Mandana

photo: Aline Sagrabelny

The flea-bitten grey mare Mandana was foaled on May, 1st 1989. Bred in Germany by Irmtrud Mundinger of Mundinger Stud in Sallenbusch, she was awarded Premium mare. Mandana stood almost 15.4 hands, and was admired for her harmonious conformation and classical Arabian type. The Mundinger family sold her in 1991 and later entered the ownership of Nicole Barth in 1999.
Mandana was sired by Amwal El Shaklan, bred by Irmtrud Mundinger and used at her stud. Amwal El Shaklan was sired by El Shaklan. El Shaklan (Shaker El Masri x Estopa), foaled in 1975, was one of the most significant sires of the late 20th century. Bred in Germany, he became a truly international stallion, renowned for transmitting his characteristic beauty, balance, and charisma to his descendants. His influence extended across Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, shaping generations of modern Arabians known for their refinement and show presence.
Amwal El Shaklan’s dam Seja (by Hadban Enzahi out of Sethnacht) was bred by Marbach State Stud.
Mandana’s dam Mecca (by Mali out of Winette) was also of Marbach breeding, tracing to the Murana I damline over Dinarsad.
Mandana proved a consistent and valuable broodmare. Between 1994 and 2010, she produced six foals: two fillies and four colts. Her last four foals she had with Nicole Barth, a filly and a colt by Al Lahab and two colts by CH El Brillo.
Though Mandana was primarily a broodmare and family horse, she was shown in halter, placing first in her class at Arabica and second in her class at Orientalica.
Mandana passed away in December 2022, after more than three decades of life. She had spent over twenty years with her devoted owner Nicole Barth, to whom she had been given as a birthday gift and who shared a close and enduring bond with her. Letting Mandana go was deeply difficult for Barth, as the mare had been a treasured companion and friend.