Right from the beginning, the 1932 Babson imports demonstrated the qualities of the true Arabian that one would want as foundation stock for a longtime Arabian breeding program. *Bint Bint Sabbah was successful in challenging endurance trails. The Arabian should naturally excel in endurance since it requires stamina, quality of movement, and intelligence combined with an undying loyalty to the rider.
Whether on the endurance course, on the ranch, or in back wooded trails or backyards, the influence of Babson breeding assures a quality riding animal who is willing and adaptable to any challenge that riding over varied terrain presents.
Babson bloodlines appear in the names of some of the countries most successful endurance and racing horses. Among the names of Babson horses in endurance or racing pedigrees are found such fine examples as: Fad Roufa (Faddan x Fay Roufa), Fa Maar (Fa Serr x El Maar), Bint Fada (Fa Serr x Fada), Hadbah (Fabah x Fa Deene), Sabdaan (Faddan x Fay Sabbah), Fa-Turf (*Fadl x *Turfa), Lothar (*Fadl x Habba) and Disaan (Fay El Dine x Fa Saana). The Babson influence assures quality movement, with speed and agility.
Intelligence
Athletic ability would not take a horse very far if intelligence was not also a part of the recipe. Intelligence is one of the hallmarks of the Babson influence in an Arabian pedigree. Babson blood imparts a keen mind that is very amenable to training and very adaptable to new situations. The result is a steady horse whether galloping over rocky terrain or carrying a young rider. For this reason many Arabians with a good measure of Babson blood are as successful with amateur riders as with trained professionals. Because of their versatility these horses often become very successful in Dressage. Serr Maariner, the most successful Arabian in Dressage competition happens to be of 100% Babson blood.
Disposition
More than anything else, the wonderful "Babson" disposition is immediately apparent as a strong influence. They are kind, trusting horses, and the Babson influence is often sought after as a great "leveler" where spirit may be in excess in a breeding program.
Character
The blending of the ingredients of Athletic Ability, Intelligence, and Disposition results in an Arabian with a distinctive character that is the hallmark of Babson influence. There is an amiable sense of joy of life displayed in horses with the Babson influence - proud but not overbearing.
Classic "Old World" Type
The influence of Babson breeding restores those admired qualities of the antique type Arabians depicted by 19th century artists. Flowing, graceful swan-like lines, dryness and clean bone are all apparent whether relaxing in a stall, grazing or in motion. As an added touch, the rare dark colors such as black, brown and liver chestnut often appear. All of this is consistent from generation to generation.
An Excellent Foundation...
Why focus on Arabian bloodlines imported back in the 1930's? Because after more than 60 years the influence of the Babson importations has had a very positive impact on Arabian breeding. Many of the most desirable qualities of Arabian horses acclaimed by 19th century writers and travelers, and beautifully captured by 19th century artists, are typically found in Arabian horses carrying a strong measure of Babson breeding. The "Babson Influence" is a group of 12 Arabian breeders who have utilized Babson bloodlines for years and the group includes the Babson Farm itself. The breeders of this group incorporate any or all of the following Babson imports into their Arabian breeding program: *Fadl, *Maaroufa, *Bint Bint Sabbah, *Bint Bint Durra, *Bint Serra I, *Bint Saada, *Aldebar, and *Turfa. This forms an excellent foundation of Arabian bloodlines which has been the major part of the recipe of some of the most magnificent specimens of the breed. Mr. Babson was an insightful person who examined carefully what interested him and then chose from his informed intuition. He loved and respected Arabians for their looks, their versatility and their intelligence. All of his above mentioned choices of foundation stock proved to consistently reproduce these qualities which is why the Babson Influence continues to be an important element in breeding the finest Arabians today.
Right from the beginning, the 1932 Babson imports demonstrated the qualities of the true Arabian that one would want as foundation stock for a longtime Arabian breeding program. *Bint Bint Sabbah was successful in challenging endurance trails. The Arabian should naturally excel in endurance since it requires stamina, quality of movement, and intelligence combined with an undying loyalty to the rider.
Whether on the endurance course, on the ranch, or in back wooded trails or backyards, the influence of Babson breeding assures a quality riding animal who is willing and adaptable to any challenge that riding over varied terrain presents.
Athletic ability would not take a horse very far if intelligence was not also a part of the recipe. Intelligence is one of the hallmarks of the Babson influence in an Arabian pedigree. Babson blood imparts a keen mind that is very amenable to training and very adaptable to new situations. The result is a steady horse whether galloping over rocky terrain or carrying a young rider. For this reason many Arabians with a good measure of Babson blood are as successful with amateur riders as with trained professionals. Because of their versatility these horses often become very successful in Dressage. Serr Maariner, the most successful Arabian in Dressage competition happens to be of 100% Babson blood.
