The Australasian Arabian Breeders Coalition (AABC) International Championships stands apart as an event unlike any other in our region. Conceived with a clear and ambitious vision, it was created to establish a truly international-quality showcase for the purebred Arabian horse, one capable of standing confidently alongside the most prestigious Arabian events in North and South America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Run under the international scoring system and officiated by highly respected international judges, the Championships are staged at a world-class venue where excellence is evident in every detail. From presentation to judging integrity, the event reflects an unwavering commitment to celebrating the Arabian horse at the highest level. For enthusiasts of the breed, it is an unmissable occasion.
For many, horse shows already define annual holidays. In 2026, the Australasian Arabian International Championships offered even greater incentive to transform show plans into a true getaway. Held from January 29 to February 1 at the breathtaking Willinga Park, the event seamlessly combined elite competition with one of Australia’s most spectacular locations.
Nestled on the NSW South Coast between Batemans Bay and Jervis Bay, Willinga Park is surrounded by natural beauty. National parks rise to the west, while pristine white-sand beaches stretch along the coast to the east. It is a setting that encourages visitors to slow down, savour the moment, and enjoy not only the horses but the environment that frames them.
Reflecting this philosophy, the Championships departed from the tightly packed schedules common to modern horse shows. Instead, the programme was thoughtfully designed to allow time to experience the event fully, appreciating the horses, engaging with fellow enthusiasts, and enjoying planned social occasions that fostered a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
At the heart of the event is the AABC, whose principal purpose is to promote the breeding of purebred Arabian horses throughout Australasia. In support of this mission, the Coalition is committed to bringing together progressive breeders from Australia and New Zealand, creating opportunities and incentives for breeding within the region, promoting the Australasian Arabian horse on the global stage, and fostering a strong sense of community and shared experience among breeders.
A highlight of the Championships was the Emirates Arabian Horse Global Cup, held for the third consecutive year through the generosity of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Emirates Arabian Horse Society (EAHS). They also kindly sponsored coverage by Arabian Essence TV and Yas TV, which provided a tremendous boost for Australian breeders, streaming our horses live to an international audience and reinforcing the global relevance of Arabian horse breeding in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Championships were honoured by the presence of His Excellency Dr Fahad Obaid Mohamed Altaffag Almarashda, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Australia, and His Excellency Nooh Alhammadi, Deputy Ambassador, who presented prizes on behalf of the EAHS. They were joined by His Excellency Mohamed Alharbi, EAHS Director General; Eidha Almenhali, Director of Events and Activities; and Said Alma’mari of Yas TV, an occasion that underlined the strong international ties fostered by the event.
Though Australia is geographically distant from many major Arabian events, the International Championships powerfully unite our breeders, horses, and enthusiasts with the global Arabian community. Full results and videos from the show are available via Arabian Essence TV, allowing the world to share in the achievements showcased at Willinga Park.
Through the annual AABC Fundraising Auction, Australian breeders have also gained access to an impressive range of overseas stallion breeding opportunities. The results of these initiatives were clearly visible at this year’s fourth AAIC and third EAHGC, with young competition horses reflecting a diverse and strengthened gene pool. Winners and placegetters featured progeny of internationally renowned sires including Dominic M (Da Vinci FM x Rosa la Valentina) (US), El Tino (DA Valentino x Imprimista CF) (US), Farouk Palazzotto (D Seraj x D Feddah) (IT), RFI Unique (AF Maden x RFI Ultraa Almaktub) (BR), Ajman Moniscione (WH Justice x Anthea Moniscione) (IT), Marcus Aurelius (Aurelian x Fiesta Magica) (GB), EKS Alihandro (Marwan al Shawab x OFW Psylhouette) (ZA), Emerald J (QR Marc x Emandoria) (BE), LF Aarmaan Vittorio (Magic Magnifique x LF Aliyyah Vivendi) (DE), Jyar Meia Lua (RFI Maktub x Jiullya el Jamaal) (BR), Marajj (Marwan al Shaqab x RGA Kouress) (US), SQ Ageeb (FA el Rasheem x CS Amay) (IT), and Wahaj Albidayer (Versace x Baila de Djoon) (UAE).
Australian sires more than held their own, with Volcom FF (Crave FF x Beguine OH) of Future Farms named Leading Sire of the Show. Future Farms also bred the Leading Dam, Nefertiti FF (Sir Charmed FF x Abha Sharquiyah). Other successful Australian-based sires included Simeon Seifan (Simeon Shifran x CM Moussameh), Mystica Sagali (Gazal al Shaqab x Sashaa LHT) (US), Ulysium (JA Urbino x Marc of Ali CBA) (US), Embraced (RFI Farid x Marca) (US), Echos of Marwan (Marwan al Magnifficoo x PS Kashmir) (US), MI Klassique (Klass x Mustangs Magnum), Saudi el Perseus (Perseus el Jamaal x Silk el Jamaal) (BR), Truth MI (Allegiance MI x DM Marcedes True Love), Echos of Tomorrow (Echos of Marwan x Falzon Tomorrows Dream), Kavalier MI (Marwan al Shaqab x Karess), Maheer (Ulysium x Serene el Hasan), Emeelio KH (Emerald J x Arielle KA), Zarahemla Maverick (Allegiance MI x Milly Van Ryad ORA), Thor NS (Mystica Santosa x Goddess of Ajman MA), Voyager W (Sir Charmed FF x Amira Mulahn), Klass (TS al Malik x Karmaa), Ralvon Vintage (Orlando x Ebonglen Radinkah), Allegiance MI (Magnum Forty Four x Audacia), and Ralvon Pilot (Ralvon Pilgrim x Cathay).
The Championships also welcomed outstanding new international imports. Fawaz del Palazzotto (IT), by FA El Rasheem (FA el Shawan x Virtuosa MLR) out of D Feddah (Shanghai EA x D Jowan) (AE), leased from Il Palazzotto in Italy, claimed Gold Champion Stallion for Mulawa Arabian Stud. Kelaray Ulysses (RFI Unique x MI Harmony) from New Zealand won Gold Champion Junior Male, while JL Prophet (AJ Nawash x JB Precious) (FR) secured Silver Champion Junior Male honours for Rifat Arabians and Mt Franklin Stud.
A particularly special moment came as Marion Richmond celebrated an extraordinary milestone of 70 years breeding Arabian horses. Her achievements were fittingly marked with EAHGC Gold Champion Yearling Filly honours for Simeon Siferet (Simeon Seifan x Alwan aal Ameen) and EAHGC Gold Champion Mare for Simeon Shivah (Simeon Seifan x Simeon Seis).
Mulawa Arabian Stud enjoyed an exceptional show, claiming EAHGC Gold Champion Yearling Colt with Baroque MI (Dominic M x Ballet MI) and EAHGC Gold Champion Junior Female with Vittoria MI (Dominic M x Vienna MI), as well as the Leading Breeder of the Show. Other major EAHGC winners included Kelaray Ulysses as Gold Champion Junior Male and Ubiquitous AAJ (Ulysium x Gaisha Girl) as Gold Champion Stallion for Arabier Stud.
Judging duties were entrusted to an esteemed international panel. The EAHGC judges were Anna Stojanowska (Poland), Joseph Polo (USA), and Sheila Jones (Australia), while the AAIC panel comprised Emma Maxwell (GB), George Zbyszewski, Deirdre Hyde (GB), and Robyn Parker (Australia).
AAIC Gold Champion titles were awarded across the divisions, with standout winners including Arden NS (Thor NS x Euphoria NP), Ryker DV (Voyager W x Romantic MI), Oso Hey Harley (Hun (PL) x Al-Marah Heyho Silver (US)), Baroque MI, Kelaray Ulysses, Marie MI (Farouk Palazzotto (IT) x MI Marie), Vittoria MI, Fawaz del Palazzotto, and I Adore MI (Allegiance MI x Ivory MI). Each is a testament to the depth and quality of competition on display.
The International Championships continue to demonstrate that, while Australia may be distant in geography, it is firmly connected to the heart of the international Arabian horse community. Through vision, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to excellence, the event has become a true celebration of the Arabian horse, one that resonates far beyond our shores.
Cover image: Mouna al Hasan (El Tino x Serene al Hasan)
A gallery from the Championships will follow later this week.
