August 5, 2001, Devon, England
If you missed this year’s Open Day at Combe Farm, I am told there will be another September 23, 2001,
so you won’t have to wait till next year!
The information I have for identification is from the sales list which
does not give age or registration numbers.
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by Georgia Cheer
The narrow country lane wound it’s way to Gittisham where I found signs pointing the way to Combe House Hotel, which is a large Elizabethan home that became the magnificent backdrop for the grazing Arabian mares and their foals.
The Open Day and Sale listed a start time of 2 pm however I arrived about 10 minutes after that and found that many cars were already crowded along the long driveway leading up to the Combe House Hotel. There, in front of this hotel, was a large band of mares and foals, roaming freely and grazing merrily in an enormous field. Amongst the mares and foals were the throng of visitors, like myself.
Combe Farm host Michael Harris mingled with the visitors, greeting everyone cheerfully, acknowledging returning guests from previous years “Open days,” as he passed out the schedule and sales list. Simultaneously, several of the female grooms were answering questions, mostly to identify mares and foals for the numerous guests. I estimated that about 150 people were present that day.
I was happy to see the day’s proceedings occur in a smooth, relaxed format whilst still being professional. Of course, we have all been to events that seemed rushed and chaotic, but the Open Day at Combe Farm was far from that sort.
The day was dreary and grey, threatening rain, but it was not cold, and despite the few moments where I could feel a few spits of rain, happily the weather held and later in the day the sun shone and stayed out for the late afternoon serving of cream tea.
At 2 pm, two grey mares were ridden for display, and were: 1) in English attire was the 8 year old, The Gilded Orchid (Madour x Gilded Lily by Argos); and 2) in native costume attire was 16 year old Amaryllis Belladonna (Prince of Orange x Gilded Lily). The two riders were Catherine Williams and Sasha Lawton.
It was delightful to see the foals roaming loosely, up close, natural, cleaned-up, but not shaved! Horses need their protective face and ear hair! Yes, they might have some hair that has not yet fallen off their under bellies (from the colder days living outside), but these foals were are not wild! Far from it - these foals have been handled, groomed, and taught to lead. The mares and foals were very people-oriented, and you can tell that they are loved.
Many a guest spent time scratching and cooing over the foals before the horse presentation started. Nothing was hidden away - ask any groom for details and they readily and happily gave you the horse’s name as well as sire and dams. Simulantously, punch and water was being served via a canteen table set up in the same field.
It seemed that this stud was just what I had hoped to see: hands on grooms, hands-on horses, all in a friendly, open and relaxed manner. A lovely way to spend an afternoon, taking in the rolling hillsides of the stud that give way to beautiful views of the Devon countryside.
At about half past two, Michael formally welcomed his guests. From his talk, some of the primary points that he rekated were his belief that you can only breed good horses from good mares. Michael also stressed that at Combe Farm, much attention is given to the early handling of the foals, which he says reflects in their friendly attitude toward people.
From what I understand, host Michael Harris began breeding Thoroughbred horses, and bred the mare Welsh Blossom who held a track record at Newmarket. His Arabian program began with Old English lines crossed on Polish via Argos. Currently he uses the Polish stallion Wermut, the Egyptian stallion Shaka (Shanin x AK Kastana) and the Russian stallion Rumak (Partner x Rucasja). Michael’s foundation stallions, Prince of Orange (Roxan x Corn Marigold) is of Crabbet/Old English lines, and his half-Polish stallion Hawk Moth (Argos x Sapphire Blue) still figures prominently in his breeding program.
As a speaker, Michael related many experiences about his training and breeding program, using layman’s terms, while providing examples that non-horse people could understand. This is very helpful to those just considering buying a horse, but it also demonstrates Michael’s own people skills as a promoter of the values of an Arabian horse.
(Article continues on Page 3)
Go below to see link for page 2.
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