About Georgian Arabians

Georgian Arabians is a privately owned Arabian Stud Farm with acres of exquisite pastureland. It is set in the West Country of England in the rolling hills and wilds of Exmoor National Park, home to the romantic tales of Lorna Doone.

It has an excellent indoor arena and stabling for 50 horses. Nearly all the boxes are filled. Most of the inhabitants are owned by Georgian Arabians, the exceptions are a few special horses in residence for production and management.

Owner, Susan George, best known for her illustrious film career, particularly her highly-acclaimed performance in "Straw Dogs", has been a horse enthusiast practically all her life. She rode in childhood and was given as a gift her first Arabian horse in California in 1971. Her desire to own and breed the Arabian horse has evolved through dedication and commitment.

Fifteen years ago, she and her husband, fellow actor, Simon MacCorkindale, set up Georgian Arabians, which is now a world-recognised establishment.

Susan George is infectiously passionate about the Arabian horse and one of her greatest ambitions is to infuse this upon others in the hope that they will become like-minded.

"The beauty of the Arabian horse is unique," she says. "They are loyal and smart, their intelligence often missinterperated for being temperamental and, highly strung. Not so. They are fast learners and always one step ahead. So smart are they, that their trainer must be experienced and understanding of the breed, as the Arabian horse will do every thing asked of them and if it's the wrong thing asked, they will do that too.

The athletic ability and value of these horses is unquestionable and yet, with regards to this, they remain relatively undiscovered in the minds of horse folk outside of our own. Disappointing to say the least, as there is a whole world out there of horse enthusiasts, who have no idea just what they are missing. I some times think their sheer beauty is some what of a stigma. They are so much more than exquisitely beautiful. They are powerful, dynamic and make wonderful competitive performance horses in almost any sphere they put their minds to.

Arabian Pure breds have breathtaking spirit, fly like the wind and their extravagant action is a moving and extraordinary sight to see. They perform at the drop of a hat for our pleasure and, for all who know this breed, their own. As a partner, they are trustworthy and loyal and would go to the ends of the earth for you. The best of family, the best of friends."

In 2001, Georgian Arabians stud farm welcomed the arrival of the enigmatic Triple Crown Champion Essteem by Fame VF x Espressa (El Shaklan). In residence for two and a half years, his time at the stud had a profound influence on the breeding programme. He became its cornerstone and his kind and supreme presence was unforgettable in the form of a legacy of exceptional offspring, that today have truly made their mark. 2004 saw the arrival of the first Georgian Arabian Essteem progeny on the show circuit and yearling colt SG Spirit of Essteem out of Malikeh El Sakeena (Maleik El Kheil) surpassed all expectations that year when he became British National Champion Junior Male.

2004 was a memorable Nationals, as Georgian Arabians seemed never out of the rosettes, with eleven entries and every horse in the ribbons. The cream on the cake was Essteem winning the the much-coveted Sam Simmonds Silver Salver Award for - Leading Sire of the year .

Pictures of that special year: SG Spirit of Essteem, with trainer Matthew Gales receiving trophy from AHS President Michael Harris and Susan with the Sam Simmonds Silver Salver.

 

 

Our Golden Boy, Artist The King of Georgian Arabians stud farm is and always will be their Golden Boy, veteran stallion Artist (Aswan x Stihia). This year, 29 years young, he is one of the few remaining sons of his legendary sire Aswan in the world today. Artist's Dam, the divine Stihia, died at 33 years of age so youth and lengevity is definitely in these bloodlines, as seen in the picture to your right of Artist in April 2009.. "The Iron Horse", as he was described at the Tersk Stud in Russia, is stupendous in stature and beauty. A shining Kuhaylan Pure Bred Arabian, a producer of athletic, halter and under saddle horses, much desired in the marketplace. (See Stallion Page for photographs of other magnificent Georgian Arabian Sires.)

TheMares

Our true quality mares are of Russian, Spanish,
Polish, Crabbet and Egyptian bloodlines

 

No breeding programme can be established without extraordinary mares and Georgian Arabians began with a beauty. Luzhana (Rezolute Bay x Ludora ) was 68 per cent Crabbet and bought in Georgian Arabian's first year as a pleasure riding horse for Susan.

Luzhana, however, proved to be not only a best friend and partner under saddle for her but also a most remarkable top flight ridden show horse, winning many major championships in her first year on the circuit at 10 years of age.

Below she is seen partnered with her perfectionist show rider Jo Woodward.

Luzhana - in memory1986 -2007

Luzhana was Georgian Arabians' foundation mare and a wonderful mother. Retired from breeding several years ago, Luzhana came down with colic and despite every effort to save her she died. It was a bitter blow for Susan, a reality that she felt hard to bear.

However, Luzhana left a legacy in many of her offspring, which includes British National Reserve Novice Ridden Gelding Champion, Aktor and the Reserve Supreme Champion, Horse of the Year Show, Luzhanas Star Gazer.

 

Over the years Luzhana had a habit of producing colts and then, at last, in 2002 along came that much awaited filly SG Boranya by Spanish and British National Champion Borneo, luckily followed by full sister SG Bliss in 2004. SG Boranya made her successful mark in the halter show world in her very first year, credits included:

 

 

Best Yearling Wales and West C Show and Reserve Junior Female Champion

 

British National Reserve Yearling Filly

 

Reserve to the Reserve at The International Show, UKIAHS.

 

A year to remember and the photograph says it all.

 

 

 

 

SG Imagine

WH Justice x Hessta Shaklana

Susan first took a shine to WH Justice when he was a youngster on the circuit at the World Championships and decided, back then, that he had all the attributes needed for their growing breeding programme and would be a perfect sire with his elegance and refinement, to make his mark at Georgian Arabians. He duly has. They have now bred two superlative WH Justice sons and three exquisite fillies.

SG Imagine, a son of Essteem daughter SG Hessta Shaklana, is a true stamp of his sire and, with his stretchy, strong body and extravagant movement, has already made an indelible impression on the show scene in the United Kingdom.In 2010 he will be exhibited overseas.

"As a breeder, fillies are always the desirable ask when the foals start to arrive," says Susan, "however, when that exceptional colt is born, all eyes are alight for the possibilities. SG Imagine is one such colt."

SG Imagine will be covering Georgian Arabians mares early in the 2010 season and will also be available to a select number of outside mares.

 

The Georgian Arabians Team

Stud manager of 10 years, Kate Benson, heads up the Georgian Arabians team with Pete Towler, assistant stud manager, running a very close second. No enterprise suuch as this works with out dedication and stud owners, Susan and Simon, feel that they now have one of the best teams, who work with enthusiasm and effortlessnes for the love of Georgian Arabians horses.

 

SG Latif Ibn Liana winning at Stafford C Show July 2009

The Beach with Skye and Tenor their beloved Irish Setters