Sobha was a pretty grey mare who was to prove very influential in Crabbet bloodlines as she had several foals, all grey, many of whom bred on.  She was described by Lady Anne Blunt as ‘delightful as a companion and to ride.’

 

Of the fillies most notable were Selma and Siwa whilst Seyal, one of her colts who was exported to India in 1904, produced Berk for Crabbet who in turn was bought by WR Brown for the Maynesborough Stud in the USA.

 

Siwa bred Somra who produced the legendary Silver Fire - an inspiration for so many Crabbet breeders today with her grace, strength and ethereal beauty and ability to pass those qualities on down the generations.

 

Selma produced Sotamm (by Astraled) who produced Naufal –a group that still lives on today and was represented at the 2013 World Crabbet Convention by a collection of bays, some of whom were of Australian bloodlines re-imported in recent years.

 

The following progeny: Selma, Selima, Sardhana, Sura were exported to USA for Kellog 1936 and  Sureyn a grey colt who went on to sire 132 foals of whom 19 were National title winners in hand and under saddle.

 

Shareer – produced Rhythama who produced Rakib 1934 –exported to Australia 1938 by Mrs Hirst of Springmead Farm – later sold to Mrs A Maclean of Fenwick Stud, which still runs today, owned by relative Vicki Johnson.

 

Finally there was Sharima who produced many notable horses such as Grey Royal-whose daughter Grey Coronet was imported by Fenwick stud, Star Diamond 1954  by Mr C Old of Darribee Stud NSW–, his half brother Grand Royal who was Supreme male champion in the UK 1953 and 1956 and was exported to Australia in 1959 by by Queensland Agricultural College. Perhaps most famous of all was the stallion Star Diamond imported by Cedric Old for his Darribee stud who has become known as the ‘Crabbet super horse’.

 

Sobha, a small grey mare who has had a massive impact on Crabbet breeding world wide.