Paradise is proud to report that Al-Bashir MD (formerly known as “Princeton,” Thee Infidel x La Jolla Negro by Thee Desperado), the only Straight Egyptian on the entire island of Puerto Rico, is a happy and extremely successful sport horse in his new home! A 6-year-old bay gelding bred by Bill and Gena Barron and sold by Paradise in 2006, Al-Bashir is making a name for himself, his owner Maritza Ortiz and son Matthew, and everyone affiliated with Paradise on the island.

Al-Bashir serves not only as ambassador for the beauty of Paradise horses, but also for the versatility of their bloodline—he trains and shows as a competitive jumper on the Puerto Rican open circuit, and in March 2007 won a show with three first place ribbons, two seconds, and a third!

In April 2006, he arrived in Puerto Rico and began training. He’s only been in competition since October 2006 and grabbed the title of 2007 Puerto Rican Horse of the Year!

“People didn’t believe an Arabian could be a good jumper, but from the first time he jumped, they’ve been amazed by his performances,” Ortiz says. She looks forward to adding a second Straight Egyptian to her stable and training it in another discipline.

Ortiz is thrilled with Al-Bashir and never dreamed she’d own such a rare and special animal. “I love every thing about him–his looks, the way he trots, runs and jumps, his willingness to learn, his energy, his everything,” she exclaims. A longtime Arabian lover, Ortiz found Paradise during a search on the Internet and brought her family to the States just to visit the farm. When she saw Al-Bashir, she knew his attitude and intelligence were the perfect compliment to his beauty and athletic conformation, and by the end of their trip, she and her family had made arrangements to bring Al-Bashir MD, her first Arabian, home. Ortiz’ son Matthew is now riding Al-Bashir, a further testament to the horse’s gentle temperament.

Left: Al-Bashir and Matthew Ortiz.

Owner Gary Kenworthy notes, “We believe the straight Egyptian Arabian horse epitomizes perfection in the equine world. The horses being produced by the Paradise team represent the classic Arabian horse and we’re convinced we have the perfect horse for everyone. We and our clients the Barrons are so happy to have helped Maritza, and her family, obtain her dream with Al-Bashir and we look forward to assisting them in their continued success.”

Ortiz is grateful for the way the Paradise family has changed her life. “I’ll never thank Gary and Wanda enough for the treatment they gave us. Finding them was a blessing. Knowing them, their family and their employees has been the best experience for me and my family.”