Fa-Serr Page 2

Bint Al Bahr Arabians

Preservation Breeders of Straight Babson Egyptians

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Fa-Serr, A Prince's Dream By Joe Ferris (continued)

The Horse

What was Fa-Serr like as an individual? He was known to have been the kind of horse that made a lasting and memorable impression on those who came in contact with him. Many said that he was the epitome of the antique-type Arabian typically illustrated in old engravings. In addition to his type, his rich black color made him stand out from the crowd as well.

Fa-Serr - A Judy Forbis photo from her wonderful book The Classicc Arabian Horse. His essence is perhaps best described by Walter Schimanski of Mena , Arkansas , a longtime breeder of Babson Arabians, "I will never forget the day I saw Fa-Serr. It was also my first visit to the huge cypress show barn. Seeing him had such an impact that I can still picture him in my mind's eye, just as if it were only yesterday.

"Fa-Serr was standing quietly in the stall looking out of the window, his head turned away from me. Even in this position I could see his huge black eyes protruding from his head. His tail was always held in a high arch, even as he stood quietly.

"When he was led outside for me to photograph, his blue-black coat gleamed as he pranced around Homer Watson. He was the blackest horse I have ever seen. He set himself up naturally, arching and stretching his neck to an advantage. He was an elegant, typey, exotic and obviously loved old gentleman. It was one of those horse thrills one never forgets."

Lazelle Atkinson of Anchor Hill Ranch in Rogersville Missouri, remembered Fa-Serr as having had an extremely kind temperament combined with a special peacock-like presence, an extra spark which made him stand out.

The late Homer Watson, longtime manager of the Babson Farm, said Fa-Serr was very typical of the best Babson stallions, in some ways a little bit better and a little more special, but always an excellent sire. And to Watson, this was most important.

The Sire

Fa-Serr trotting in the stallion paddocks at the Babson Farm. Photographer not known. As a sire, Fa-Serr proved to be extraordinary. He was born at a time when there were little more than 4,000 Arabians alive in this country. Traditionally, the Babson Farm did not stand its stallions to the public, so Fa-Serr's tenure at stud was primarily limited to Babson-owned mares. This accounts for Fa-Serr breeding only 13 outside mares during his lifetime. Despite this restriction, Fa-Serr sired 75 foals, making him one of the most heavily used stallions in Babson breeding.

Fa-Serr's sons and daughters enjoyed popularity both as individuals and breeding stock, resulting in Fa-Serr's widespread influence. Looking at the number of second generation offspring, Fa-Serr's son's and daughters produced approximately 1300 foals. Fa-Serr blood is represented in the disciplines of racing, endurance, halter and performance horses, highlighting the versatility of his descendants. Space here does not permit mention the accomplishments of all of his noted sons and daughters, but a representative sample will serve as an example.

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