JEVA Farms, LLC
Breeding Philosophy

Egyptian Arabians were generally described to us in the early years by a variety of self-proclaimed horsemen as hot-headed, untrusting, unworthy, overbred, flighty, too light, too small, too refined, had structural faults such as twisted legs, cannons that are too long, club feet, too short necks, too fat necks, improper angulations in front and rear and overall could not be trained, function or perform competetively under saddle or in the halter arena - they were nothing more than "lawn ornaments". It didn't take us long to determine through factual analysis and research just how short sighted and unenlightened those frequently espousing these non-factual myths were. The Straight Egyptian Competitors website was built based upon that factual research with over 24 pages of competetive Straight Egyptians. I'd say these self-proclaimed horseman are definitely wrong!

I've been a horsewoman for over 35 years and have trained most of my own horses, including many straight Egyptian. These horses have been used to cut, herd and rope cattle as well as long distance trail ride with my young children for several days at a time camping out overnight with the horses on a picket line. You've got to have a sane, structurally sound and trustworthy horse if you plan to use them in this way. After a lengthy search, we managed to find a few straight Egyptian horses that met our requirements. These horses laid the foundation for our breeding program today keeping those same requirements close in mind. These foundation horses have enabled us to breed exceptionally beautiful, good minded Egyptian arabian horses with excellent athletic potential, outstanding structure and a "human-like" intelligence - they listen when you talk.

Keeping our eyes on the goal . . .

Odysseus hf

In 1995 we selected our current herd sire, Odysseus hf, as a yearling from Hope Farm in Arkansas, well-known breeders of extremely fine quality Egyptian Arabian Horses for over 30 years. We based our decision upon, not only their trusted recommendation of Odysseus as a fine stallion prospect, but also because of his solid pedigree, which is studded with champions or champion producers in both halter and performance, as well his exemplary overall quality, beauty, disposition, size and conformational superiority - traits that he acquired naturally.

A stallion that is an outstanding individual must also be able to produce as well or better than himself consistently. We believe a colt should have a "test" period prior to an aggressive promotional campaign offering him at public stud or prior to allowing him to breed too many mares. The test, at minimum, should include:

1. Athletic ability - he should be rideable, have athletic ability and soundness of mind for use. We believe you should be able to ride your horses on the trail, down the road or in the show ring.

2. Disposition - he should not attempt to bite, kick, strike or attack anyone. He should be gentle, respectful, tractable and interested in people. No one wants a horse that is mean, that lacks intelligence, that cannot be trusted, that doesn't like people and may be dangerous to be around.

3. Size, structure and substance - a stallion needs to be sizable enough to accommodate modern day man's stature with enough bone to remain sound throughout his lifetime. He needs ample muscle and mass to perform at his best. He should have overall conformational balance, flawless legs and feet, a just right strong back, ample hip, relatively level croup, sufficient neck for balance and a deep chest/girth for endurance.

4. Overall beauty, arabian type and quality - there is no greater goal than breeding a classically beautiful, structurally sound performance horse that can excel in halter too. The colt should display smoothness of body, large eyes, thin skin, refinement and elegance - absent of coarseness. An arabian should look like an arabian.

5. If a colt has the above ingredients, at minimum, then test him in the breeding shed by breeding him to a few mares whose ability to produce is known and pedigrees are compatible. This is to attempt to determine what he may do as a sire prior to siring foals throughout the land whose quality may be suspect or prior to making a premature decision to geld a stallion that may improve the breed in areas significantly lacking. He should improve the mare or, at minimum, duplicate her quality. Ideally, he will impart all of the above qualities and not take away from any of the mare's strengths.

To That End . . .
Odysseus' breeding career has developed with methodical intention:
As you scroll down, you will see what Odysseus has contributed as a sire with photos of the mares he's bred (linked to their webpages with many photos) and photos of his foals (linked to each foal's webpage with many photos from birth up to the current date so you can "watch" them develop). Also as you scroll down, you will see how his breeding career has evolved in chronological order to the current date beginning with his first mare and our foundation mare, Bint Hafarrah, in 1996.
Bint Hafarrah
(Bay Halima x *AK Hamida by Shahriar [Nasralla]).

In 1997, Bint Hafarrah produced an incredible filly, Eva Perone JMA.
Eva Perone JMA
(Odysseus HF x Bint Hafarrah)

Eva is a refined 15.3 hand mare and embodies those qualities I appreciate so much from both her dam and sire. In this example, Odysseus has added spark and tail carriage, improved legs, and added motion. She is the epitomy of type when viewed in person. Eva displays extraordinary sporthorse and broodmare potential. Eva belongs to the Laffin family at 231-929-9817 in Traverse City, Michigan. Call them for more details on this filly.

In 1997, Odysseus was bred to an egyptian related mare:
Enchanting Glory
(Glory Bound x WR Bequile by Ardaman)

an outstanding individual without flaw. Enchanting Glory's disposition was that of a Saint. She NEVER did anything wrong EVER, because of that she was the most beautiful mare I've ever had the opportunity to know.

In 1998, a filly, was born:
Jamila Rumadii
(Odysseus hf x Enchanting Glory)

In this example, Odysseus complimented the mare's own beauty, added spark, enhanced the shoulder and substance of body as well as improved athletic ability. Jamila is the epitomy of structural correctness, displays classic arabian beauty with huge, dark eyes and ample femininity. As a 3 year old, she has incredible potential as a halter candidate, future potential as a performance horse and outstanding broodmare. Jamila was started under saddle by her amateur owner and never once offered to buck or rear. Jamila is owned by Deborah Forrest of Arkansas. Everyone that has had the opportunity to see her have been impressed.

In 1998, Odysseus took a year off from breeding to be started under saddle by a well-known warmblood dressage facility in Pennfield, Michigan by the name of Knollwood Farms. We thought it best to keep breeding and training separate. He quickly became a happy, trustworthy mount looking forward to more lessons.

In 1999, Odysseus was bred to the imported straight Spanish mare:
*Nashitaa
(*Alcazar x Esfera by *Komuste)

In 2000, *Nashitaa produced a grey filly that is an athletic powerhouse with show horse attitude:
Eva Nassera
(Odysseus hf x *Nashitaa SSB by *Alcazar SSB)

Eva Nassera's drive off her hocks and her light, airy front end make her an excellent candidate for English Pleasure as well as a contender for dressage at the National Level. In this example, Odysseus improved the shoulder as well as the neck and added a desert dryness to the head. As the straight Spanish *Nashitaa has produced foals that are very determined, strong willed and could be described as "hot", he quieted the disposition for easier handling without taking away from the delightful spirit that she has in abundance. She is currently in endurance training with her new owner.

In 2000, Odysseus bred the following straight Egyptian mares:
*MB Jamillsa
(Imperial Saturn x Bint Jamila* by *Jamilll)

In 2001, *MB Jamillsa foaled a beautiful grey filly on April 30th. Hanana
(Odysseus HF x *MB Jamillsa)

Exotic filly with a large, dark, prominent, soft eye, extreme dish, teacup muzzle, overall refinement, upright neck, very good motion, generous hip, excellent legs and feet, level topline and a loving, gentle, intelligent and willing disposition. She is one of the best fillies we've produced and just the 2nd straight Egyptian filly Odysseus has produced. She is pure in strain Seqlawiya Jedraniya Ibn Sudan to the first generation through *Bint Moniet El Nefous.

and
Bint Hafarrah
(Bay Halima x *AK Hamida by Nasralla [Shahriar])

In 2001, Bint Hafarrah foaled a born black colt on July 14.
Sultan El Fareed
(Odysseus HF x Bint Hafarrah)

This colt is a very good example of what Odysseus has done as a sire. He is a full brother to Odysseus' first foal, Eva Perone JMA who is a 15.3 hand sculpted beauty with powerful athletic ability. They are identical in almost every way with the exception of sex (he's a boy) and color genes (he has a black/grey gene and she has a bay/grey gene).

and
MB Sahera
(The Minstril x SF Bint Saher by Shaikh Al Badi)

In 2001,MB Sahera foaled a grey colt on July 8th.

yearling head study

Prince Nai El
(Odysseus HF x MB Sahera)

As a two year old, this colt has a beautifully dished head with wide set eyes that are large, prominent, and dark. He has good overall balance, straight legs, short back and a generous hip. Currently owned and loved by Kathy Shaw of Michigan. We hope to see more of him in the future.

and
Ansata Sabbara
(Prince Fa Moniet x Sundar Sabbahalim by Ansata Halim Shah)

In 2001, Ansata Sabbara foaled an exquisite grey filly
Bint Sabbara
(Odysseus HF x Ansata Sabbara by Prince Fa Moniet)

Bint Sabbara exhibits a deeply dished, short head, teacup muzzle, overall refinement, well set eyes, tippy ears and overall exemplary body structure. She is an exquisite example of what Odysseus can add as a sire and is Odysseus' third straight Egyptian filly.

In 2001, Odysseus bred the following straight Egyptian mares:
*MB Jamillsa
(Imperial Saturn x Bint Jamila* by *Jamilll)

In 2002, *MB Jamillsa foaled this handsome, grey colt,Shah Jamil*
(Odysseus HF x *MB Jamillsa)

pure in strain Seqlawi Jidran Sudan to the 1st generation. Excellent action as a two year old. Jamil is maturing into a handsome, masculine young stallion with overall exceptionally correct structure. He was bred to be a breeding stallion and has very good potential.

and
Bint Hafarrah
(Bay Halima x *AK Hamida by Nasrallah [Shahriar])

In 2002, Bint Hafarrah foaled a lovely filly who has been thankfully acquired by JEVA Farms.
Allayah
(Odysseus HF x Bint Hafarrah)
We welcomed Allayah home in July, 2007 for the first time. She has a story, but it is expected she will come along quickly in her development. She is bred to Ali Reshan (Ruminaja Ali x Dahmah Reshan by The Egyptian Prince) for 2008. We are very excited to see her production for an EBC contender in 2009.

and
HH Lu Aiba
(*Darrag x Fara-Fayek by *Farazdac)

In 2002, HH Lu Aiba foaled a handsome colt for her new owners (Press "shift" click on photo for larger view)
Shabha Hisan KRA
(Odysseus HF x HH Lu Aiba by *Darrag)

An handsomely attractive young stallion with promising performance potential from the rare Seqlawi strain. Shabha is currently offered for sale.

and the following Egyptian/Polish bred mare:
Dori Ahnna
(SG Ruann Knight x Minnek Malouma by Dorian Bey)
due 1/2002

In 2002, Dori Ahnna foaled this darling grey colt for her new owners.
Amir Odysseus
(Odysseus HF x Dori Ahnna by SG Ruann Knight)

A nicely refined, smooth bodied, long legged colt with a pretty head and ample personality. A friendly colt that loves attention and returns affection. Congratulations to the Stoeckle family on this addition to their farm.

In 2002, Odysseus bred the following straight Egyptian mare:
Allikad
(Nabiel x *Dakilla by Kheiralla)

In 2003, Allikad delivered this handsome colt
Mabrouk El Batal
(Odysseus HF x Allikad by Nabiel)

Again, a nicely refined colt, with a short, nicely dished, head atop a beautifully shaped neck with good length and extra bend at the poll. Long legged with a level topline, flag tail carriage and superior disposition with motion favoring his dam. We look forward to this colt's maturation. Currently owned and loved by the Hazel family in Alabama.

In 2003, Odysseus bred the following straight Egyptian mares:
*MB Jamillsa
(Imperial Saturn x Bint Jamila* by *Jamilll)

In 2004,*MB Jamillsa foaled a gorgeous filly

photo taken as a yearling

Hanana II
(Odysseus HF x *MB Jamillsa)
pure in strain to the first generation Seqlawiya Jedraniya Ibn Sudan. Foaled 30 days early, Hanana was on her feet within five minutes of being born - healthy and vigorous. Lovely dished head, prominently set eyes, chilling motion and excellent conformation.

and
Allikad
(Nabiel x *Dakilla by Kheiralla)

In 2004, Allikad foaled a gorgeous filly
Bint Allikad
(Odysseus HF x Allikad by Nabiel)
Bint Allikad is a delightful filly surpassing our expectations when we imagined what her dam would produce with Odysseus.

In 2004, Odysseus bred the following straight Egyptian mare:
Allikad
(Nabiel x *Dakilla by Kheiralla)

In 2005, Allikad foaled a handsome colt for her new owners, La Dulce Vida Arabians
Akilles
(Odysseus HF x Allikad by Nabiel)
Akilles is a charming, charismatic young colt with good animation and presence. He exhibits exceptional structural balance, is square on all four corners, is handsome with a soft eye and personable disposition.

In 2005, Odysseus bred the following straight Egyptian mares:
*MB Jamillsa
(Imperial Saturn x Bint Jamila* by *Jamilll)

In 2006,*MB Jamillsa foaled a gorgeous colt Omar Saalim
(Odysseus HF x *MB Jamillsa)
This handsome young colt is pure in strain to the first generation Seqlawi Jidran Ibn Sudan. He is very similar in phenotype to his full sister, Hanana, and will be retained as a future replacement for his sire.

and
*EAI Yasafeena
(Safeen x Yasamine by Tammen)

In 2006, *EAI Yasafeena
Ali Nafis
(Odysseus HF x *EAI Yasafeena by Safeen)
This dark and handsome young colt is pure in strain to the first generation Seqlawi Jidran Ibn Sudan via *Bint Mona. He is a long awaited desire and very much appreciated at JEVA Farms.

In 2006, Odysseus bred three outside straight Egyptian mares who had very good pedigrees known for beauty. He also bred our best mare:
*MB Jamillsa
(Imperial Saturn x Bint Jamila* by *Jamilll)

In 2007,*MB Jamillsa produced this gorgeous filly: Bint Bint Jamilla
(Odysseus HF x *MB Jamillsa)

Though Odysseus did improve the structure and beauty of all four of these foals, Jamillsa has subsequently given us the best in her daughter, Bint Bint Jamilla. This filly has a beautiful, sculpted head with large black eyes, excellent legs and feet, overall balance, superior structure and a sweet, easy to manage personality. It is expected she will mature very much like her siblings and is being retained as a future broodmare.

In 2007, Odysseus bred several outside straight egyptian and egyptian sired mares whom have been evaluated by JEVA Farms directly as excellent mares in phenotypical as well as genetypical quality. We expect excellent results from all of these mares. One of these foals will belong to JEVA Farms out of the following straight Egyptian mare:
*EAI Yasafeena
(Safeen x Yasamine by Tammen)

In 2008, *EAI Yasafeena foaled a born black colt that will grey.
Ali Safeen
(Odysseus HF x *EAI Yasafeena by Safeen)

A stunning colt by any measure with an excellent length of croup, upright long neck and a beautiful head. In this instance, Odysseus improved the front end, set back the neck, laid back the shoulder and added flag tail carriage. His disposition is wonderful, trusting yet he is full of spark and pizzaz. Odysseus again added the frosting to the cake!

Although, 21 purebred foals are not unfailing proof Odysseus can be successfully bred to every type or bloodline of mare available, it has satisfied us that he has the ability to sire well when bred well. Odysseus did not detract from the mares' features, rather, he improved at least one weakness and added dryness to the head. We believe he is a consistent sire in the most important areas, i.e., disposition, intelligence, structure, type and athletic potential. With Odysseus HF being a grandson of Ansata Shah Zaman and The Egyptian Prince, who are full brothers in blood, he is well equipped with a prepotent ability to pass on the aforementioned traits with predictable consistency.

JEVA Farms believes that overall quality and the future of the bloodline should be focal points for serious breeders. Although we do not currently offer stud services to the public, we will occasionally offer foals of exceptional quality, outstanding potential, significant rarity and excellent value for purchase. Please read the excellent article The Ethics of Breeding for more valuable information for people who aspire to become serious horse breeders with a keen eye on the future. Check back to monitor our progress towards these goals and feel free to contact us with your questions, comments or opinions.