By Arabian Horse World
As featured in the Winter 2025 issue of Arabian Horse World
When it comes to breeding, Manuel Durini knows that patience and mindful choices are necessary in cultivating a foal that checks all the boxes. The goal is to produce beautiful horses that are recognized for their type, charisma and functionality.
The collaborations began between Michael Wilson and Durini back in 2001 when Michael travelled to Ecuador, with good friend John Rannenberg to assist in handling at the Ecuadorian Nationals. By 2005, Michael was managing Durini’s mares in the United States and the two were joining forces on the breeding front. When it comes to developing a breeding program, both feel strongly that creating a long-term sustainable program is of the utmost importance.
Mike Wilson with MD Mirka and MD Alihandra.
The Marquis Mare, The Vision and The Colt Who Brought the Durini Dream to Life
Numerous influential mares have been born at the Medrano Arabians Farm in Ecuador, making their way onto U.S. soil and continuing the MD legacy worldwide. One of these mares is, MD HIBAT ALLAH; U.S. & Ecuadorian National Champion Mare.
In 2015, Wilson was approached by Sahara Scottsdale with interest in purchasing this authentic and exquisite mare. The sale was accepted with the agreement that Durini would have the rights for two embryos in the future.
In the late summer months of 2019, a dark bay colt was born at Wilson Training & Bloodstock in Sorrento, Florida. “I think we got your breeding colt!” Wilson said with excitement to Durini. The two discussed at length who would be the best choice for Hibat. Ultimately, Emerlad J was chosen for one reason: his dam, Emandoria. A worldwide icon, winning championships on every continent, she has left an even deeper legacy with her production record. The idea was to breed a colt with powerhouse female lines from top to bottom. The final embryo from the Medrano marquis mare did just that, with MD ZLATAN.
The iconic MD Hibat Allah.
Although the foundation mares of Medrano Arabians are the heart of the program, Manuel believes that MD Zlatan has an important role in this industry. “We must remind ourselves that we can attain beauty and function simultaneously. The Arabian is the most beautiful horse in the world, but to be ‘World Class’ they must check all the boxes. From my perspective, the horse’s conformation, charisma, balance and trainability must match their beauty” explains Durini.
Low hocks, strong bone, correct foot structure, large nostrils and a compact top line are what give MD Zlatan an edge in the world of breeding today. “He is conformed to perform and has the type and charisma to aid in creating a very balanced individual. Watching this successful Stallion develop in his training to under saddle work has been incredibly rewarding, I can see him siring National Champion Performance horses in the future. It is my hope to expand his reputation beyond his National accolades in the Halter Ring.
Mike Wilson and MD Mirka.
The Iconic Mares Who Write the Chapters of the Medrano Arabians Storybook
In 2014 when MD HIBAT ALLAH made her journey to the United States, she traveled with a seven month old filly, her name – MD MIRKA. She is out of Hibat’s maternal sister, MD PSYLK who is sired by Padrons Psyche. From the Durini philosophy of exclusively using stallions from iconic mares, her sire AJ Thee Luca is the son of the legendary, HED Caramba.
I remember when I first saw her in Ecuador as a young foal. My mind was blown by her ethereal beauty but I could never have imagined the impact she was going to have on my life and the Arabian horse industry”, explains Wilson.
MD Alihandra.
MD MIRKA quickly proved herself in the show ring wining Scottsdale Gold Championships as a two and three year old. Although impressive, her legacy and influence world wide is the result of her foals, where she consistently passes down her quality, type, structure and charisma. At the age of ten, she has produced numerous National and World Champions and is just getting started. Durini bred MD MIRKA to EKS Alihandro adding a second Padrons Psyche dam line to the pedigree, the resulting filly, MD ALIHANDRA, two-time Scottsdale Gold Champion and following in her dams path as a world-class producing Mare, with her first foal being Scottsdale and Spotlight Futurity Champion Colt, MD Salim, sired by Rhan Al Shahania.
It is a rare occurrence when a breeder hopes for a colt, but when MD Zlatan was born, he would become a main character within the Medrano storybook. “He allows us to capitalize on the foundation of strong dam lines within our program bringing all the chapters together. We have three exciting fillies sired by him, out of MD MIRKA and MD ALIHANDRA that are the culmination of our vision with three to four generations of mindful breeding and strong dam lines behind them.” says Durini.
In 2025, we are expecting ten MD ZLATAN foals, four from MD MIRKA and three from MD ALIHANDRA. “The chapters are unfolding, and the future is bright”, says Wilson.
