There’s a new king on the block at Royal Arabians. Haz AL fills the footsteps left by his sire, Royal Asad, who has headed to a new home in Europe. Oozing quality and type, Haz AL brings together some of Royal Arabians most cherished bloodlines. Making his cover debut here in The Arabian Breeders’ Magazine, we share Haz AL to an international audience, along with the Royal ideal.
Royal Arabians truly is a family affair. Founded by Mark Davis and Cindy McGown, the farm is based in Arizona, USA, and split between three locations. The first in Scottsdale, the heart of the state’s Arabian horse community. Run by Brazilian trainer Guzzo, the Scottsdale base is home to the Royal Arabians halter programme. The second farm is in Mesa, where Amanda Fraser runs their breeding programme. Finally, they have a farm in Rio Verde, which is home to their performance programme and is overseen by Justin Cowden.
Founded over twenty years ago, Royal Arabians is synonymous with two things – breeding beautiful, typey Arabian horses, and being at the heart of the Arabian horse community, not only in the States, but overseas as well.
Cindy McGown with Royal Asad. Credit Sorvillo
Having built the foundations of their programme around a group of a beautiful foundation mares, it was in 2015 that Cindy and Mark added the then colt Royal Asad to the Royal name. Foaled in Brazil in 2015, Royal Asad has not only been the farm’s flagship in the show-ring, but also as a sire of note around the world. Brazil has long been a source for breathtaking Arabian horses, and it is with no surprise that the next step has also come from this part of the world.
For now, it is time for Royal Asad’s son, the incredible Haz AL to shine. Greg Knowles, Royal Arabians Sales and Marketing Director, recalls: “The first time we saw Haz AL was as a baby, a foal. Guzzo, Mark, and Cindy went to the respected breeding farm in Brazil, Agropecuaria Leopoldino LTDA, as they always do each year on our annual visit.
Haz AL. Credit Sorvillo
“All of a sudden, one of the most beautiful colts we had ever seen came strutting out of the barn. Someone yelled out ‘who the heck is this?’ The response was that it was Haz AL, by Royal Asad and out of the amazing mare Elegance AL – who just happens to be a full sister of the already world-famous mares, Andrea AL and international champion mare Bianca AL. Elegance AL is by Halyr Meia Lua (Ajman Moniscione x Halya de Jylbert by Jylbert de Wiec) out of the beautiful Giuliana AL (ex Kyra K by Nijinsky K out of Donata K) who is by the great sire FA el Shawan (Marwan al Shaqab x Foxbriar Shakita by ZT Shakfantasy). We were so impressed with this beautiful black bay colt, and Guzzo said to ‘keep our eyes on this one, he may be a future herd sire’.
“The following spring, Mark and Guzzo were in Brazil, and they made a point to head back to see the young colt and they were still incredibly impressed. That July, while down in Brazil for the Nationals, the whole Royal team decided they simply had to go see Haz AL one more time. It was on this visit that Cindy struck an agreement with his breeder, Abel Leopoldino, to go into partnership with them and bring this amazing young colt to our Royal farm in Scottsdale. Abel stands as one of the finest Arabian horse breeders in Brazil, renowned not only for his exceptional breeding programme, but also for his deep commitment to preserving the beauty and integrity of the Arabian breed. His expertise in selecting and breeding these majestic horses has earned him a well-deserved reputation across the globe.
Haz AL. Credit Sorvillo
“All of us at Royal are convinced that Haz AL is destined to be a great producer. Last breeding season, Haz was just two years old, so we didn’t want to offer him to the public – we felt he was too young. However, we bred some very special mares of our own, and our closest clients, and we feel like the result will be incredible.
“We are very proud of this gorgeous black bay colt. With his strong pedigree, we feel his future is very bright – and yes, we will stand him to the public this upcoming breeding season!”
While Cindy and Mark are delighted to have Haz AL in their breeding barn, it was with some sadness that they let Royal Asad go. “First and foremost, great breeding stallions are never for sale!” says Greg. “But, like the saying goes, ‘We will make you an offer you can’t refuse’ – and now, it’s history and Nayla Hayek of Hanaya Arabians in Switzerland proudly owns one of the top breeding stallions in the world. At Royal, we are so proud of Royal Asad and his legacy here. To the rest of the world, he will be recognised like other iconic stallions of our breed. We will miss Royal Asad tremendously, but we have retained some very special mares to use in our breeding programme, plus a couple of very special young colts who will continue his important lines.”
Royal Asad. Credit April Visel
What makes Royal Arabians so unique is that they have a truly global picture of the Arabian horse. I know that I have met Cindy and Mark countless times at shows across the globe – and this interview was even conducted in the skies as they flew back from the Global Champions Arabians Tour finale, such is their dedication to the breed and desire to have a complete picture of the Arabian horses being shown and bred.
Asking about their future plans, Greg replies: “Royal has been very astute in understanding that the Arabian horse world does not exist in one particular continent but is instead a worldwide passion. Over the past few years, Royal has created many strong relationships all over the world. We do business in South America, North America, Europe, the Middle East, and now China. Our business is very active worldwide and we hope to continue to grow and strengthen our relationships with many breeders worldwide.”
Elegance AL. Credit Tupa
It is these personal relationships that set Royal Arabians apart. “As most people know, any company – or farm’s – philosophy always starts at the top and aligns with the complete team,” continues Greg. “At Royal Arabians, Cindy’s love and passion for the Arabian horse is undeniable. Everything Cindy does as the head of Royal is all about the love for and success of the Arabian horse worldwide. Every cause she supports, be it shows or prize money programmes, is all about recognition of the Arabian horse. For Cindy, breeding Arabian horses is truly about the love and recognition of the Arabian horse. It is not about self-interest for Royal Arabians, it is absolutely about the Arabian horse. And that mandate from the top to all of us at Royal is heard loud and clear. We all work hard to honour and promote the Arabian breed worldwide. For Cindy and Mark, Royal Arabians’ success is not, and has never been, about self-interest, Instead, it is always about the Arabian horse and bettering the breed. We at Royal feel our success has been great leadership on all levels, hard work, and sometimes good things just happen to good people.”
Amanda and Grayson. Credit April Visel
Add to that dedication to the breed an intrinsic willingness to share their passion with the world, it is no wonder that Royal Arabians continue to shine. Just watching them in Scottsdale, with their grandchildren as enthusiastic for the breed as Cindy and Mark themselves, and with a true family feel to the show, underlines that it truly is passion and love that come first. And it was that passion that led them to Haz AL – the next superstar to call Royal Arabians home. And having spoken to Royal about their feelings for this colt, I am more than sure that Haz AL will surpass all expectations.
Haz AL. Credit Sorvillo
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