Majestic, powerful horses have roots in Egypt’s deserts
Nestled away in the Kokomo community is a horse farm full of the mighty Straight Egyptian Arabians.
James and Jill Spizale are the owners of the farm and have been involved with the breed for years. They actually first fell in love with the horses back in 1989 while living in Egypt.
“When you live in a foreign country with a 9-year-old daughter you have to find something for her to do. We were invited to go horseback riding in Giza. We actually got to ride horseback around the pyramids,” Jill said on how the family was introduced to the breed.
The Spizales came back to the U.S. and settled in Slidell, La., where they are originally from. They bought their first horse in 2007 and had their first colt in 2009. The couple purchased the land in Kokomo in 2010 and moved there in 2011.
They say the horse business is basically breeding, showing and selling.
Straight Egyptians Arabians are considered desert horses. Underneath the fur their skin is black to protect them from the desert sun. A horse with pink skin would die in the desert, she said. Straight Egyptians are considered a sub-breed within of the Arabian breed.
The Spizales along with their daughter, Amanda Picou, and her husband, Lance, together own 25 horses. All of the horses except five are in this elite group.
On the farm, the Picous and their five children live with James and Jill, making this a family affair. Jill said the family does all of the work. Jill also said her daughter and her husband are the ones who are really hands on with the horses.
“My daughter is a genius when it comes to these horses. She can spot a problem right away,” said Jill.
Jill said the horses love children and love to be petted and get attention. She compared the breed to being like a big dog. They just want to be loved.
Jill is a board member on the Pyramid Society, an international breeders group based in Kentucky. The purpose of the society is to promote the breed and protect the integrity of the standard.
“We met so many people through the horses; we just have a ball,” Jill said.
Jill said some people are only interested in the bloodline and some are interested in the looks in breeding. She likes to combine both.
In 2017 a group of five couples including the Spizales, purchased a stallion from Qatar, named Authentic Ibn Nawaal. Nawaal was the Silver Champion Stallion in 2013 in Qatar.
The Spizales have two foals born in April from Nawaal. Al Masud Ibn Nawaal and Dahlia Magidaa are the first two foals born in the United States Authentic Ibn Nawaal sired.
In addition they also have Aadeyn Mirado Nair, a champion stallion they own and have at their farm in Kokomo. Aadeyn, at the 2016 Egyptian Event in Kentucky, won Champion Golden Scarab Colt, Champion Yearling Futurity Colt, Champion Most Classic Head and Gold Champion Junior Colt.
Not only are the Spizales big in horses, but they are branching out making their home a multi-purpose venue.
They have established The Barn at Hidden Oaks as a place to hold parties and weddings. They have someone who can prepare the food and an event planner. The place is set up for indoor and outdoor.
Jill said she has all kinds of ideas of weddings and would love to do a craft fair and a bridal show.
James added the horses will gladly be a part of the event if the client would like them.
Pictured Above: James Spizale is giving a treat to champion stallion Aedeyn Mirado Nair. Egyptian names are used to reflect the breed and the blood lines. | Photo by Susan Amundson
