#5596 (Raffles x Azja IV) 1949-1978

Azraff was born June 4, 1949, but it was not until 1954 that Joe and Garth Buchanan became his owners. They remained so until the end of his life. During his breeding career, Azraff sired 500 foals, which consisted of 55% fillies, 10% geldings, and 35% that remained stallions.

Azraff was the son of *Raffles by *Skowronek out of the Polish mare *Azja IV, by the desert-bred stallion, Landsknecht, who was of the Koheilan strain that traces directly to the desert. *Azja IV was out of Asra of the Dyra 1878 family, which originated in Yugoslavia. Unfortunately this entire mare line was wiped out when the German Army invaded Poland in 1939. Fortunately, *Azja IV was exported to the United States in 1938 by Henry Babson and thus *Azja IV bloodlines continue.

The ironic twist in bloodlines is the term “Polish-bred” horses such as *Bask and *Witez II being termed as Polish. Azraff can also fit this term, as his pedigree goes directly to the Polish stud of Count Joseph of Poland and to the desert.

The goal of every breeder is to produce a horse that will improve and upgrade the next generation, and Azraff does both. He had the typy *Raffles Arabian head but was in proportion to being a larger horse in size. He had a longer length of neck, short back, and a smooth level hip and top line. He also had more length of legs, was well mannered, and thus, was a well-balanced stallion. Azraff had a nice top line and clean, sound, straight legs -- traits he passed to his progeny.

When non-horse people hear “Arabian” horse, they picture a white or grey horse. However, one concern in the year 2003 was that the white or light grey color is becoming extinct, and that only 25% of all Arabians being registered are grey. Chestnut and bay are now more prominent.

Although Azraff died in 1978, there are several sons of his still standing at stud. They are Twin Brook Genius and Comar Azrazon at Dewell Arabians.

For additional information on horses and foals for sale, stallions at stud, or membership in the Azraff-Ferzon Breeders, please contact us at www.Azraff-Ferzon.com, or any of the owners/breeders in your area. They would be happy to hear from you.