About the WAHO Trophy:

This beautiful bronze trophy, to be awarded each year to a purebred horse, was specially commissioned by WAHO from German artist/sculptor Mrs Brigitte Eberl. Recipients will also receive a special Certificate as a permanent reminder of their fine achievement.

Question: Why a WAHO Trophy?

Answer: For the promotion of the Arabian Horse and of WAHO.

Each member registry of WAHO was informed at the 2002 and 2004 Conferences, that the WAHO Executive Committee have been considering ways in which to simultaneously promote both WAHO and the Arabian Horse in a positive way. Further to this idea and as advised at the 2004 Conference, the Executive Committee decided to create a specially commissioned WAHO Trophy. This is a unique bas-relief bronze sculpture of the "WAHO Horse" logo. The sculptor is a young German artist, Mrs Brigitte Eberl. The cost of these trophies has been sponsored by a WAHO member who wishes to remain anonymous, to whom we all extend our sincere thanks for this great opportunity which benefits all WAHO members and the Arabian horse.

Question: What do we do with the Trophy?

Answer: Present it annually to one Arabian horse of our choice.

The winner must have been bred and is still domiciled in New Zealand and must be registered in the NZAHBS Stud Book.

WAHO has sent each Registering Authority Member, one bronze WAHO Trophy which will become a prestigious Annual Award from 2005 onwards. This is an "Annual Challenge Trophy", and it must be returned to the NZAHBS at the end of the 12 month award period, so that it can be awarded to the new winner. A special Certificate commemorating the award will also be provided by WAHO and this will be suitably inscribed and presented to each winner as a permanent reminder of their fine achievement.

Question: How will the annual winner be found?

Answer: See guidelines below.

The NZAHBS will choose one Arabian horse each year, bred in New Zealand and registered in our WAHO approved Stud Book, which in their opinion deserves to be presented with this award for a particular achievement. Ideally, this horse will, in some way, have been an excellent "ambassador" for the breed, or in the case of older horses, have achieved the same through its immediate progeny.

WAHO has stressed that this award should not be connected with any one show or event, as they do not wish to see it being in conflict with existing awards/trophies. Nor should it be awarded for the same athletic discipline in which Arabians take part. In particular, WAHO asked that it should not be awarded to horses with halter class wins only. Nor should it be similar to, or in competition with, any award that we already have in place. The principal criteria is that the horse has been bred in New Zealand, is currently in New Zealand and is registered in the NZAHBS Stud Book.

Question: What does WAHO require in return?

Answer: Information, Publicity and Photographs.

The NZAHBS will maintain a permanent record of the annual award winners of the WAHO Trophy. This information, together photographs taken at the award ceremony, will also be forwarded to WAHO for their archives and inclusion in their annual newsletter. If the owner of the horse is not the breeder, it is important to ensure that the breeder is also given due acknowledgement in any publicity, photography or similar material that is utilised to maximise both the trophy and its annual recipient.

This is an opportunity to promote the qualities of excellence of our Arabian horses, to bring new people to the breed and at the same time, promote New Zealand Arabian horses both within our own country and to link their excellence to the internationally known and respected name of WAHO.

The inaugural winner of this prestigious Trophy Winner, presented for the first time at the 2005 NZAHBS Annual General Meeting held in Cambridge, April 23-34, was Willowvale Picasso (Eastwinds Axiom+AU x Taralea Trafieya). Willowvale Picasso was bred by Noel and Gaynor Evans of Christchurch and is a very worthy recipient of the award with unique international successes as part of his show record. Shown in New Zealand prior to being sent to Australia, his wins included Reserve Champion Colt at the SI Championships in 2000.

In Australia, his extensive show wins include Queensland Challenge 2004 - Champion Colt 2/3 years and the ultimate accolade - Champion Colt 2/3 years at the Australian National Championships 2002. W. Picasso then returned home to New Zealand and was awarded National Champion Stallion in 2004.

Meanwhile, his Australian progeny are also flying the flag. Presenting the award, NZAHBS President John Morrissey commented that W. Picasso was a very worthy recipient in that he had achieved a unique double National Title on both sides of the Tasman. Jenny Klemra accepted the WAHO Trophy on behalf of W. Picasso's breeders and owners Noel and Gaynor Evans.

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