For a number of years now, I have been collecting bits of information on the Egyptian Foundation mare, *Exochorda. Recently, I decided to gather them all together and review them in sequential order for the purpose of sharing this information in an article. While compiling this and doing further research on the subject, I came upon one tiny detail which took me by surprise...a fact that completely validates what all serious, objective Egyptian breeders have never doubted. By going back in time, exploring the historic circumstances of her life in Egypt, her importation in the United State, and finally, her impressive legacy, the irrefutable chronicle of an Egyptian foundation matriarch emerges. I’d like to share with you now, the story of *Exochorda.

THE LITTLE BRIDE
The Story of *Exochorda.
by Caryn Rogosky, 8/8/01

SCATTERED IN TIME

Nearly a century has passed since a little chestnut mare, originally named Leila II, was born in Egypt. Like so many of our Egyptian Arabian Foundation horses, her history there is something of a jigsaw puzzle. Curious, seemingly unrelated bits of information, scattered about in time and space, have barely been preserved for us who now seek to make the picture whole. Yet, as with an unfinished jigsaw puzzle, one tiny forgotten piece is suddenly noticed and when set in place, all others fit together perfectly...and the picture becomes complete.

Leila II (who we have come to know as *Exochorda), was a Saqlawi mare born in Egypt in the early part of the 1920s. A demure mare, Leila II stood only 14.2 hands high and weighed about 825 pounds. From old, unopposed photos she appears to have been very refined and balanced with an excellent length and slope of shoulder. Her neck was elegant and feminine, set high and rising smoothly from moderately high, well defined withers. Her fine, clean throatlatch and teacup muzzle reminds us of Moniet El Nefous, and while also chestnut in color, her conformation appears quite superior to Moniet's. Her hind quarter was strong and her hip deep, her croup remarkably level and her tailset very high. Her legs appear dry and refined, her pasterns sloped at a very good angle. Though the details of her face are not clearly seen from the photos -- it has been described as “deserty” and pretty, especially when compared to her contemporaries.

Her sire, the stallion known as Aiglon, and her dam, Leila 1, were both pure desertbreds who had been imported into Egypt directly from the Arabian desert by private breeders. Although, generally speaking, there is a considerable lack of information on horses who came into Egypt during those early years, we have more details on these three horses than we do on most others. This is due in part to the fact that all three, Aiglon, Leila I and Leila II, raced in the Purebred Division on the Cairo racetrack, under the scrupulous eye of the Jockey Club Committee, headed by Dr. Branch.


IN EGYPT ~ HISTORICAL BACKDROP

Throughout history, Arabian Horse breeding has been practiced simultaneously by various members of Egyptian society. During "The Golden Age" of Egyptian breeding, when the royal families were breeding on a large scale, wealthy private individuals were doing the same on smaller breeding farms. Besides the Egyptian upper class, wealthy Westerners, living in Egypt at the time, enjoyed importing and breeding desertbred Arabians. Lady Anne Blunt is the most famous of those “foreigners” who’s passion for Arabian horses impacted the breed, but there were others as well. Racing became a favorite pastime for the wealthy class, and it has been said that some of the best of all desertbreds were imported to Egypt from the desert for the purpose of racing during the first part of the 1900s. In "A Journey to Arabia", published in 1939, Dr. Ahmed Mabrouk stated, "I found during my journey, that the pick of the Arab horses are sent to Egypt where they are in demand for racing. The good prices they procure when sold and the substantial race prizes are the attraction".


AUTHENTICATION
Documentation/And The Lack Thereof

We must remember that Egyptian owners/breeders of one hundred years ago had no reason to suspect that one day such an emphasis would be placed on their documentation by the Western world. Therefore, it is understandable that written records from that period are vague, even nonexistent. This typical lack of documentation (or stud book entry) is illustrated in this statement made by renowned researcher Joe Ferriss, published in an Internet post on 5/20/97. Expressing his own views of the Egyptian Arabian horse as a cultural entity, Mr.. Ferriss refers to the criteria utilized to identify the horses of Egypt. He states, "...hence I find it extremely limiting to try to define its Arabian horses by studbook documentation or official records. If this were the sole basis for identifying the horses of Egypt, I am wondering why Al Khamsa had to have a pre-registration section for its foundation horses and why Colin Pearson in his book had a section for horses not appearing in any Egyptian records?".

Mr. Ferriss goes on to give an excellent example of this lack of documentation which he encountered while researching for his article "Rustem in Retrospect" (Khamsat Vol. 12, No.1). He states, "I thought it would be interesting to try to document all known Al Khamsa get of Rustem (*Astraled by Ridaa). Using sources such as: Vol. II of AHS stud book, Hansi Heck-Melnyk's Straight Egyptian Index, Al Khamsa Arabians LL, and the 1932 letter to W.R. Brown published in Khamsat Vol. 4, No. 3, courtesy of Carol Lyons, I was able to come up with a composite list of 34 get of Rustem. In checking the RAS Stud book Vol I, I found that of those get produced in Egypt (and there may be others not documented) very few appear in any official records. A number of them are properly photographed or identified by Jack Humphrey in 1932 in Egypt while visiting Prince Kemal El Dine. Some had no names. Three of the dams of these Rustem get are not identified in any stud book or official record with ancestry, strain, breeders ect. recorded.--- these being Nizma, Rizkia and Hasni Hegazia...ultimately only the Prince knows who these mares are. But I have no reason NOT to think of them as Egyptian Arabian horses. This is but one example of what we have to constantly deal with in exploring the details of past ancestry".


The Jockey Club

During this period Dr. Branch, highly respected Director of the RAS (and known purist), presided over the Jockey Club Committee in Egypt. There were two distinct classes for racing, the PUREBRED (pure desertbred) division and the NON PUREBRED division. One of the primary purposes of the Jockey Club Committee was to insure that PUREBREDS did not compete against NON-PUREBREDS. This was a very big issue, as there were attempts by some breeders/owners to "sneak" a bit of Thoroughbred blood in there to... shall we say, improve their chances on the racetrack? The speed advantage provided by the duplicitous infusion of Thoroughbred blood was not appreciated by those racing pure desertbred Arabs.

Thus, Dr. Branch, who was known for his unyielding requirements for authenticity in Arabian horses, was appointed to this commission. The requirements for proof were stringent! If the Committee had even the slightest inkling of any "improprieties" in the pedigree, the horse was banned from racing in the PUREBRED division. Dr. Branch in particular, infuriated many an owner as he relied not only on the documentation for evidence, but also upon his own cultivated eye for recognition of authentic Arab blood. There are recorded stories of his turning away horses from the PUREBRED Division based solely on the fact that his eye saw something suspicious, even if the documents were in order. At this particular time in Egypt, a Jockey Club Certification as a PUREBRED issued under Dr. Branch, was one of the very highest forms of testimony of purity/authenticity. Thus certified, the PUREBRED racing records for Aiglon, Leila I and their daughter, Leila II show the following:
Aiglon - ran 12 races, from the race season of 1914-1915, through the race season of 1920-1921, owned by Mr. J. Joannides.
Leila I (Laileh) - raced during the 1920-1921 race season, under the ownership of Captain Owens (also her importer).
Leila ll (*Exochorda) - raced under the name of Marquita and under the colors of Mr. S. Philippides during the race season of 1926, and the race season of 1927.


RAS Documentation/Dr. Branch

The Royal Agricultural Society, while under the auspices of Dr. Branch, was closely connected with the royal families. It is impossible to understand the intrinsic value of the certification of pedigrees by the RAS during this time, without knowing more about Branch himself. Dr. A.E. Branch educated in England. He was a contemporary of Lady Anne Blunt, H.R.H. Prince Mohamed Ali and H.R.H Prince Kemal El Dine. He was known to be rather gruff in personality, but his forthright integrity and deep knowledge of Arabian horse breeding gained him the great respect of Egyptian breeders. A connoisseur of great beauty and a stern purist, Branch's advice was highly sought by the royal breeders. Branch became a close confident of Prince Kemal El Dine and Prince Mohamed Ali, and Judith Forbis comments that "he was more closely connected with the breeding and development of Arabians in Egypt than anyone of his era", and that "His contribution to the history of Egyptian Arabians ranks with the best of their breeders"

In the 1932 letter from Jack Humphrey to W.R. Brown, Humphrey writes: "First, Dr. Branch is the highest man in his department here in Egypt. He has been here for 35 years, first under the British and then the Egyptian Government. His word is taken as law, and in cases of exportation his is the final say on any permit". Humphrey further states, "He has known the Arab horse in Egypt for this whole time and has been intimately connected with their breeding and development even longer than the Prince himself."

As an adjunct, Dr. Branch should also be mentioned for his role in preventing the spread of the 1928 plague in Egypt, known as African Horse Sickness. Due to his expeditious and exhaustive efforts, Branch was credited for saving the lives of countless animals from the ravages of this fatal disease. Without his intervention, it is likely that thousands of Egyptian Arabians would have been wiped out.

In 1948, the RAS History Book, compiled by Dr. Ashoub, was first published. It was a collection of accounts of activity at the RAS from 1908 forward. While it is considered to be a useful source of information regarding horses who were bred, purchased or sold by the RAS during that period, it was not assembled until nearly 40 years “after the fact” and cannot be considered a precise or complete account. Liberal allowances must be made for a considerable degree of error and/or omission. It is also greatly significant that the RAS routinely provided veterinary and breeding services to private breeders. It is highly likely that the RAS Directors would have intimate knowledge of a particular breeding of non-RAS bred stock, if that breeding was facilitated at the RAS under the RAS supervision. However, one would not necessarily expect to find mention of such breedings, nor of the resulting foals, in the the RAS History book. By all accounts, no official RAS Stud book has ever existed.


RAS Certification

Accompanying Leila II (*Exochorda) to the United States of America, was an RAS Certificate of Pedigree. A photocopy of the original is in my possession. It is on official RAS letterhead embossed with RAS Seal. It includes the following detailed information: In pedigreee format, are the words, "MARE", under that, "Leila II", "7 year old. Racing name “Marquita”. Sire: Aiglon, Sakalaoui Gidrani Importedd by Amed Ibish, Winner of 12 races. Dam: Leila, Arab Mare imported from Arabian by Capt W.R. Owens in 1920". Below that is written "Distinguishing marks - Chestnut, white face, both hind stockings, white hoof, white hair off shoulder". Then, a testimony to the identity of the mare, “This is to the best of our knowledge" with the handwritten signature of Ashoub (see Dr. Ashoub, author of the RAS History book). To the left of Ashoub's signature "Cairo, July 18th 1930", beneath that “Director Royal Agricultural Society. Then, "Kingdom of Egypt, City of Cairo”, signed by the Consulate of the United States of America. Then notarized, "Described and sworn to before me" signature , Vice Consul of the United States of America. In the left corner of the page, directly under the signature of Ashoub, it is written "I the undersigned do certify that the above pedigree is true and correct". It is signed Mahmoud Samy Pacha, Owner of the above horse". It should be noted that Mahmoud Samy Pacha was the Egyptian Minister to Washington at that time. At the bottom of the page are two additional seals/stamps.

When evaluating the above information, consider that this document was issued under the authority of Dr. Branch and the specific identity of the mare was testified to by the signature of Dr. Ashoub, both having express knowledge of the activities at the RAS, knowledge of the breeders, owners and horses in Egypt at that time. It is very likely that the Jockey Club Certification (issued under Branch) was referenced for pedigree authentication. While not bred by them, the RAS also provided the same certification for the importation to the U.S.A of other horses, including: *Maroufa, *Roda *Zarif and *Bint Serra l, who are also not recorded in the RAS History book. *Fadl is also not listed in that book, while a photo of him as a mature stallion appears in it, obviously acquired some time later, as *Fadl was only 2 years old when he left Egypt. It must also be remembered that buyers/importers frequently engaged authorized agents to help facilitate the arrangements for the transport. Naturally, since the buyers did not all personally travel to Egypt, they authorized agents to provide such signatures.

Summing up the issue of documentation for *Exochorda prior to coming to America, I offer the evidence of all of the above, and finally I quote Mr. Ferriss once again: "The subsequent issue for preservationists is to remember that ultimately "purity" is a focus of certain features resulting in something fairly consistent and best for its specialty. I n that regard, the ultimate creator of purity was the very lifestyle of the Bedouin. The more we learn about them and from them the easier it will be for us to recognize, maintain and enjoy the truly noble features of this ancient desert horse in our own stock. I am reminded by Ruby Perdue's comment to me years ago, that ultimately a breeder needs to see the blood in the next generation, not in the past. Of Sirecho's (*Nasr X *Exochorda) 27 Al Khamsa get I saw 22 of them, owned one, and have seen hundreds of his descendants. I am convinced by my own experience with Sirecho blood for 22 years that it is true to the best the Eastern culture has entrusted to us."


Carl Raswan/The Raswan Index

With regard to Leila II (*Exochorda) Mr. Ferriss emphasizes that according to Carl Raswan, both parents (Aiglon and Leila I) were acquired through the Argheyl Muhammed Ibn Marzuki of Bureyda Quasim. He refers back to his review of Raswan documents and letters, as provided to him by Richard Pritzlaff, for the purpose of publication (Tribute to Raswan, 1988 Khamsat, V.5/ N4 & V.6/ N1): "In more than one instance Raswan described Marzuki and his reputation and indicated that he had traveled with Marzuki on some of his horse expeditions. Perhaps to Capt. Owen and *Ahmed Sbish (see footnote), all that mattered was that Marzuki had obtained some fine desertbreds for them and what reason would they need to document records for future breeders they did not know would be interested". Mr. Ferriss also quotes Raswan as stating that Prince Kemal El Dine “used to call *Exochorda (Leila II) the female counter-part of Mesaoud”. Very enlightening connection! This statement clearly indictes that the Prince had close knowledge and familiarity with this mare. Given the lack of documentation available for Prince Kemal El Dine’s horses, this appears to be a stong clue regarding *Exochorda’s life in Egypt, and perhaps even to where her dam (Leila I) went after her racing career had ended.

Mr. Ferriss’s astute observation regarding Marzuki is confirmed in this data, taken from the Raswan Index. (Please note that both Aiglon and Leila I were imported to Egypt through the Agheyl Muhammad Ibn Marzuqi): 2478 - Exochorda (816 AHC of A) a chestnut Saqlawiyah-Jidraniyah mare; bred by the Royal Agr. Soc. of Egypt; foaled 1924; imported to the USA by H. Herbermann. Sire "AIGLON" (desert bred) . Dam "Leila" (Desert-bred) 308 - AIGLON Desert bred by Sa'udi Arabian Bedouin, imported to Egypt. Sire of "Exochorda" (see Leila") Sire a Kuhaylan-Harqan of the 'Ajman. Dam a DAHMAH NAJIB of the 'AJMAN.

Volume 2:
5539 - LEILA a Saqlawiyah - Jidraniyah Ibn Sudan mare. Desert bred in Sa'udi Arabia (imported to Egypt 1920). Dam of Exochorda See AIGLON 9894 - SIRECHO (1623 AHC. of A) matured 14 hands and 3 inches, bred by Brig. General J.M Dickinson, Nashville Tenn., foaled 1939, a gray (white) Saqlawi-Jidran Ibn Sudan. Sirecho's sire was Nasr (III) and his dam (as recorded by Dr Branch, chief Veterinary of the Royal Egyptian Agricultural Society under Prince Kamal Al Din) was 'LEILA (II)" she was also called Exochorda" 816 AHC of A., which apparently was the name of the boat she came over in to the USA).

LEILA (II) (Exochorda) was raced in Egypt under the name of "MARQUITA" or "MARQITAH" (which means both hind feet white), but usually referred to in Egyptian studbooks (etc.) as "MARQUITA". The sire of "LEILA (II)" ("Exochorda" or "Marquita") was a famous stallion that later (among SYRIAN- LEBANESE and EGYPTIANS) became known as Aiglon (L'Aiglon), a Dahman--Najib of the 'Ajman. Exochorda's dam was LEILA (I), a Saqlawiyah-Jidraniyah Ibn Sudan of the Ruala and "Leila (I)" was imported to Egypt through the Agheyl (see under 'Uqayl) Muhammad Ibn Marzuqi.

AIGLON's pedigree reads as follows:"Aiglon's sire was a Kuhaylan - Harqan of Ibn Damir of the Ajman and Aiglon' dam was a Dahman-Najib of the 'Ajman. Originally Aiglon was brought by the same Agheyl (Muhammad Ibn Marzuqi of Burayda, Qasim-Najib) from Sattam Ibn Sha'Lan of the Ruala, where he was known as Shaqwu (or Shakhwan) Marzuqi brought "Shakhwan to Egypt, where he became known as "Nisr" (The Eagle" which is Aiglon in in French and by this name Aiglon - been entered into the stud book of the Near East and America)"

Please note that Raswan states that *Exochorda “was usually referred to in Egyptian studbooks (etc.) as "MARQUITA"." This clearly indicates the mare WAS, in fact, documented in Egyptian studbooks. This was further validated during a personal interview with Judith Forbis several years ago, when she mentioned to me that she recalled seeing the name "Marquita" entered in a private Egyptian studbook. In testimony to his personal appreciation for the value of the *Exochorda blood, Carl Raswan made this observation: "SIRECHO (son of *Exochorda) has already gone down in American-Arabian history as one of our important foundation sires. One of the few in our time who have become responsible for salvaging the completely PURE Arabian in America from extinction".

Finally, Mr. Ferriss reminds us of how essential it is to fairly apply one set of standards uniformly to all Egyptian ancestors: "So what we know of these two men (Owens and *Sbish) is not presently explicit. I find it unfortunate that *Exochorda was singled out regarding what is not known about her breeder or circumstances because frankly, any researcher sooner or later runs into situations like this on a number of horses. Inevitably one has to make presumptions and give faith to what is known and to what is produced from it. If we do not do this, then Egyptian breeders have a larger problem by example in the mare Halabia c. 1890, a Saqlawiyah-Jidraniyah mare in Abu Amin Halabi's stables. Halabia is in every living Pyramid Society Straight Egyptian Arabian's pedigree many times over. Of the 19th century personages providing foundation horses, we know next to nothing about Abu Amin Halabi or his horses. But Halabia's situation is not more explicit than *Exochorda, or El Samraa, or El Shahbaa with regard to how much we know about the owners and breeders of these horses of their parents. Yet I find nothing wrong with this. All are mares of notable quality influence on Egyptian breeding, and all are products of their culture's horse breeding activity. Without evidence to the contrary, I respect those Egyptians who have vouched for these horses even in the absence of knowing specifically their reasons for doing so".

*Footnote - It has very recently been discovered that the name Ahmed Ibish (as written on the original importation document) was transcribed as Ahmed Sbish.


THE BRIDE

"Exochorda Racemosa", is a rare and beautiful plant, native of the Eastern world. Gracefully arched, its weeping branches are adorned with snow-white flowers. Hence the name Exochorda, which means "The Bride". For the little maiden mare known as Leila II, soon to leave her native land of Egypt, the name was hauntingly suitable. It remains an enigma, however, how the name “Exochorda” came to be chosen for a beautiful new Steamship built by the New York Shipping Company. Surely they could have never imagined how many lives this ship would live and the incredible role she would play in history.

One day in 1931, "The Exochorda" set out from New York Harbor headed for the Middle East, sailing under the flag of Dr. Henry Herbermann's "American Export Lines". That journey, which would bring Leila II to America, was most probably the Exochorda's maiden voyage. Perhaps this was the common thread which inspired Dr. Herbermann to rename the little mare after this ship. For the next 9 years the Exochorda would sail between New York and the Mediterranean, transporting passengers and cargo. If it hadn't been for what happened next, it is unlikely that the existence of this ship would ever have been noticed. For this reason, I offer the history of "The Exochorda".


METAMORPHOSIS OF A SHIP

In 1940 the Exochorda was commissioned by the U.S. Navy. After undergoing wartime modifications, she was renamed the "U.S.S. Harry Lee" and sailed as a Navy transport ship. Her first 18 months of commissioned service were spent in amphibious maneuvers in the Caribbean. Over the following years, The U.S.S. Harry Lee carried U.S. troops and supplies to the many battlefields of World War II. In February of 1945 she set sail for Iwo Jima, her last amphibious operation of the war. After disembarking her troops, The U.S.S. Harry Lee remained off the shore of Iwo Jima for two weeks, acting as a hospital evacuation vessel. Shortly thereafter, the war ended and the U.S.S. Harry Lee was honored with seven Battle Stars for her illustrious World War II service.

After her commission with the U.S. Navy ended, the ship was returned to American Export, which again named her "The Exochorda". She arrived at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York in May of 1946, where she received extensive repairs. After spending two years in Reserve, she was sold to Turkey in 1948 and renamed "The Taurus". There, she resumed her pre-war voyages between New York and Istanbul, and was again engaged in trading in the Mediterranean. In December 14, 1960 disaster struck. A Yugoslav tanker sailing through the Bosphorus Strait, filled with gasoline and kerosene, crashed into a Greek tanker sailing from the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. A devastating fire erupted, triggering several explosions aboard the Greek tanker. After colliding, the Yugoslav tanker began to drift with the current across the Strait. Burning out of control, the tanker then collided with the Taursus, which had been stationed at dry dock. The fire spread quickly from the tanker to the Tarsus and she was soon completely engulfed. Suddenly, the ship that carried the little mare *Exochorda from Egypt to America, then so bravely served her country for many years was gone. Yet, by erie coincidence her own namesake, the little maiden mare who she first carried safely to America so long ago, would keep her name alive for all of these years. But then again... perhaps there is no such thing a coincidence.


PIECES OF A PUZZLE

While the history of this ship adds interest and color to the background of *Exochorda's journey to America, it holds one precious detail of far greater significance. But first, to recapitulate the pieces of this puzzle:
The year of *Exochorda's birth is given by AHRA (Arabian Horse Registry of America) as 1924. However, no date of birth appears on her RAS Import Certificate. Only her aproximate age at that time (a seven year old), is given on that document, signed July 18th of 1930. To the best of my knowledge, the 1924 birth year does not appear on any documents issued in Egypt. In fact, there is a major discrepancy with the 1924 date when compared to the year of birth given in her Jockey Club racing records, as provided by Judith Forbis in "Authentic Arabian Bloodstock". There, the birth date of Leila II (*Exochroda), is given as 1922. Furthermore, the records also show that she raced during the 1926-1927 racing season, confirming that she was 4 years old when she started racing. Please recall the stringent requirements for documentation required by the Jockey Club Committee during that period -- a testimony to the accuracy of that given birthdate.

The AHRA given birthdate of 1924 has been utilized to demonstrate cause for speculation on the orgins of tis mare. If that date is correct and *Exochorda was imported to the U.S.A in 1930 (as has been reported) how do we answer these questions?
1) If she was born in 1924 and raced in 1926, does that mean she was raced as a two year old? Not likely!
2) The 1924 birth date places her conception year in or around 1923. How do we know for sure that her parents were still in Egypt in 1923?
The Egyptian Jockey Club race records for her parents (Aiglon and Leila I) cover the period of time for the race seasons of 1920-1921, the “season” running from September of 1920 through August of 1921. Therefore, we know for sure both were in Egypt during this period. While there is absolutely no indication that either horse ever left Egypt, the racing club records do categorically PROVE that they were there at least during those specific years.

Obviously, the correct year of birth for *Exochorda becomes a pivotal issue in this discussion. The question is, which birthdate is correct, the Egyptian Jockey Club records showing it as 1922, or the AHRA records, showing it as 1924? The answer, most certainly is... The Jockey Club Records are correct. The mare was born in 1922, placing the conception year at 1921, during the time that BOTH Aiglon and Leila I are DOCUMENTED as residing in Egypt.


THE KEY

How can we be so certain of these things? The key that unlocks the mystery, the forgotten piece that completes the puzzle, is found in the above story of the great war ship, "The U.S.S. Harry Lee". It is a matter of historical record, documented for posterity, that this famous ship was built in 1931. I quote from the article, "The U.S.S. Harry Lee, Biography of an Attack Transport Ship in W.W.II", by Steve Waswak : "The U.S.S. Harry Lee was built as the passenger ship Exochorda by New York Shipbuilding Co., Camden, New Jersey in 1931 and operated in the Mediterranean area for American Export Lines".

I now cross-reference you to the article by Joe Ferriss, "SIRECHO, Some Background and Personal Reflections": "In correspondence regarding transfer of ownership from Captain R. Dettweiler to J. M. Dickenson, Captain Dettweiler makes the following comments: "...and I am happy to know that my beloved mare Exochorda is now insured of the best of care...Mr. Herbermann, the owner and president of the American Export Lines imported the mare, Leila II on his ship Exochorda. As there was a horse named Leila already registered in the Arabian Horse Club and its against the regulations of the club to add a surtitle to a name once registered, the mare was named after the steamer and so registered". As additional testimony to this, the Catalog for the "Travelers Rest Arabian Stud", owned by the aforementioned J. M. Dickenson, states the following: "*Exochorda - Named in Egypt Leila II, raced successfully under the name of Marquita, imported 1931 by Dr. Herbermann". The proof is conclusive. Not only is the correct import date of 1931 documented in the Catalog, there is absolutely no way that the mare *Exochorda arrived in the United States aboard that ship, in 1930. It simply did not exist at that time.


ERRORS AND OVERSIGHTS

So what happened? Why did AHRA record the year of birth as Jan 1,1924? Remember the RAS Certificate of Pedigree that accompanied *Exochorda to America was signed in Egypt on July 18, 1930. Also recall that her year of birth was not given, just her age as a seven year old. Apparently, however, the mare was confined in Egypt (perhaps awaiting her ride!) until sometime in 1931. When the mare finally arrived in the U.S.A. in 1931, the RAS Import Certificate would have been presented, showing the age of the mare as 7 years old. It would seem likely that the AHRA recording clerk, not considering that the document had been signed the prior year, simply counted back 7 years from the current year, which landed them at 1924. Jan 1 is the "generic" birth date used where exact day of birth is unknown — thus the AHRA birth date of Jan. 1, 1924. In addition, no owner other than Herbermann is shown on the AHRA CD ROM for *Exochorda, although she spent most of her life at Traveler's Rest and produced foals for Dickenson. This illustrates that we must consider information on early imports with a broad margin for error and a liberal dose of tolerance.

A parallel case is that of *Ibn Nafa, also imported by Henry Herbermann along with *Exochorda (on the same voyage). There appears to be discrepancy in the recording of his birth date as well. *Ibn Nafa is recorded by AHRA as being foaled February 23, 1923. The dam of *Ibn Nafa is recorded as being Naffa El Saghira (aka Nafa or Nafaa), in all sources (The Blue Catalog, Raswan, Pyramid Society, Al Khamsa, etc). The RAS History, pages 128-129, lists Nafaa El Saghira and her descendants. The only progeny born in 1923 is a daughter, not a son, born December 10th.

The RAS History (published in 1948), lists Ibn Nafaa El Saghira as born February 23, 1926, not February 23, 1923 as is recorded by AHRA. Also of interest, the RAS History states that he was "Sent to America on July 19, 1930 through the late Mahmoud Sami Pasha, the Egyptian Minister at Washington." Please recall that Mahmoud Sami Pasha is the same person who signed the RAS Certification as owner for *Exochorda. This is positive evidence that Mahmoud Sami Pasha was acting as intermediary owner/custododian for both *Ibn Nafa El Saghira and *Exochorda on behalf of Henry Herbermann. The the export papers for both horses were prepared within one day of each other in July of 1930, though they didn’t arrive in America until 1931. It would seem that the AHRA import date of 1930 was picked up from the date the papers were signed in Egypt, which was actually the “export” date.


SPECULATION AND EXPLOITATION

The incidence of clerical errors in birth dates, import dates etc. is very common, especially with the old horses and early imports. All of this paperwork was done manually, humans make mistakes. These errors or inconsistencies cannot be assumed to be cause for suspicion. For example, the birth date of Morafic (a much more recent import), is recorded in the EAO Stud Book as 3/19/56. The AHRA gives the birthdate as 2/19/56. Hansi Heck-Melnyk, in her Straight Egyptian Index, gives the birthdate as 3/9/56. One could make an argument that these discrepancies raise other questions, but that would not be rational or ethical, considering the nature of the entire issue. Nontheless, this is exactly what was done in the case of *Exochorda.

*Exochorda's conception, birth and life in Egypt have been scrutinized in a manner which no other Arabian ancestor has been subjected to. However, even under these exceptional standards, her authenticity and correct designation remains unscathed. She is now, always was, and will remain ALWAYS — a Straight Egyptian mare, of pure desertbred ancestry. Without question, all recorded information shows that during her life in Egypt, *Exochorda was known and recognized by Prince Kemal El Dine as well as Dr. Branch and Dr. Ashoub. Her selection for importation to the United States for Dr. Herbermann is a tribute to her quality, and it is our good fortune that she made that journey.



*Personal note: I was quite stunned when researching for this article, I came upon the information that the ship, The Exochorda, was docked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1946. I was born in Brooklyn New York, my grandfather worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1946. It is most probable that my own grandfather worked on the ship that brought *Exochorda to America.





A NEW NAME, A NEW WORLD

Just as *Exochorda’s name will forever be linked with a with a vessel of great historical significance, her arrival to her new land punctuates one of the most well documented periods in American history — The Great Depression. After the Stock Market crash of 1929, the U.S. economy began a slide into a dismal decline, which would persist for nearly a decade. Indeed, on December 11, 1931, the very year *Exochorda landed on American soil, The New York Bank of the United States collapsed.

Given this time of economic turmoil, it is no great wonder that the ownership of *Exochorda changed several times during her initial years in America. What is quite amazing is that she would soon find herself in safe haven where she would not only enjoy a very pleasant life, but as fate would have it, she would fulfill the destiny prophesized in Egypt years earlier. Originally established in 1792 as The Traveler’s Rest Farm, it was renamed The Traveler’s Rest Arabian Stud by owner J. M. Dickinson in 1930. Located in Nashville Tennessee, it was there that *Exochorda would find a secure home. Dickinson’s daughter, Margaret Dickinson Fleming, described *Exochorda as a very kind and intelligent mare of excellent temperament. Margaret also recalled that the little mare, who had received considerable dressage training in America, was a highly talented athlete with a very willing attitude who made an excellent saddle horse.

In 1932 Mr. W.R. Brown had made a famous importation of Egyptian Arabians to the United States, primarily of Prince Mohammed Ali stock. Amidst the throes of the Great Depression, however, Mr. Brown found himself in a position requiring the dispersal of his incredible herd, and many of his finest Arabians went to Traveler’s Rest. These acquisitions included *Roda, *Zarife, *Aziza, *HH Mohammed Alis Hamama, *HH Mohammed Alis Hamida, and *Nasr. The descendants of these horses have left a priceless legacy.

One of the most magnificent of all of these was the stunning white *Nasr, bred by Prince Mohammed Ali. A bold and powerful stallion, *Nasr had a remarkable racing career in Egypt prior to his importation to America. Standing 15 hands high and weighing 1,000 pounds, he is recorded as having a girth of 70 inches with 7.5 inches of bone. His strong sweeping lines, powerful shoulders and high arched neck gave him a noble presence and dignified countenance. His masculine head was very typey, set with large black eyes. He enraptured spectators with his “look of eagles” as he contemplated his horizons with intense awareness. Truly expressing the archetype of classic Arabian beauty as depicted in ancient carvings, *Nasr soon became a highly sought stallion. His foals were exported to countries all over the world, including England, Brazil, Guatemala, Columbia and Venezuela. What a fabulous choice he would prove to be for the demure little bride, *Exochorda.


THE BIRTH OF A LEGACY
“Little Sirecho How Do You Do”

As a young boy, Richard Lodwick's father Clifford would sometimes take him to visit the Arabians at Traveler’s Rest Stud. Enthralled by the horses they saw there, both father and son were impressed with their exquisite beauty, reminiscent of the the old paintings they so admired. And so...in 1938 when Clifford Lodwick decided to purchase a mare from Traveler’s Rest Stud, he selected *Exochorda. Now back in foal to *Nasr, she had previously given birth to twins by him — both of whom survived! In 1939 *Exochorda made her move to the Lodwick’s farm in Ohio, and in April gave birth to a fine, strapping colt. Adored by young Richard, he was named “SIRECHO” after a popular song of that day, “Little Sirecho How Do You Do”. Sirecho became Richard’s constant companion and as they grew up together, he trained and rode young Sirecho to the delight of both boy and horse. During that period, Sirecho sired ten foals and his blood is still retained at the Lodwick’s farm today. But young men grow up, and there came a time in 1955 when the Korean War broke out, and Richard was called to the Armed Services. In his absence, Sirecho, who now closely resembled his glorious sire *Nasr, was sold to none other than Mrs. John Ekern Ott. Though a sorrowful parting, this would prove to be a historic turning point for Sirecho, and a great salvation and for Egyptian Arabian breeders.


AN INFAMOUS NEW MISTRESS

It was during this period that Carl Raswan had made a public issue of the dilution of pure desert blood in contemporary Arabians. Inspired by his passion, Mrs. John Ekern Ott and her daughter Jane led a new movement in America focused on preserving the authentic, antique type Arabian horse. In a blue notebook, later known as THE BLUE CATALOGUE, Miss Jane Ott spent countless hours listing those Arabians in North America who met their criteria as true desertbreds. A rather “crusty” personality, Mrs. Ott was quite opinionated and very outspoken regarding her perceptions and ideas. The predominant spokesperson for the cause, Mrs. Ott garnered a considerable following for the movement as well as a rather large collection of enemies. Nonetheless, the Blue Catalogue became well known, or which the Otts (particular the senior) became rather infamous — a designation Mrs. Ott seemed to quite relish. This was a mixed blessing for Sirecho, for had Mrs. Ott been better ve been sought against her, via her stallion. On the other hand, for this very same reason the Sirecho blood is now one of the few sources of Straight Egyptian lines which remains an outstanding outcross for most pedigrees in which more popular Egyptians were used far more frequently and far less judiciously.


A DISTINGUISHED DYNASTY

Sirecho was quite a character and Mrs. Ott greatly enjoyed his wonderful personality and keen intelligence. She spoke of his habit of creating toys out of virtually anything that was lying in his paddock. Apparently quite the show-off, he frequently picked up broken branches, making a ruckus with them in order to gain attention! He just loved being in “the limelight” and as soon as this was accomplished, he would resume his manner of noble confidence and gentle dignity.

Mrs. Ott also had strong opinions regarding the overuse of stallions, and she was highly selective about what mares were bred to Sirecho. He was NOT stood at public stud, and Mrs. Ott hand picked those mares, many of them Babsons. This discriminating breeding resulted in a relatively small, but high quality band of foals — 39 in all, including : Joramir (X Fad Roufa), Sirhabba (X Habba), Bel Gordas ( X Habba), Asal Sirhabba (X Habba) and Faarecho (X Farra). Of those 39, 21 were daughters, 18 were sons. All together, 20 Sirecho daughters produced 170 foals, 13 sons sired 201 foals, totaling 407 grandget. A family of remarkable longevity, they are also highly prolific, still producing easily into their late twenties.

Equally as beautiful as they are athletic, the Sirecho dynasty speaks for itself: JORAMIR - 1968 U.S. Top Ten English Pleasure and Native Costume, 20 Class A Halter and performance championships. JORA HONEY KU - 1978 Canadian National Champion. VP KAHLUA - 1984 U.S. and Canadian National Champion Mare. AK SIRHALIMA - Australian Leading Sire of Champions. ANCHOR HILL HALIM - German multi champion and endurance winner. ANCHOR HILL OMAR - South African National Champion. ANCHOR HILL ANNAH - U.S. To Ten Trail Champion. SES KHEBIRA - Egyptian Event and Salon du Cheval winner.

Sources:
1. Arabian Visions Magazine, Aug. 1992 - The Stallion Sirecho" Article by Joe Ferriss
2. An Anthology of Articles from the Khamsat 1981- Egypt in 1932, A Report by Jack Humphrey to W.R. Brown (Carol Lyons)
3. The Journal of The Arab Horse Society 1935-1938 - A Journey To Arabia by Dr. Ahmed Mabrouk
4. Authentic Arabian Bloodstock - by Judith Forbis
5. The Royal Arabians Of Egypt And The Stud Of Henry B. Babson - by Judith Forbis and Walter Schimanski
6. The Sheykh Obeyd Foundation Volumes 1 - 4 (Anthology of Articles)
7. Al Khamsa Arabians II
8. Khamsat - Volume 12, No. 1 - "Rustem In Retrospect" Article by Joe Ferriss
9. Manual Of Straight Egyptian Arabian Horses - by Martha Murdoch
6. Raswan Index - Information courtesty of Cheryl Clegg
7. Joe Ferriss Internet Post Re: Sirecho, *Exochorda, Definitons 5/20/97- Printed Hard Copy, private files C.Rogosky
8. RAS Certificate for *Exochorda - Duplicate copy of original document, private files C. Rogosky 9. Personal Correspondance - Martha Murdoch, Walter Schimanski, Joe Ferriss, Judith Forbis, Richard Pritzlaff, private files, C.Rogosky
10. Arabian Horse World Magazine, 5/97 - Sirecho, Profile of an Egyptian Sire, article by C. Rogosky
11. Foundations - SOF Newsletter, Winter 1996. "SIRECHO, Some Background and Personal Reflections, Article by Joe Ferriss
12. RAS Hisory Book - Copy pages 128-129
14. "The U.S.S. Harry Lee, Biography of an Attack Transport Ship in WWII", by Steve Waswak - http:// www.waszak.com/harrylee.htm
15. Catalogue for Tavelers Rest Arabian Stud (page entry for *Exochorda and Fatima)
16. AHRA CD ROM - 1998