Al Gamila Arabian Horse Stud

“Having completed 51 years of successful Arabian horse line-breeding, one can pause and reflect on the successes resulting from a carefully selected gene pool. It is fitting to acknowledge the Crabbet Stud legacy, which we recognise for its type and standard globally". This was the sentiment of the late Prof. Philip Alexander Boyazoglu whom together, with his wife Irene, founded Al Gamila in 1966.

Today Irene, with the steadfast support of her children and grandchildren, continues to own and operate Al Gamila. This is located in Centurion, South Africa. The stud has, over the years, proven beyond any doubt its ambition to portray the vision and desirable characteristics of the Crabbet breeding lines initiated by Lady Anne Blunt, and later Lady Wentworth, at the Crabbet Arabian Stud in England so many decades ago.

The inspiration of Al Gamila, which means ‘beautiful’, took place in the 1960s when Philip visited the Jamani Arabian Stud, located in Villiers south of Johannesburg. His intention at the time was to expose a group of veterinary students from Pretoria University to good genetics and line-breeding.

This visit proved to be a defining moment because it resulted in Irene and Philip purchasing a beautiful liver chestnut yearling colt named Jamani Price Zayani (Grandchester (imp UK) x Zena). He became their founding sire, something that in time served to forge another link in the chain of Crabbet studs worldwide. Zayani was schooled and ridden by Philip. He proceeded to become South African National Junior Champion Stallion in 1966 and later South African National Champion under Saddle. He rapidly became known for his presence on the show circuit, where he was seen winning numerous championships. Zayani retired from competition after exceeding all expectations and was put to stud at the age of seven. Over time, he produced top quality horses with impressive achievements in-hand as well as under saddle. The progeny of Zayani bred by Al Gamila have displayed excellent temperaments and conformation and, as a result, have furthermore performed successfully under saddle. These horses have over time, been enjoyed by with Philip’s and Irene’s children and grandchildren alike.

After 15 years of breeding, the stud was in need of new stock of similar origins, the intention being to maximise its line-breeding program at a professional level. In 1980, while Philip was judging horses in England, he together with Irene set their sights on a yearling filly, Bint Chantarella (Orion x Chantarella by General Grant). She was classically bred and beautifully developed. She was simultaneously imported with her younger brother, Ibn Chantarella. Their respective breeding proved to be ideal for the South African programme. In time, Ibn Chantarella succeeded Prince Zayani and become Al Gamila’s proud senior sire.

Over the years, Al Gamila has produced several champions, and in excess of 100 top quality registered Arabian foals, their names being too many to mention.

Part-bred and Anglo Arab horses have been an integral part of the stud from its inception. Al Gamila Bismark (Jamani Prince Zayani x Gipsy Lark), a dark bay eye-catching stallion, was schooled, produced and ridden by Eleni Aposporis (née Boyazoglu), daughter of Philip and Irene. Together they were unstoppable in the show-ring. They won the Interbreed Championship, Victor Ludorum, Jerry Bernstein award winner, and several Legion of Merits awards as well as the Overall General Breed Championship.

In addition, Al Gamila Nelia (Jamani Prince Zayani x Natalina), a mare who was dear to Philip’s heart, was also an Interbreed Champion, Victor Ludorum, and Legion of Merits recipient across the General Breed award. Their grandson, Philip-Stephen, furthermore represented the Gauteng North Region on Al Gamila Marmara (Jamani Prince Zayani x Jamani Lineze) and at the age of 14 he was Rider of the Year competing at SANESA (South African National Equestrian Schools Association) astride an Anglo, a bold and beautiful chestnut, Al Gamila Nearchos (Ibn Chanteralla x Nelia). Nearchos schooled and largely enjoyed by Eleni, furthermore won several showing and dressage championships at prestigious competitions over the years. With the onset of time, Al Gamila Stud has been represented across the disciplines of amateur horse racing, showing, dressage, equitation, show jumping and endurance. Al Gamila Miranda (Ibn Chanterella x Al Gamila Marmara) and a spectacular Anglo, Al Gamila Patmos (Ibn Chanterella x Paps Gal), were two exceptional show winners. They were mainly ridden and produced by Christos Aposporis, Philip’s and Irene’s oldest grandson. Together they were the recipients of numerous awards over the years. These amongst other included SANESA Schools Gauteng Provincial A team, as well as National Colours at level seven, the highest level of showing.

Al Gamila Marmara (Jamani Prince Zayani x Al Gamila Shana), Al Gamila Miranda (Jamani Prince Zayani x Al Gamila Rebecca), Al Gamila Bismark (Jamani Prince Zayani x Gipsy Lark), Al Gamila Marina (Jamani Prince Zayani x Mankatos), Al Gamila Mabruk (Jamani Prince Zayani x Mankatos), Al Gamila Patmos (Ibn Chantarella x Paps Gal), Al Gamila Nearchos (Ibn Chantarella x Al Gamila Nelia) and Ibn Chantarella were all kept and enjoyed at Al Gamila by the Boyazoglu family. Al Gamila Alexis (Jamani Prince Zayani x Jamani Jenchen), a stallion produced by Eleni, was exported to Zambia. However, special mention needs to be made of Al Gamila Rothos (Ibn Chantarella x Al Gamila Rebecca), a purebred who won the Fauresmith 201km marathon; no mean feat as every year in July, endurance horse riders descend on this Free State town for the Fauresmith 200. This is not for the faint-hearted, and this race through the veld – grasslands – personifies excitement, adrenaline and achievement. And for many of the riders, it is the realisation of a life’s dream. Due to this spectacular achievement, Rothos was exported to be further showcased in Dubai.

Ibn Chantarella, “possibly one of England’s greatest sons”, was Irene’s dedicated pride and joy! He was schooled, produced and ridden by Irene. Ibn Chantarella was not only a worthy sire, but he furthermore repeatedly excelled in-hand as well as under saddle at the highest possible levels in the show-ring, winning numerous championships in his day. He passed away at the age of 32 peacefully in his own paddock, the place where he belonged ever since he arrived from the UK at 17 months of age. Ibn Chantarella - a legendary stallion - was loved and admired by the Boyazoglu family. He has now been succeeded by his son Al Gamila Rezon (Al Gamila Rebecca by Al Gamila Haneef), and grandsons Al Gamila Kriton (Al Gamila Lorthos x Al Gamila Renata) and Al Gamila Axios (Al Gamila Rezon x Al Gamila Artemis). His legacy lives on!

According to Fay Clayton’s article published in the 2013 The ArabMag: “The Boyazoglu’s have continued to breed top-class breeding and all round performance horses right up to the present day. My own personal feeling is that they are a role model for any Arab breeder – they have supported the South African Arabian Horse Society for many years and are always the same, pleasant, helpful and absolutely unchanging in their production of horses for the show-ring – and everywhere else for that matter! Good luck for the future with your lovely horses!”