Nicole, Danielle and Helen Chambers

One colt especially caught my eye, a yearling purebred, Khali Malek, (Naaddel x Ezrain) being exhibited by his breeder Bob Stiles. I had never seen anything like him before; he just floated along seemingly two feet above the ground, with a beauty that was breathtaking. I kept in touch with Bob, and when he decided to sell Malek in 1987 I jumped at the chance to buy him.

I had never owned a young horse, never mind a colt, before, but Malek was the perfect introduction to Arabians. He was very gentle and clever, a joy to work with. This was to be a big turning point in my life. Within three years I had broken in Malek myself, taught him to jump and schooled him up and we were away. At our very first outing, an open introductory event, we won the dressage, beating many far more experienced horses and riders, and had clear rounds in the cross country and show jumping.

If one induces the horse to assume that carriage which it would adopt of its own when displaying its beauty, then one directs the horse to appear joyous and magnificent, proud and remarkable for having been ridden. Xenophon

By now I had sold my hack mare, as Malek was far easier to train and ride, and a lot more fun to take places. We went on to compete in trail rides, showing classes (ridden and led) hunter trials and dressage competitions. It was very rare for us to not come home with a placing if not a Championship. And he passed his abilities under saddle onto all his babies. I owned Malek for twelve years, and he was so much a part of my life that I will always hold a special place in my heart for him. Lyn Marshall of Southland, an endurance rider and breeder, now owns Malek.

In 1989 I was approached by David Marshall of Holly Farm to join a syndicate being formed to purchase the UK imported stallion Kandahar Ibn Kazra (Shakhs x Kazra). Kazra's height (15.2 hh) and magnificent build immediately interested me, and he bred well for Rosewood Farm, siring Champion Anglo Arabians and beautiful Purebreds.

Kazra performed very well in the show ring in both led and saddle classes, with many Championships in both rings. I schooled and rode him myself in dressage as well as the show ring. At one dressage competition I was riding both Kazra and Malek, and they were 2nd equal for their second test. Not a feat that has been achieved by many, if any other, Arabian breeders in New Zealand! Kazra has now been sold to Australia, where he is continuing his successful career under saddle.

1994 saw the purchase of a very exciting sire for Rosewood Farm - Arabian Park Tycoon (Aus). Tycoon is the senior sire here and is consistently siring the type of Arabian horse that I look for, over many different types of mares. The grounding I had, in dressage especially, has meant that I have always regarded my Arabians as saddle horses first and foremost. I enjoy showing in led classes, especially the babies, but I breed for performance, and this is reflected in the type of horse I produce. I feel that it is no coincidence that many of Rosewood Farm's horses have gone to the sport of endurance riding, one of the most physically and mentally demanding equine disciplines there is. That is not to say my stock cannot hold their own in the show ring, and the many Championships gained by different horses is a testament to this.

Mention must be made here of my helpers, #1 being Jenny Rouse. Jenny has been an Arabian enthusiast for nearly as long as me, and is now seriously into endurance riding on her partbred mare Elizara (Skyhawk [UK] x Sade). Jenny helps at shows, is always there when help is needed on the farm, got me through my first 80km ride, and was even there before Nicole was born. Without her, life with the horses would have been a lot harder. #2 helper is Mandy Thompson. We met at a mutual friend's party, where she very foolishly asked if I would like her help at shows. Mandy quickly turned into the #1 show groom, she knows how to do what you want without being told twice, keeps the show trunk in order (and woe betide you if you leave it messy!), and can show in led classes too.

In October 2001 the next chapter in breeding programme began, with the purchase of the colt River Oak Colorado (Aus). Sired by Arjai Summitt, a horse I have long admired, and from a River Oak Tabu mare (Tabu is a ½ brother to Tycoon), Colorado is line bred to the immortal Ralvon Pilgrim. A powerful young horse with all the type, height and incredible movement that this family of horses is known for, Colorado will continue to add to Rosewood Farm's legacy of quality performance Arabians.