The El Shuja Wahid Story
HEY, IT'S ME, WAHID, and Carol wants me to tell you my story.
Last year on a very cold day in February, Mom didn't feel well, and Dad was tired and they were having trouble taking care of me. I knew it was to be my last day on earth and I was so sad. I didn't know what to do. But I am an Arabian so I tried not to show that I was scared.
But mom was smart, she called Rachael at The Pyramid Society for help. Rachael was very worried and she, as quick as she could, called Susan to see if we could help a TPS member.
After all, I am a Norus son and my dam is pretty darn famous also. But I didn't think anyone could help me and I didn't think anyone cared. No one wanted me. I am a good boy ....really.
I was just about to turn 9 years old.
Susan called Jeanne and Jeanne called my mom and dad to tell them they would try to help them. Jeanne called Susan back and said, "Help, Please hurry, there is no more time for Wahid."
Susan also called Kent.
Now Kent knows everything and he found Jon, who lived not far from me. Jon hooked up his trailer right away fast and came to save me. He was very nice and led me across the field and asked me to step over boards and sparky wire, (hot stuff), and I finally saw where he was leading me. I thought, this is it... A Big dark box. I am done for. He must have thought I was a dummy. I was not going in there. So I planted my feet and Jon talked to me and offered cookies to tempt me. I did not fall for that old routine...for at least 30 minutes, anyway.
We had a nice ride to Jon's farm and he gave me some good feed and brushed me and brushed me til I just about fell asleep. But he did get a bit personal poking me all over. I mean his fingers were in my ears! What was he looking for? I did not want to be rude so I let him do what he wanted. Maybe I would get more cookies.
I had a lovely month there and just when I thought, this is my new life, Kent showed up with another Big box. I hopped right on since Jon had taught me to trust, and we went to Wisconsin. Kent was very good to me. I was not cold or hungry anymore. I was gaining weight and the tangles were coming out of my mane.
The important thing was that I had some hope.
One more trip after many months and I came to my forever home at Northwind Arabians with Chris and Steve. I have decided that I am not leaving here. Can I stay here, please?
They have lots of pretty girls for me to look at over the fence...and maybe breed some?
I could enjoy that.
And just when I thought nothing could be better, I found that this year I am going to the most, most wonderful Egyptian Show in the World, The Egyptian Event at The Kentucky Horse Park! Me, Wahid, can you imagine? I am going to learn how to stand funny for the Older than 10 Halter Class. I get to be all polished up and I am going to behave very well because this is very, very special. I am hoping if I am really good Chris will let me show off in Liberty for all of you.
I am so proud now! I have my spirit back.
If you see me at The Event, say hello. I will be glad to see all of you.
Hey, IT'S ME, WAHID!
And great thanks to all who helped to save El Shuja Wahid, Norus x Naftula (Moniet el Sharaf):
Rachael Brown
Jeanne Abernathy
Kent Mayfield
Jon Michael
Chris Johnson
and Susan Watson
PS: from Kent Mayfield; Director, The Pyramid Society
I drove from Wisconsin to Hidden Hollow Preserve to claim the stallion. After dinner and a good night of rest, as Jon has reported, we loaded Wahid in a downpour, well-coating ourselves in good Kentucky mud. Taking turns at the wheel we drove directly here to Second Wind, which Wahid was to call home for a few months. He was always a gentleman with kindly eyes, and as he gained confidence...as well as several much-needed pounds...he demonstrated what has come to characterize him most: a powerful, athletic presence - stylish, with great forward, off-the-hock movement, and a look-at-me attitude. This captured Chris Johnson's attention just as it did that of anyone who saw him....and Chris knew he was the right stallion for her breeding program.
Wahid is not the first horse to find a new home through the efforts of The Institute for the Desert Arabian Horse, nor was he the last. In recent years, the Institute has provided interim homes for several horses in distress. Two remain at Second Wind, both representing Brown-Babson-Turfa breeding of high significance to breeders who value the heritage of the Desert Arabian.Wahid, however, will be remembered for swift and collaborative response of The Pyramid Society and the Institute - a model, perhaps, for future efforts on behalf of families and horses in distress.
