October Member Spotlight
Mary Ellen Chavez - Sonrisa Farms
For our October Member Spotlight, we head to Sonrisa Farms in Los Lunas, NM, where Mary Ellen Chavez recounts her journey into the world of Straight Egyptian breeding. She writes, “The vivid history of the Straight Egyptian Arabian Horse originally ignited the passion that has been a part of me for the past 17 years. I have always been passionate about horses, and for that I can blame first, my Grandfather, and second, Walter Farley. My Grandfather loved his horses and gave me the opportunity to interact with them as a young child. After his passing when I was 7 years old, all of his horses were sold, which left a big emptiness in me that was only filled by reading about everything to do with horses. I can honestly attribute my love for the Arabian to Walter Farley and The Black Stallion books. Reading those books is what brought me through my horseless years and kept the embers in my heart burning for the Arabian horses I knew I would someday possess.”
Mary Ellen first became involved with Straight Egyptians several years ago when she visited a local farm that bred them. She fell in love with a beautiful, white filly, Myjuel El Jahaara (Prince Amaaha x Aide), and “had to have her.” This first love prompted Mary Ellen’s deep exploration of the history, beauty and personality of the Straight Egyptian horse. “It was an instant fit,” she recalls. After a few years of learning, and following the acquisition of her second beautiful mare, Ruala Fa Daalima (Fa Daalim x Ak Besatina), Mary Ellen came to the realization that what she really wanted to do was begin breeding Straight Egyptians.
“The search for a stallion is what eventually led me to the amazing family at Kehilan Arabians. There, I found everything I had been looking for in the breeding program I was trying to create, from the horse in my dreams to support for the never-ending questions of a young breeder.” From Kehilan Arabians came Sonrisa Farms’ first stallion, Donatello KA (Makhnificent KA x DB Shahlaha), as well as their most recent acquisition, Latif KA (Marquis I x Aidahh KA) - in addition to several gorgeous mares. “Through the blood of Makhsous, blending with that of Imperial Madheen, Imperial Baarez, MB Mayal, some unique qualities of the Babson horses, and now most recently, daughters of The Egyptian Prince, Prince Fa Moniet, and Abenhetep, Sonrisa Farms has been creating beautiful Straight Egyptian horses with exotic type, smooth bodies, and athletic ability.”
Coupled with the great pride in her breeding program, Mary Ellen also speaks highly of her involvement in The Pyramid Society. “The Egyptian Event has become the high point of the year for me. The Event offers a chance to bring us all together in one place to display these amazing horses and enjoy the camaraderie of so many incredible people associated with them.” Sonrisa Farms’ horses have been very successful at The Egyptian Event. Donatello KA (pictured right) has been Reserve Champion World Class Stallion, and his children have earned him Reserve Champion Get of Sire. His foals have brought home many Top 10 honors. Donatello has also been listed as a Leading Sire of winners. “The greatest accomplishment in my own heart was in 2009 when Aish Al Shabah (Donatello KA x Imperial Baasimah), a colt that I bred, foaled, raised, trained, and (in the EBC) showed myself, was able to take Reserve Champion in the Futurity and 3rd Place in the EBC. It was worth every moment of the hard work it took to get him there.” Another Donatello son, Aish Ramses, has also proven himself as a Champion Sport Horse at Region 8 this year.
Sonrisa Farms will look forward to more Event wins in the years to come, but the greatest victory for a Pyramid Society member will always be the role they play in preserving, perpetuating, and promoting the Straight Egyptian horse. Echoing the sentiments of so many others, Mary Ellen graciously states, “I enjoy being a part of the Pyramid Society because it is filled with people who love, cherish, and promote this unique animal with a passion equal to my own. I have been supported with kindness and understanding from so many people I’ve encountered as part of this great organization.”
To learn more about Sonrisa Farms and their horses, please visit their website at:
Above left, Mary Ellen with Aish Baalim (Dream Manor Baalero x Ruala Fa Daalima), 2009 Bay Stallion
Above right, Aisha Cleopatra (Donatello KA x Ruala Fa Daalima), 2007 Grey Filly
