Estopasan. © Kimerlee Curyl
It is always sad to wake to the news that a horse has passed away, but over the past 24 hours, three very influential horses have left our precious world of the Arabian horse.
The first to be announced was Estopasan, a stallion truly at the heart of Om El Arab in Santa Ynez, California. A cornerstone of the stud, this 31 year old stallion was a son of the foundation mare of Om El Arab, Estopa (Tabal x Uyaima), and his influence at the farm was a significant one. Janina Merz, owner of Om El Arab, shared the following:
Estopasan (*Rastano x *Estopa) 1985-2016
It is the end of an era at Om El Arab, with the loss of the last great son of Estopa. Estopasan joined his mother and siblings in greener pastures yesterday evening.
Estopasan was born in 1985 via embryo transfer. He was the first foal crop born on the Santa Ynez farm, and at the wonderful age of 31, was one of the oldest horses we have ever had. He never left the farm, except for one or two shows, and spent his entire life in the same stall. Visitors to the farm will always remember him because he greeted everyone from his corner stall. There are countless photos of him through the ages, hanging his head over his stall and greeting all who walked by. He lives on in the Om El Jimala (Sanadik El Shaklan x Om El Jazira by Estopasan) family at Om El Arab, and will always live on in our hearts as well.
He was a gentle presence, a gentleman through and through. We will miss his little quirks and his quiet strength. Rest in peace, sweet man, and say hi to my mommy for me.
Love,
Janina
 |
| © Kelli Campbell |
The same day, RD Bey Shahmpane also passed away. Famed for being the sire of Enzo (by Padrons Psyche), who also passed away earlier this year, this beautiful mare was at the heart of the stud farm owned by Dr Philip Del Pozzo and business partner, Brent Stone. RD Bey Shahmpane leaves behind an incredible legacy. Philip posted on his Facebook page:
RD Bey Shahmpane 19 May 1992 – 23 August 2016
Today we lay to rest our beautiful mare Bey Shahmpane to join her son Enzo and her daughter Cristal El Pershahn.
Together for 22 years, RD Bey Shahmpane has rewarded us with so many treasures of amazing offspring and a lifetime of wonderful memories. You will be in our hearts forever and the legacy you have left behind in nothing short of remarkable.
God speed Shammy. We love you…
Then, this morning, we woke to the news that yesterday, 24 August, Pilot (Fawor x Pipi), had also passed away. This Polish great would have celebrated his 30th birthday next year and his passing, too, was met around the world with sorrow. Bred by Janów Podlaski State Stud, he was owned by Halsdon Arabians in the UK. They posted on their website:
 |
| © Kelli Campbell |
PILOT Fawor (PL) x Pipi (PL) 1987 – 2016
This great Polish stallion died peacefully today.
Loved and revered by us all at Halsdon and by those who knew him.
God Bless the memory of this wonderful horse.
Close friend, Danny Renders, added his thoughts on Facebook, saying “a great stallion and friend passed away at Halsdon Arabians today, PILOT by (Fawor x Pipi). He will be always remembered trough his fantastic offspring all over the world.”
The hardest part of having horses is saying goodbye to them, and our thoughts are with Janina, Philip, Brent, Shirley and all their connections at this sad time.
