most of the fashionable and highly praised stallions of our days have yet to reach. In many breeding programs both stallions have played a vital role in keeping up a high standard over many years and even in improving it. Both stallions pass characteristic traits on to their get. They are siring foals that make the hearts of many enthusiasts of Arabians beat higher - professional breeders and amateurs alike. These horses have indeed given pleasure and pride, and hopefully will continue to do so for many years to come.

Photo: Gigi Grasso

A view into the future: The exquisite colt DM Malik Jamil
- Junior Champion at the Egyptian Event Europe 2004 -
combines the blood of Maysoun and Salaa El Dine

Both Salaa El Dine and Maysoun were awarded the title Elite Stallion
from the German Arab Horse Society