A Letter From Brazil,

by Rick Richetta

A last-minute decision to send Aria Rakeem (FA El Rasheem x MD Hibat Allah) to the Brazilian National Championships and to allow him to stand at stud at Haras JM for the next two breeding seasons, was a dream come true for the Rakeem partners. Rick Richetta, of Oakland Hills, California, wanted to be there to represent the horse and the partners.“Rakeem arrived in Brazil just a couple of days before his class,” says Rick. “We barely had time to quarantine him. And my passport had expired...I didn’t think it would really happen.”

Rick Richetta with Aria Rakeem's trophy.

But this easy-going stallion, with his friend and handler, Rudolfo Guzzo, at his side was named 2024 Brazilian Gold Champion Senior Stallion. He has done everything we have ever asked of him: 2023 U.S. National Reserve Champion Stallion and Scottsdale Champion Senior Stallion, unanimous, and 2022 Arabian National Breeder Finals Supreme Champion Stallion.

The trip was a bookend to the story of my life with Arabian horses. When I went to college I sold my mare Naadiah (Amaranth x Ro Naadirah) and her daughter, Naatanya (by Grey Foxx) was sold to Brazil, her first foal there, Jur Gleenchal was 1987 National Champion mare and that’s how I became the breeder of the dam of one of Brazil’s most popular National Champion Mares

1987 Brazilian National Champion Mare, Jur Gleenchal (Prichal x Naatanya).

This year’s Brazilian Championships was a dream come to life. The natural country itself is spectacular and beautiful. The people are friendly, with a strong sense of pride and camaraderie, and are very horsey. The pride in the presentation of the horses and the aesthetic preparation of the show space was immaculate. They transformed the showgrounds into an "Arabian Tent" atmosphere with large rugs and furnishings and beautiful floral arrangements and great use of color. Subtle and tasteful. Not flashy or commercial but really thoughtful and a great setting for the show to unfold upon.

There is a much slower pace and a sense that time has no real importance. For a fast-paced American this takes some relaxing into. Then there is the language, and you are left with body language and tone to create the nuance of the conversation.

Of course I saw beautiful horses, but it is the involvement and shared enthusiasm of the breeders for one another, and their knowledge of pedigrees and bloodlines and characteristics that follow the blood that spoke to me. The potential win in the showring simply represents an outside opinion of a very personal and curated understanding of what is being presented in the ring. The Brazilians know what they think but also like the international opinion of judges to create a horse show.

Representing the Aria Rakeem Partners allowed me to accept such greetings as… “Thank you for allowing us to use this special blood to have an impact on Brazilian breeding.” It was very specific to his use in breeding programs and for his special characteristics, which will complement the stock and bloodlines that he will have the opportunity to mix with. The show focus is secondary.

The outside opinion matters less than the opinion of the Brazilian breeder public; the show becomes a place to display your produce. And the pride of the breeders and handlers seems to be a collective sense for what Brazilians have done in breeding Arabian horses. It was very special to witness. 

Aria Rakeem has had his moments of glory, and Brazil offered another one as he was named 2024 Brazilian Gold National Champion Senior Stallion. He was expertly displayed by Rodolfo Guzzo. Rakeem is an honest and kind horse, the sweetest natured stallion. He just just looks like the “best friend” a person could have. He is not a 'show off’ type, but a self-possessed best-friend type. His offspring are the same in this respect. The thrill of the win was palpable, but it is the appreciation of the horse and cumulative dreams of all who got him to this moment that carried the emotion of the evening. This is a special, friendly horse. His personality is perfect…some might say that if anything he is too quiet for the showring.

The two major dreamers are Greg Knowles, who advised his clients to buy the young colt and as his quality emerged, led the shaping of a partnership to allow all the success to be shared. Greg kept his keen eye on each potential opportunity to allow Rakeem to shine. He has stayed utterly devoted. The other dreamer is Rodolfo Guzzo who created a bond with this horse that requires talking to Rakeem, literally and emotionally. Guzzo ‘thinks’ and Rakeem ‘does.’

Rodolfo and Greg hatched this Brazilian opportunity borne of a very fine and honest horse and Guzzo’s understanding of the match that Brazil and its breeders could be for Rakeem’s future. A horse both beautiful and honest, not only a stallion but a best friend to present to a dear country and its breeding programs. Rakeem’s greatness is more subtle as it resides in balance, conformation, angles, symmetry, quality, large honest eyes, keen ears all in one smooth elegant package. He is not ‘all flash’ but dignified quality and near perfection. 

I know this all sounds lofty but it is what I observed in Brazil, emotionally and visually from the reserve created by not speaking any Portuguese and just observing.

Another thing about Rodolfo Guzzo – he watches all the classes and coaches every handler as they are showing, encouraging them, yes, but he gives really specific guidance to be sure they all can be successful and not let their nerves interfere with their performance. 

Rakeem is an exuberant horse, who reflects balance, length of leg, good shoulder, long neck, big eye, dishy head, and structure. Rakeem is laid back, he really, wants to be petted and ridden. This is a special, friendly, horse.

When the show was over, Guzzo told Rakeem,“This is the last time I will ask you to stand up.”

Aria Rakeem with Rodolfo Guzzo.

  Of course I had a fortunate seat from which to observe all of this. I was hosted by Royal Arabians, Mark Davis and Cindy McGown, and Guzzo’s brilliant wife Natalia, who navigates every aspect of the visit so that our visit is solely based on the horses, events and building relationships. Natalia is masterful at knowing what you need, before you need it and you couldn’t find more inclusive, fun loving hosts than Mark and Cindy. Your only task is to have a good time … and I did. 

For this outsider, having the opportunity to observe, listen and truly see, was priceless.

In Brazil with Natalia and Rodolfo Guzzo, Greg and Mike Knowles, and Rick Richetta.