It's the same old story: it was love at first sight. In 1996 Carola Toischel, well-known German horse photographer, saw the colt Mahmoud and instantly knew that she wanted that little guy. "He was such a sweet creature," she remembers. "A bundle with four shaky legs that didn't fit together at all. I saw him, I liked him but I never dreamed I would own him some day!"

Mahmoud as a foal

Almost three years later Mahmoud is her pride and joy, her first Arabian horse! A straight Egyptian Arabian horse, to be precise. And fortunately her husband and the six-year-old daughter Rebecca share Carola's love for the new family member. Mahmoud was born at Peter Gross' studfarm "Gut Dieckhorst" in northern Germany. As a son of his head stallion El Shahwan and the exquisitely typey broodmare Maboubah (Madkour I x Mahameh), he is the full brother to the show-winning mares Mohebah and Bint Maboubah. And he can't deny his heritage. "He is one of the handsomest sons of El Shahwan. There's no mistaking him for anything but an Arabian. 'Mr. Beautiful' fits him well," Carola says. "And like his sire, he loves people and loves to please. His happy personality makes him a joy to be around." And that's the most important part, because Mahmoud wasn't aquired to adore his beauty. His destiny is that of a family pet, a beloved companion, a horse for all reasons. Therefore he was gelded. An easy decision. "There are so many stallions out there," Carola says. "Many good ones and many of poor quality. What's the use of having another one? The chance that Mahmoud would become a second Nazeer wasn't that big!" And isn't it the worst for a stallion to live in a stall near many mares and isn't allowed to breed them? "Of course, that's not the way to keep a stallion healthy and happy. And remember - Mahmoud is my first horse. It's easier to start with a friendly gelding than a fiery stallion!"

Mahmoud

Like many geldings, Mahmoud is a daily reminder of all the important features the classical Arabian horse has to offer. Features, which once were natural ingredients of almost every Arabian - but are lost in many of today's artificial-looking show horses. "Even people who don't know much about horses are attracted to Mahmoud," offers Carola. "It may be due to his instant response when you call his name while he's grazing in the pasture, or the way he charges up, stops and looks at you with those expressive eyes, and stretches his neck down so that even the tiniest horse lover can admire him and pet his soft nose." This gentle character draw people to the Arabian horse. They want a horse which can be handled by their children without problems. And Arabian geldings usually fit in that picture. "They really are the ambassadors of the breed.

Matthias Toischel & Mahmoud

They convince people of the 'inner' qualities of the Arabian horse. A character to rely on, an even temperament and, of course, the willingness to please under saddle." Mahmoud gained his first experience with a saddle a few month ago. It was no problem for this young horse. "His trainer laid the saddle on and the only thing Mahmoud did was to shake his ears. I believe this is the 'Arabian' way!" He is just green broke and doesn't know how to turn, but he is gentle and well-mannered. He will be trained in Western Pleasure this year. "The only problem is that Mahmoud will be better trained than I," Carola laughs. "But my husband, Matthias, is eager to learn all aspects of horse keeping and that includes riding lessons.

Mahmoud and his friend Rebecca

"And our daughter Rebecca is always at Mahmoud's side. They have a special rapport. After all, Arabians and kids go together naturally. He is the best nanny for her and Rebecca is his best friend." If every Arabian horse could have a life like this!

Clara Kamp

All photos: Carola Toischel