Eternity Ibn Navarrone-D

photo: Aline Sagrabelny

The grey stallion Eternity Ibn Navarrone-D, born in 1997, stood among the most influential halter show and breeding horses of his generation in Europe. Bred by Martine Despeghel-Van Hee of Dion Arabians in Belgium, Eternity represented a excellent blend of Egyptian and Spanish-influenced bloodlines.
At the core of Eternity’s genetic foundation was his sire, the Straight Egyptian stallion Ansata Sinan (1992–2011), bred by Ansata Arabians in the United States and later exported to Belgium. Ansata Sinan was sired by Prince Fa Moniet and out of Ansata Nefara, herself a daughter of the influential Ansata Sudarra. This cross also produced Ansata Iemhotep, 2003 Egyptian Event Supreme Champion Stallion, and the distinguished broodmare Ansata Nafisa, who was exported to Egypt.
Ansata Sinan’s influence rested not only on pedigree but also on phenotype. He was widely admired for his expressive, refined head, large eyes, and distinctive presence—traits he transmitted reliably. His show record included titles such as 1994 Egyptian Event Junior Champion Colt, 1995 European Champion Stallion, and 1995 World Reserve Champion Colt in Paris. His offspring achieved global recognition, including AS Sinans Pacha, the 1999 World Reserve Junior Champion Colt, and Shamir Ibn Ansata Sinan, the 2011 WAHO Trophy winner for the Czech Republic. Breeders often referred to the consistency of the “Sinan look,” an ethereal quality that became a hallmark of his descendants.
Eternity’s dam, Navarrone P (El Khadir P × Navarra P), was one of the most iconic mares owned by Dion Arabians. Foaled in 1987 and of predominantly Spanish breeding with Egyptian elements through her sire, Navarrone P became renowned for her exotic type, charisma, and movement. Her striking black eyes, exceptional body balance, and distinctive “spirit”—as described by her breeder—made her one of the most admired mares in Europe. Navarrone P enjoyed a long and decorated show career, earning titles such as Senior Female Reserve Champion at both the 1999 European and World Championships and Senior Female Champion at the 2003 All Nations Cup.
As a broodmare, Navarrone P’s impact was extraordinary. She produced two stallions who each became World Champions: Escape Ibn Navarrone-D (2005 World Champion Stallion, among numerous other titles) and Eternity himself. Her daughter Farhanah Bint Navarrone-D, by Ansata Selman, also contributed to the family legacy by becoming Belgian National Champion Mare in 2012. Navarrone P’s production record secured her position among the most influential European broodmares of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Against this background, Eternity Ibn Navarrone-D emerged as a natural heir to a dynasty of champions. His show career began early and progressed rapidly. In 1998 he was named Junior Male Reserve Champion at the European Championships, followed by Junior Male Champion at both the European and World Championships in 1999. As a senior stallion, he continued to dominate, winning Senior Male Champion at the All Nations Cup, Belgian Nationals, Tulip Cup, and World Championships in 2004, and again earning the All Nations Cup Senior Male Championship in 2007. These accomplishments placed him firmly among the leading show stallions of his era.
Eternity’s influence extended through his offspring, many of whom achieved major championship titles. His most accomplished son, Nijem Ibn Eternity VI (out of Naravna, 2001), became a Triple Crown winner in 2004, securing the All Nations Cup, European, and World Championships as a colt, and later earning the title of European Champion Stallion in 2008.
Other notable descendants included Hypnotic Ibn Eternity-D, Belgian National Silver Champion in 2014 and National Champion Stallion in 2016, and the mare Majidah Bint Eternity-D, National Champion Mare of Morocco.
Through his achievements and the success of his progeny, Eternity Ibn Navarrone-D secured his legacy as one of the standout stallions of contemporary Arabian horses in Europe.