Mulawa Arabian Stud is our premier sponsor for 2025, and we are honoured to share their history of their fifty-plus years breeding programme through TheArabianMagazine.Com. This month, we have celebrated their incredible stallion, Klass, who died in May. In this final part, we share comments from the international Arabian horse community after the news of Klass’ passing broke.
For part one, click here.
For part two, click here.
For part three, click here.
“I remember very well when I visited Mulawa for the first time. I was so impressed by Klass. I loved everything about him – his conformation, his attitude, his character and his type. He was exactly the kind of stallion I wanted to use on my mares, but unfortunately, he had no frozen semen available for export to Europe. As a consolation, I was so happy to buy Klassical Dream MI for Al Khalediah Stud in Saudi Arabia, who remains one of my all-time favourite mares. It gave me great satisfaction to see Dream win all around the world, especially in Menton, where she was named Gold Champion Senior Mare ahead of World Champion Najdah al Zobair! I can still see Dream so clearly in my mind, as I do Klass. For me, he was such an amazing horse and sire, and I still regret being unable to use him in my breeding programme.”
Christine Jamar | Jadem Arabians, Belgium
“It was with immense sadness we read of the passing of the incomparable Klass from Mulawa Arabian Stud. The Klass daughters are such treasured females throughout programs worldwide and we are so privileged to have his influence in our program via his daughters Klassic Elegance MI, Klassical Aspiration MI (now owned by Kelaray Stud), and granddaughters Eternity RA (by Allegiance MI), Naya RA (by D Nayel) and Domelle RA (by Dominic M) – all retained by us and the oldest to be bred this coming season.
“When we initially decided to gather our broodmare band, our first choice was some beautiful Klass daughters. Already super show mares and producers for Mulawa, we desired that same strong character, tail bone, snort, substance and beauty for our broodmare band. And as he stamps his foals, his daughters have done the same with their progeny. It is a blessing to have experienced his presence, and to witness his legacy in our paddocks daily.
“What a legacy he leaves – woven throughout so many pedigrees and programs both in here Australia and worldwide.
Ricky Carver & Carlie Beer | Re-Ality Arabians, New South Wales
“I have the privilege of owning in partnership with Elly Barton the Klass daughter Klassical Treasure MI, out of Klass’ most famous ‘wife’ Mustang’s Magnum! Our other successful filly, Admiring MI, is a granddaughter of Klass, as she is sired by Treasure’s full brother MI Klassique. Both these mares are beautiful souls, inside and out, just like Klass. I was fortunate to see Klass be shown for most of his life, including his first big win as Australian National Champion. I am especially proud to know our own ‘Maggie’ crossed so well with Klass, and that so many of their best descendants are making an impact around the world.”
Kay Edward | Mustang Lodge, Victoria
“When I heard of the passing of Klass, I felt a great sadness that this incredible Arabian from the Mulawa breeding programme had died. I also felt blessed, to have seen this superlative stallion in the flesh, both in the show-ring and at home with the Farrells. It was on my very first trip to Australia that I saw Klass, winning his performance championship at the Aussies. From that very moment, he captivated me – even more so once I met his incredible dam, Karmaa.
“Klass was so aptly named; he truly was in a class of his own and from this one gentle giant, a whole dynasty was born that has reached around the world. I send my deepest sympathies to the Farrells on the passing of their beloved Klass and thank them for breeding such a horse – one who truly changed the Arabian world for the better.”
Samantha Mattocks | The Arabian Magazine, UK
“I was deeply saddened to read the recent news that the ever beautiful stallion Klass passed away. He was one of the first Arabian stallions I fell in love with and had the privilege to meet on several occasions. He always just had an extra special presence about him and always loved his visitors. We are forever grateful to have a direct daughter and a granddaughter of Klass to carry on his legacy into the future. Rest easy, Klass – you were very special indeed.”
Nicole & Damien Henricus | DaMar Arabians, Queensland
“When I think ‘Mulawa’, I think of ‘Klass’ – magnificent, versatile and a presence that can’t be ignored. Some of my first introductions to the Arabian world included seeing him in 2009 and 2010 at the Australian National Championships in the prime years of Arabian show-ring.
“I was privileged to meet Klass in 2022, still as commanding and charming in his golden years. He had this aura about him, one of power and presence. It was almost like Klass knew exactly who he was and what he achieved in his life, but he was happy to share his presence with you.
“Meeting Klass was so special as I was fortunate enough to have a direct Klass progeny in Krown MI, a kind, athletic and versatile gelding that was distinctly “Klass”, right down the trademark stunning pink nose!”
Jessica Dobrow | New South Wales
“Klass was a stallion I had noticed – he was the embodiment of class, and he more than lived up to that epithet in the flesh! Gracious and tall, his prowess and charm were evident. We met him on our search for a new broodmare last year, and we are honoured now to have Klassical Chance MI, out of Chance to Dance, in our paddock, in foal to Jyar Meia Lua. She has his signature pink nose and strongly resembles him. Klass was high on my list of ultimate dam sires, and we were delighted to find Chance available as breeders hold on to their Klass mares tightly. His passing is a shock to us all, but his outstanding legacy will continue through the exceptional mares he has sired and their progeny, all of whom will undoubtedly have Klass!”
Sarah Hamilton | Arohanui Arabians, New Zealand
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Klass, having only seen him a couple of months ago, living the perfect retiree’s life at Cronk Coar. When we decided we wanted to add a new female to our broodmare band, a daughter of the incredible Klass was an easy decision. From relatively few foals, his consistency at siring outstanding progeny is remarkable. We were thrilled when we were able to purchase Klassical Finesse MI in 2020, after seeing her as a yearling the year prior. We are very grateful to the Farrells for making her available to us.”
Jayne Bellchambers | Westacres, Victoria
“I was extraordinary sad when I read that Klass had passed away. Years ago, when I first saw him in the show-ring, Klass stopped me in my tracks with his regal bearing, effortless movement and charismatic presence. I was an instant fan and continued to follow his progress throughout his life. Klass was a magnificent stallion and sire, saddle horse, show horse and ambassador for the breed!”
Sharon Meyers | Former Editor of the Arabian Horse News, Queensland
“Klass will always be remembered as the quintessential Arabian horse. He had, first and foremost, an excellent disposition, and a playful spirit. Who does not remember Stu’s classic photos of him playing with a giant ball in his paddock or galloping through the river under saddle? Additionally, you can add superior conformation and athleticism to his list of stellar attributes, qualities that became his hallmarks, not the least of which, was his abundant Arabian type that encompassed the complete package. All of that would be enough to warrant making his mark in the Arabian breed, but his greatest asset was his ability as a sire. I still remember seeing his daughter, Klassical Dream, for the first time when she took my breath away. It gave me great joy to see the same reaction a couple of years later from my friend Rodolfo Guzzo, when he leapt out of the Land Cruiser to get a closer look at Alabama. This was long before Klass was a household name, but Dream would change all that, bringing worldwide recognition to his incredible ability as a sire. My condolences to Greg, Julie, Jane, and the entire Mulawa crew. I was fortunate to know first-hand just how much he was loved by you all.”
Jeffrey Wintersteen | WA Ventures Equine Services, USA
“I will always be forever grateful to Klass for giving us Klassical Paige MI, who has been such an asset to our stud. I still remember Klass posters lining the walls of my bedroom as a teenager – the fairytale grey horse of every young girl’s dreams, the epitome of an Arabian stallion. Obtaining a Klass daughter is still something I cherish. Paige has opened doors I never thought remotely possible for us as breeders. I am incredibly blessed knowing she is just one of the many exceptional legacies he has left behind.”
Rebecca & Mark Thomson | Lazize Endurance, Victoria
“I met Klass for the first time in 2016, during my first visit to Mulawa stud and to Australia. Although I did know of him before, due to some of his beautiful daughters that already crossed the ocean to our part of the world, it was a privilege to meet him in person and to spend time in his company. Klass was a beautiful soul – kind, goofy, and full of childish games. He would often decide that today would not be the day when he would be caught much less put his head in the halter. He was much more motivated at feed time to play nice, and even more happy to see you if you brought a carrot!
“He was a breeding stallion true to his name who left an amazing legacy in the Arabian breed and at Mulawa. Although I am saddened that he is no longer with us, I know he lived the best life possible at Mulawa and Alabama in the care of the Farrells and everyone who loved him.
“Run free friend, until we meet again.”
Monika Dobrun | Slovenia
“There was never a more aptly named horse than Klass! I saw him for the first time in 2009 when I was delighted to award him the title of Australian National Champion Stallion, when I judged the Nationals that year. In fact, I still have notes from that show and here is what I said: ‘The first thing that struck me when I saw him was how impressive he was in all ways. He was big, beautiful and sexy! I always look for a horse that is a complete package and Klass was that horse. His balance, type and absolute correct structure grabbed me instantly!’ Klass was the ideal combination of a big, beautiful stallion exuding type and charisma while being beautifully balanced and possessing very correct structure. In essence, what I am always looking for in judging—the complete horse!
“Beauty is as beauty does, however, so how do you put that form into function? By proving that function does follow form – as a working stock horse! How many breeders put their National Champion halter horses into a demanding performance discipline? I discovered the answer to that question when judging the Australian National Stud Show the following year. As a working western person, I was hoping to see the Australian working stock horse class, as it was a good test of a horse’s working ability, and the flourish and use of the stockman’s whip during the class adds a dramatic flair. I rushed over from the halter arena to watch the class. In came a vision in white – performing the pattern, including flying lead changes, gallop at speed, turn back on the haunches and walk to the judge while the rider cracks a stock whip – just inches from the horse’s ear– all manoeuvres that a good stock horse must be able to do handily. And Klass did, earning the Working Stock Horse Championship.
“Klass ticked every box – type, structure, performance and, even more significantly, as a profound sire. He did it all, producing national and international halter and breeding horses as well as performance champions. He even produced Tom Quilty Endurance ride horses. Everything you could ask for from a sire. Perhaps he was most known outside of Australia to horse lovers as the ‘horse playing with a huge inflatable ball’. Video of him playing with his toy went viral. In fact, my favourite memory of him will be of driving up past the paddocks on a visit and seeing him on his hind legs in his paddock, playing with his ball, still a breath-taking vision in white.”
Cindy Reich | International Judge, Author, Historian & Arabian Horse Expert, USA
