Remembering Asfour

Asfour

Malik x Hanan

August 1984 - October 2009

By Tracey Garrison, Manager of Simeon Stud and Asfour's friend

Asfour kept a watchful eye over the paddocks of Simeon Stud for 25 years. He was always standing just under his tree where he could see the majority of the day-to-day comings and goings of the farm. He would always let us know when the mares were not behaving and express his displeasure when we would move his favorite mares.

Marion first spotted the spindly colt in the paddock of Dr. Hans Nagel's, Katharinenhof Stud. He was just 3 months old, but the most beautiful weanling she had ever seen. Marion knew he was the colt for her. Asfour was turned out in a paddock full of snow. He flew over the snow hardly leaving a hoof print. That is how get got his name. Asfour in Arabic means "little bird". I was not there, but I can only imagine that Asfour knew he had Marion's heart when he looked at her with his big black eyes.

When Marion imported him to Australia he was met with much skepticism. He arrived as a yearling and was a bit small and gangly. Not many people had any faith in his ability to produce. Marion would just smile and nod her head, she knew. He matured into one of the world's finest Arabian stallions. He was not perfect, all horses have their faults, but he was the perfect stallion for Simeon Stud. Marion had an instinct to be able to select the perfect group of mares for him. The resulting foals grace not only Simeon pastures, but also the pastures of 6 continents. 15 of his daughters have been retained by Simeon.

Asfour never lacked for expression. His eyes were deep dark pools as big as saucers. His ears were small and tippy, almost too perfect. His muzzle was small and delicately molding perfectly into his dish. His skin was fine and very black. He was in perfect proportion. He had something very special, some special way of capturing your heart and your imagination.

Asfour was never shown, there was no need. Some stallions just command your attention and respect when they walk up to you and Asfour never walked anywhere. He was always prancing. Never uncontrolled, just the animation you expect from an Arabian stallion. His movement was amazing. Driving hocks that would almost hit his buttocks went perfectly with the extravagant lift and stretch of his front end. He was educated for both saddle and harness.

Asfour was older when I first had the pleasure of meeting him, but you would have never guessed his age. When we would bring him out to see his visitors he was always up and putting on a show. Always the gentleman, he would lovingly endure hours of photos and kisses. I have never met a horse who so deeply touched so many people. It will be hard to walk by his paddock everyday and not see Asfour keeping a watchful eye on all of his mares. I will miss him.