The world-renowned stallion WH Justice turned 27 years of age on 16 May. The impact that this stallion has had on the world of the Arabian horse simply cannot be underestimated. He changed show-rings around the world, and created a new standard for ‘type’ that exists to this day. As WH Justice, now owned by Hanaya Stud in Switzerland in his retirement, turns 26, we share this feature from The Arabian Breeders’ Magazine 2020, which focused on this legend’s 21st birthday. WH Justice, we salute you!
This year [2020], the stallion WH Justice turned 21 years of age. For so many, a life without Justice seems impossible – he has been a hugely significant sire, and his progeny have gone on to win around the world. As this giant of the breeding barn celebrates this milestone birthday, we look back at the influence of WH Justice, and just how one foal born in the United States has changed the look of show-rings across the globe.
The sire
Much of WH Justice’s success has come as a sire and very early on in his breeding career, he was rightly given the nickname of ‘champion maker’. His first foals blazed a trail across Europe and the Middle East and from there, WH Justice was the name on everyone’s lips as the hot stallion to breed to. Indeed, he has been so successful as a sire that he has a host of Leading Sire/Get of Sire titles to his name, including at the Santa Ynez Arabian Foal Festival in 2014 and 2015, as well as at the 2011 Italian National Championships, the 2017 Chantilly Arabian Horse Organization Show and the 2017 Paris World Championships
To list all his get and grandget would take a whole magazine in itself – this is a stallion who has been prolific, and his progeny have gone on to be great sires and mares in their own right. The list below is not exclusive or by any means exhaustive. I apologise to those reading this and saying ‘you missed that one’… WH Justice is so great, so potent, that it is literally impossible to capture them all. Indeed, you could just look at the WH Justice get and grandget at just four farms alone and that would fill this feature, such is the strength of this sireline.
WH Justice was three-years old when he covered his first mares and from that very first foal crop, the bar was set high. The very first foal born was Panarea by Palawan (ex Palawan by Padrons Ghibli), bred by Michele Boscarino of Italy, and it was immediately clear that WH Justice had passed on his attributes. Now 17, Panarea by Palawan is renowned for her hooky neck, so like her sire’s, as well as her expressive eyes. She has a string of titles to her name across Europe, America, and the Middle East including Junior Female Champion at the European Championships, the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championships, and the UK International Arabian Horse Show, as well as Senior Female Champion at the Abu Dhabi International Arabian Horse Championships, Al Khalediah Arabian Horse Festival, Arabian Breeders’ World Cup, and the US Nationals. Panarea by Palawan is also Reserve World Champion Filly, standing behind her paternal half-sister and stablemate Bess-Fa’Izah. With both being owned by the Ajman Stud in the United Arab Emirates, one of the first big farms to utilise the Justice influence on their breeding programme.
Also from that first foal crop was Ajman Moniscione (ex Anthea Moniscione by Padrons Ghibli), bred and owned by Giancarlo Buzzi from Italy. While a champion in his own right, it is as a sire that Ajman Moniscione has been especially noteworthy, not least through the extreme heads that he seems to put on his offspring. His progeny have enjoyed huge success worldwide, again a list with too many stars to mention, but they include Kanz Albidayer (ex DL Marielle by Marwan al Shaqab), Alma al Tiglio (ex Amanda al Tiglio by Shamilah Masai Mara), Delight’s Divah RB (ex Honey’s Delight RB by JJ Senor Magnum), Elle Flamenca (ex Allamara MA by Marwan al Shaqab) and her full brother Elle Narcisse who is siring some very exotic and correct foals, Noft Al Nayfat (ex Eagleridge Passionata by Sanadik el Shaklan), and Montana Firenze (ex Fabrice’s Destiny by WN Ultimate Star) to name but a few. It is clear from looking at this line alone that the WH Justice influence is a potent one.
No mention of WH Justice’s early progeny can be complete without mention of the beautiful mare Bess-Fa’Izah, foaled the year after Panarea by Palawan. Bred by Bessewacht Arabians in the Netherlands, this lovely mare is out of Sharon el Kendal (Ass-Kendal x Ass-Fialka) and she is one of the most garlanded mares in history. She was named Paris World Champion as both a junior and a senior, as well as winning major titles in Dubai, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the beaches of Menton. This year, Bess Fa’Izah foaled a filly by another famed WH Justice son, Shanghai EA (ex Salymah EA by Khidar), who is also owned by the Ajman Stud. This pretty filly with an extreme head will hopefully be a replacement for her dam, and to continue these precious bloodlines.
The Ajman Stud has a long history with the WH Justice bloodlines, with homebreds including AJ Raheda (ex Lumiar Rosalita by Lumiar Amadeus) whose daughter, AJ Reeda (by AJ Portofino by Vervaldee), has won titles in the Middle East including Gold Senior Female Champion at the Sharjah Arabian Horse Festival. Then there is the stallion AJ Dinar (ex Deska HJE by Lumiar Amadeus), bred by the Ajman Stud, now owned by Al Saqran Stud and on lease to Kumait Stud, whose son, ES Harir (ex TF Magnum’s Magic by Magnum Psyche), also owned by Al Saqran Stud, has a host of titles to his name including this year’s Gold Senior Male Championship at the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Arabian Horse Festival.
Not only has the Ajman Stud bred some amazing WH Justice progeny, they have also added selected mares and stallions to their breeding programme whose progeny, in turn, have gone on to be very successful. One such mare is Aja Angelica (ex FS Anastasia by Kubinec), bred by Jane and Malcolm Hickford of Aja Arabians in the UK and who utilised the WH Justice bloodlines very successfully. Aja Angelica is the dam of AJ Asyad (by Marwan al Shaqab), a nine-year old mare who, as a filly, won nearly every title going including the Gold Junior Female Championship at the Abu Dhabi International Arabian Horse Show, the Sharjah International Arabian Horse Show, the Mediterranean and Arab Countries Championships at Menton, the Elran Cup, and the All Nations’ Cup in Aachen. Also coming from Aja Arabians is Aja Aphrodite (ex Lovin Psyche SSA by Padrons Psyche), a stunning chestnut mare who has produced the quality colt AJ Afjan by AJ Marzan (AJ Portofino x Hed AB Maria)
Then there is the aforementioned Shanghai EA, a multiple champion and one of the most dominant sires of recent years. Owned by the Ajman Stud, where he has sired horses such as the brilliant AJ Kafu (ex AJ Kahayla by QR Marc) – who is the sire of AJ Sabran, Gold Yearling Colt Champion at this year’s Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Arabian Horse Festival. AJ Sabran is out of Aja Caprice (by EKS Alihandro by Marwan al Shaqab), a daughter of Aja Carina (ex Aja Czarina by Aja Sanagor) who is also sired by WH Justice. Both mares are owned by the Ajman Stud. Shanghai EA is also the sire of the European Triple Crown winner Excalibur EA (ex Essence of Marwan EA by Marwan al Shaqab) and Scottsdale International Champion Colt Wortex Kalliste (ex Mirwanah Kalliste by Marwan al Shaqab). Shanghai EA is a sire of note and again, he passes on those WH Justice qualities to his offspring.
As noted, Aja Arabians were the first breeders in the UK to use WH Justice in earnest. As well as their Justice offspring already mentioned, they also bred the European Triple Crown winner, Aja Justified (ex Aja Benaja by FS Bengali). Leased by Athbah Stud in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aja Justified took the show-ring by storm in 2010 and he has also been a notable sire in his own right including Irrisistabelle (ex DG Givenchey by Nader el Jamal), bred and owned by Tucana Arabians in the UK and named Gold Yearling Filly Champion at the Bruges 2020 Arabian Horse Event and also Gold Yearling Filly at the Arabian Futurity Cup.
Also coming from Aja Arabians is Aja Adonis (ex Sandina by Sanadik el Shaklan), the first All Nations’ Cup Gold Gelding Champion and now enjoying a brilliant career under saddle with owner Ben Delamere. Aja Adonis’ full brother is Aja Sankara, owned by Julie O’Shaughnessy, and he has enjoyed success in the in-hand show-rings both in the UK and in Europe. Meanwhile, the superlative stallion, Aja Angelo (ex Aja Aaisha by Ruger AMW), has won titles across Europe and the Middle East for his owner Al Baydaa Stud in Egypt.
Staying in the British Isles for the moment, among the very first foals born in the UK sired by WH Justice was the 2004 mare, CR Jasmeenah (ex Fforget me Not by Ffatal Attraction), bred by Carol and Roy Ratcliffe and later sold to Aljassimya Farm. A truly beautiful mare, CR Jasmeenah would go on to become World Champion and US National Champion. She is also a wonderful producer, with her progeny including the special filly, Jasmeenah Aljassimya (by Al Ayal AA by Al Ayad), already a Gold Champion in Europe. Meanwhile, Caroline Reid of AV Arabians bred her Russian mare, Metelica (Balaton x Marcia) to WH Justice and in 2005, AV Montoya was born. A consistent sire and champion-winning show horse, AV Montoya truly made his mark before his untimely passing. Caroline would go on to breed the 2011 mare AV Dancing Rain (ex Om el Sanadiqa by Sanadik el Shaklan), whose daughter AV Purple Rain (by Shiraz de Lafon by Shanghai EA) was sold to Bin Hamila Stud in the UAE and where she has enjoyed great success. In 2014, the stallion AV Cloud Dancer (ex Om el Belusena Dream by Dreamcatcher SMF) was born, again bred by Caroline and owned by Cloud Nine Partners, and he is a champion across the UK and Europe including Gold Champion Stallion at the UK International Arabian Horse Show (UKIAHS).
Susan George and the late Simon MacCorkindale of Georgian Arabians, also in the UK, used WH Justice over their mares to produce British National Champion Stallion SG Imagine (ex SG Hessta Shaklana by Essteem), foaled in 2007, and the mares SG Amber Djewel (ex Djewel by Ansata el Salaam) and full sisters SG Matisse and SG Mathilda J (ex Maleikeh el Sakeena by Maleik el Kheil), who have gone on to shine as both broodmares and show horses.
Meanwhile in Europe, Redwood Lodge Arabians used WH Justice on their mares to produce the 2004 mares Redwood Lodge Saffron (ex Redwood Lodge Antiguaa by Espano Estopa) and Redwood Lodge Masala Estopa (ex Om el Amira Estopa by Sanadik el Shaklan), as well as the 2005 mare Redwood Lodge Cotton Candy (ex Redwood Lodge Antiguaa), who would become British National Champion when sold to Dennis and Sheila Tyzack in the UK. Redwood Lodge Saffron has become one of the most important mares at Redwood Lodge Arabians, siring incredible colts and fillies alike and providing the next steps for their breeding programme.
Another farm who utilised WH Justice with great effect early on was Sax Arabians in Germany. Just one example is their superb grey stallion Al Justice (ex Milena by Ibn Narav), foaled in 2008. Not only has he won countless titles across Europe, he is also a sire of champion-winning progeny, and he is just one of the Sax Arabians/WH Justice success stories.
Indeed, there were many noteworthy daughters born during these early times of WH Justice’s breeding career including: Fer Fiera Blanca (ex Clio Fiera Blanca by Bronnz) in 2004; Abha Opalina (ex Om El Amira Estopa by Sanadik el Shaklan) in 2005; Fedora RG (ex Psyches Angel by Hadidi), FM Gloriaa (ex Psity of Angels by Psytadel), Juwanda OS (ex Shak Lavanda by ZT Shakfantasy), FS Velvet (ex La Dolce Vita by Versace), DA Princess of Justice (ex DA Enfidha by DA Esstaan), and Adream of Kossack (ex Abakana Kossack Balaton) in 2007; Al Princess Aliha (ex Al Aliha by DWD Tabasco), MM Eluise (ex Esfera by Fame VF), and RP Miss Surprise (ex Nefertarji by Laman HVP) in 2008; Shirin by Aisha (ex Aisha by Missouri by Missouri); Juwel OS (ex Swana by Kubinec), and A Golden Girl of Kossack (ex Abakana Kossack by Balaton) in 2009; and A Lady of Kossack (ex Abakana Kossack by Balaton) in 2010. Not only are these mares big show winners, but many have gone on to be dams of significance in their own right. To take FM Gloriaa as an example, her son Barjass Al Zobair (by SMA Magic One by Psytadel) is a multiple champion across the Middle East, while Al Princess Alia’s daughter, Princess of Marwan RC (by Marwan al Shaqab) taking the Supreme Silver Junior Female Championship title in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, WH Justice piqued the interest of the Farrell family of Mulawa Arabians located just outside Sydney, Australia. Scott Benjamin explains: “It was in 2009, and as WH Justice’s sire had proven a successful cross with the Mulawa broodmare band, as had his paternal brother Magnum Forty Four (ex WH Nashahna by Bey Shah), expectations were high that Justice would nick well with the a broad range of mares in residence. Given the strength and substance of the TS Al Malik (Hello Barich Els x BF Tiffany Select) related mares, Justice seemed the ideal stallion to infuse his unique brand of beauty, refinement and elegance.
“The resulting matings produced five exceptional foals with leading broodmatron Audacia (Parkview Audacious x Mulawa Aria) producing two sensational fillies – Ajustine MI and Amber MI – both significant show champions from coast to coast in Australia. Amber MI has been an especially popular winner for owner Kylie Rees of Western Australia, having been named East Coast Champion and Australian National Silver Champion Senior Mare in 2020. Audacia’s daughter, Valencia (by DA Valentino by Versace), produced the flaxen beauty Valente MI, who in turn has become a champion producer of Arabian ponies for long-time breeder Sue Williams at Trincada Arabians.
“Of the two WH Justice colts, the striking bay Justin MI (ex Mulawa Alexa by Parkview Audacious) has earned a reputation as a sire of extreme style, with several champion get to his credit from just over a dozen foals, including high scoring Australian National Gold Champion Yearling Colt Justyfied KS (ex Mystica Pandora by LC Prince Magnum). Mulawa Alexa’s full sister, Mulawa Anastazia, produced the superlative athlete Justice For All MI, who completed a very successful race career as one of the best runners of his age group in all of Australia for owners Scott and Fiona Green.”
Part three of this celebration of WH Justice will be published later this week. For part one, click here.
