Jahiel is 21 years old and is a pure Polish Arab. He still prances and dances like a foal. His sire, Harbit, was born in Russia, imported to Poland, stood at the Polish state stud farm, and then imported to the US. Harbit quickly won Top Ten Championship titles for halter, driving, english pleasure and park in the US and Canada. Harbit was without a doubt the most talented and gentlest stallion I ever encountered except for Jahiel. His pedigree can be seen here: [link]

I was lucky enough that Don Shaffer, who was the president of the Minnesota Arabian Ass. and owner of Great Northern Arabians took me under his wing when I departed from the Army and introduced me to the Arabian breed. Don sold half interest in Jahiel's dam for $60,000. I worked one whole summer for free and he allowed me to have Jahiel for just $250 despite having received a very high offer for him. Don would never tell me how much it was when he later disclosed this fact.

As I work with Valor, my miniature stud, the more I realize how special Jahiel is. Next year I will find a good mare and get a foal of Jahiel's. I can't bare the thought of his passing and me not having one of his get. There is only one other stallion out of Harbit living today. Don was very picky who he allowed to carry on the Harbit lines. If people bought colts they had to agree to geld them.

I'll never forget the day, May 12th, when I helped Jahiel take his first steps. Don has told me he has never seen a stallion bond to his owner as Jahiel has to me. Don Shaffer took the time to teach me everything he knows about Arabians. He stood four stallions and had 60 broodmares at the farm. It's a debt I can never repay to Don.

Sometimes I do regret never showing Jahiel. I feel I have cheated him somehow in that aspect.

**I had Jahiel all clean and spiffed up and then he decided it was time for a good roll.