La FRASERA is a noted Arabian Stud Farm and represents the result of twenty five years of hard work and passion for horses for Francesco and Serenella Santoro. Francesco and Serenella Santoro live in Sacrofano near Rome and have owned horses for more than thirty years. Their very first stallion, Satir, only just passed away at the significant age of 32. At the end of the 70’s Mr. and Mrs. Santoro decided to transform La Frasera in a farm which would only select the best genetic lines of "Straight Egyptians" in the belief that the undeniable beauty and purity of these subjects could improve the strength and quality of the entire race. The Santoro family is well known in the International Arabian Community and Francesco Santoro is also a respected International class A judge.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrated 60 years on the throne earlier this month. As part of the many celebrations a spectacular Diamond Jubilee Pageant was presented May 10-13th at Windsor Castle. Over 550 horses and more than 1000 dancers, musicians, and performers from around the world came together to pay tribute to the Queen, who attended a special performance on May 13th. The theme of the pageant was a journey around the world, reflecting The Queen's State and Commonwealth visits during the course of Her Reign. Horses were key performers in the celebration and many of the Queen’s own horses joined the parade. Follow these links for photos and video of the Diamond Jubilee Pageant. Here is some additional information about the Queen’s favorite past-time and the strong connection she has to the horse.

The Fell Pony is a working breed of mountain and moorland pony originally bred on the fell farms of Cumbria, in the old counties of Cumberland and Westmorland in Northwest England. The Fell pony is noted for hardiness, agility, strength and surefootedness that enables them to live and thrive in the tough conditions and climate of the Lakeland fells. The Fell Pony was originally used for light agriculture and as a packhorse for the transportation of farm goods. Being good, fast walkers, they would often travel up to 240 miles a week. Early in the registry it was noted that 50% of the ponies were brown but they are now predominantly black with some being brown, bay or grey. They stand an average of 13.2 hands, with an upper limit of 14hds. Though they may be relatively short they are powerfully-built and strong enough to carry both adults and children.

Possibly the most versatile breed of horse, the Australian Stock Horse (ASH) is a fine working and performance animal renowned for its toughness, resilience and strength. Add to this agility and speed and you have a horse with a cosmopolitan blend of attributes ideally suited for work or play. Hence the slogan - The Breed for Every Need. The ancestry of the ASH dates to the arrival of the first horses in Australia; brought from Europe, Africa and Asia. Some of the original horse breeds in these early imports included the Thoroughbred, Cape of Good Hope Horse (largely descended from the Barb and Spanish horse), Arabian, Timor Pony and Welsh Mountain pony. In the 1830s, additional Thoroughbreds were imported into Australia to improve the local strains, and the mid-20th century saw infusions from the American Quarter Horse.

Select Breeders Southwest, Inc. wishes to express our condolences to the Schmersals, Dorminy Plantation and the Driscolls for their loss of Commanders Nic. We had the opportunity of standing this wonderful stallion for the partnership during the 2006 and 2007 breeding seasons. He was wonderful to be around and a great athlete. We are honored to have processed his frozen semen and sending the shipments throughout the world so that all who wished could have a little bit of Commander Nic. His legacy will live on through his offspring.

The reining horse world lost a great sire this month when Royal Chic Olena passed away. Select Breeders Southwest in Aubrey, TX was fortunate to have spent time with "Roy" and his owner Marian Hunter. In his 20 years he sired earners of over $198K. Though he may be remembered by some as an Equi-Stat Top 20 Leading Reining Sire or an NRHA Top 25 leading Sire is 2004, he will be remembered by all who knew who him as a gentle soul who will be missed in this world. May his athleticism and kind spirit live on through his offspring.