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Roseanne
Moderator

United Kingdom

6708 Posts

Posted - 29 Jan 2009 : 9:58:33 PM

Idling away for far too long, as I occasionally do, I Googled to see if I could find the owner of the Arab due to be sold at Llanbyddr Sale today that Delyth put on that thread. What I found was a buried gem, showing that 120+ years ago, people bred Arabs and loved them for their beauty, intelligence performance ability - and incredible attachment to the owners and trainers they love. The writings below are Rev Francis Furse Vidal's obituary and some notes by others who knew of his love for the Arab.

"Outside the sphere of his labours as Rector he was specially known and respected for the ardent support he gave to one special class of horse. He had the greatest admiration for the wonderful Arab steed - the descendants of those remarkable animals which played so large a part in the invasion of Europe. He founded at his Suffolk home a stud which secured for him a wide reputation as a fine judge of the best examples of the breed. He was a fine horseman himself, and members of his family imbibed the same admiration for these graceful and spirited animals. The rev. gentleman was, indeed, often to be met in the countryside riding his favourite Arab, in company with members of his family similarly mounted. At one of the agricultural exhibitions, at Stowmarket, the rev. gentleman created something like a sensation by appearing in the ring with some of his favourite Arabs, pluckily ridden by himself and members of his household over hurdles, and the dash and grace with which they went through an exciting performance came as a pleasant surprise, as affording evidence of the capabilities of these beautiful creatures in clearing a fence."

�W. F. S.� encloses the following interesting cutting from the �East Anglian Daily Times� of October 1st, written by � John O�Bosmere":� �Here are two instances of memory or retentiveness on the part of animals. The Rev. Francis Furse Vidal of Creeting St. Mary Rectory Suffolk, in the days of my youth was often to be seen in the local lanes mounted on a thoroughbred Arab, or on his own meadows breaking in one of these splendid horses. Among his many Arab horses was one named Esau, which, after a long sojourn at Creeting, was sold. Some years later Mr. Vidal went up to London on some ecclesiastical business, and, of course, gravitated to Tattersall�s. Glancing down the catalogues he noted an item of interest. �An old white Arab, no history.� On inquiry he was assured that this was an ill-tempered brute no good to anybody. �But I�d like to have a look at him,� persisted Mr. Vidal. He was shown a ferocious beast, which immediately rushed wildly at the groom who approached his box. � Esau! Esau! Come here, pretty dear,� called the visitor. The old horse came straight to him, and nuzzled his hand. For it was, indeed, Esau, a thin and straddle-legged Esau. Mr. Vidal bought him forthwith, and marched the fierce animal, now docile as a lamb, through the traffic to Liverpool Street Station. As soon as men tried to induce him to enter the chartered horse-box, he became unmanageable. Mr. Vidal had to lead him into the box and travel the seventy-seven miles to Needham Market in his company. Esau obviously rejoiced as he traversed the remembered lanes to the Rectory, where he greeted Mrs. Vidal and the children with loud grunts of happiness. He had come �home.��

And finally:
"My correspondent comments upon the article quoted above:� "I remember the Rev. Francis Vidal, of Creeting. He held that living from 1881 to 1901, and kept a stud of Arabs there. He used to ride a bay Arab stallion not very big, about 15 hands 1in, which carried him to hounds for some seasons. This was a beautiful animal, and very clever. At his sale on his death in 1901 we purchased a grey Arab mare by Kantaka out of Shibboleth. Kantaka was a bay Arab horse by Kismet, the winner of many races and sold to America for �1400, but this mare used to stumble rather badly in the trot, although a very good ride at a gallop. I do hope in spite of all the difficulties we shall be able keep hounds going if it is only a few couples so that our lads may have a little fun when on leave. I know very many look forward to a few days round Christmas, and it seems too bad to have to tell them that we are all closed down."

Does anyone know of these bloodlines? Wouldn't it be facsinating to know more about them? Where would he have got his Arabs from?

Roseanne

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trinity
Gold Member

Scotland
1126 Posts

Posted - 30 Jan 2009 : 06:22:43 AM

Roseanne that's fascinating. I have to say the paragraph about Esau brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing it.

Beck