The 2010 Brazilian Nationals-
Judge Bob Boggs Shares His Perspective
The Brazilian Nationals is one of the most exciting Arabian horse shows in the world. The exceptional quality of the horses combined with the passion of the participants make this an unforgettable event. It wouldn’t be a competition without the panel of experts who evaluate the horses and select the best of the best to become the champions of Brazil. The judging panel for the 2010 Brazilian National Championships included Marco Aragno, Italy; Fábio Amorosino, Brazil; André Caio, Brazil; Bill Melendez, U.S.A and Bob Boggs, U.S.A.
Judging a show like the Brazilian Nationals is a big responsibility. However, with over 30 years of experience with Arabian horses, Bob Boggs is uniquely qualified for the task. Bob grew up with Arabian horses. He began showing horses for his family and clients when he was still a teen and he began judging horses in 1991. Although Bob enjoyed tremendous success as a handler, his first love has always been the breeding of Arabian horses and over the past 30 years, that has become his full time endeavor. Bob has judged Arabian horse show around the world including the U.S., Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Australia, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil numerous times – this was the second time that Bob judged the Brazilian National Championships. Bob shared some of his thoughts about the 2010 show…
“I have been traveling to Brazil for over 20 years and their national show is always one of my favorites; the people are so friendly and their horses are fantastic. It is an honor for me to be invited to judge their horses. Although Brazilians love to have fun and really enjoy their horses, they are very serious breeders. I would say that over the past two decades, which is very short in terms of breeding, Brazilian breeders have developed a style of Arabian horse that is very special, very distinctive - very Brazilian! These are world-class horses, they can win anywhere in the world because they are beautiful, balanced, correct and have very high quality.
I thought the show was very well organized and executed. I really enjoyed the panel of judges I worked with, they had a lot of experience and they all had tremendous knowledge about the horses. I think one of the best things about judging is that it provides a great opportunity for me to learn from others. I love it! Even after 30 years, I realize there’s still a lot to learn about breeding horses, it truly is a lifelong journey. In addition, judging, or even just attending a show like the Brazilian Nationals, gives us the chance to see many horses – it would be impossible to go to all the farms. I encourage anyone who loves Arabian horses and wants to learn about them to attend shows – especially the Brazilian nationals – you will see some of the best horses in the world.
I have always like the way the Brazilians organize the divisions of horses for evaluation, which is according to age and sex, with subdivisions for the youngest horses. This gives judges the best opportunity to evaluate and place the horses. I thought the quality of the horses at the Brazilian nationals was the highest I have ever seen. For me there were several highlights. I thought over all, the Junior Females were the absolute best. I thought there were some truly great fillies, unbelievable quality. In my opinion, the Young Filly Champions, won by Sahara Gallina and Honeys Delight RB, were superior to every other division of the show. In my opinion, these two fillies could win anywhere and in the highest levels of competition. Their breeders have really accomplished something special and they should be very proud. When I was evaluating the fillies, I couldn’t help but think what great breeding horses they will be in the future.
The young colts, especially the Colt Championship won by Vitorio TO, were very exciting. We saw many exceptional individuals. However, I thought the Senior Stallions was the most challenging class to judge. It was an extremely close call; two stallions really stood out: FA El Shawan and LD Pistol. They both looked incredible – there were no losers. For me, the deciding factor was a personal choice. When I evaluate horses, I look at them from a breeder’s perspective and I could not ignore the number of offspring sired by El Shawan we had judged and were made champions at the show. That fact determined my choice of FA El Shawan for Champion Stallion. It was a great class of great stallions.
After the show, I was able to relax and enjoy some time visiting a few breeders and their farms. I always enjoy talking to Jose Alves of Hara JM, he is such a gentleman and in my opinion, a great breeder. I also had the opportunity to visit with my friend Murilo Kammer of Haras Aratinga. Over the years, Murilo has owned and bred some great horses. I also was able to visit one of the breeders I respect the most, Lenita Perroy at her farm Haras Meia Lua. It was a privilege to walk with Lenita through her pastures and see many of her wonderful horses including Ali Jamaal, Jullye El Ludjin and others.
I want to thank the Brazilian Arabian Horse Breeders Association for inviting me to judge their National Championship Show - it was an honor. Also, I want to congratulate all of the Brazilian breeders for continuing to produce some of the most beautiful Arabian horses in the world! I hope to see you again soon.”
Photos by Riyan Rivero.
