LM Libretto

photo: Aline Sagrabelny

The chestnut stallion LM Libretto represented the enduring value of the Straight Spanish Arabian. Bred in 1991 by La Movida Arabians in Austria, he combined the classical Spanish lines of Drago and Dadobia in a compact, athletic frame that would define his long career under saddle and in harness. For more than three decades he remained an unmistakable figure of type and temperament, passing on his qualities through multiple generations at Al Qahira Stud.
LM Libretto’s sire, the grey Drago (1984, by Jacio x Nata by Zancudo), was bred by Yeguada Militar in Spain. Drago carried forward some of the most significant influences of the modern Spanish Arabian, descending from the line of Seandrich sire line over Jacio-Tabal. On Drago's dam line there is also Zancudo in his pedigree.
His dam, Dadobia (1984, by Falce x Haca), was likewise bred by Yeguada Militar and later owned by El Rosalejo and La Movida Arabians before joining the Austrian breeding program of Dr. Angelika Fichtenberg (El Kalaam Stud) in 1992. Dadobia’s pedigree traces to the Kadranka dam line, descending through the influential mare Ocalina, dam of Bambu, who in turn sired Abha Hamir, a Spanish, Canadian, and U.S. National Champion Mare.
Versatility defined LM Libretto’s career. Trained for both riding and driving, he excelled in both disciplines. Whether shown in Pleasure Driving, Marathon, Traditional Riding, or Cross-Country classes, he was noted for his consistency and willingness. In 2003 he proved his ability across a wide range of challenges, earning the title of Allround Champion Classic at the European Championships, where he also won his classes in Obstacle Driving and Cross. That same year he took the Bronze Medal in Driving at the European Championships, further underscoring his exceptional adaptability. The following seasons brought continued success: in 2004 he was Champion in both the Offspring and Get of Sire classes at the Danube Trophy, and in 2005 he returned to the European Championships as Reserve Champion Classic. His long and successful show career culminated in 2007 when he received the WAHO Trophy for Austria, a fitting recognition of his achievements and contribution to the breed.
Libretto’s influence was most clearly expressed through the breeding program of Al Qahira Stud in Austria, where he spent 28 years under the ownership of Martina Minhard. His best-known daughter, Espinosa Qahira (2000–2023, out of Shamal by Abha Harim), became a national and European champion in driving, earning multiple titles including Austrian National Champion in both Dressage and Obstacle Driving (2006) and European Champion Driving (2007). Among his sons, Valeroso Qahira (2002 bay stallion, out of Bel Princess by El Perfecto) emerged as his most accomplished male successor. Valeroso was Austrian National Reserve Champion Colt (2003), Senior Gold Champion at Stadl-Paura (2010), and Bronze Medalist in Traditional Arabian Riding (2010). Having completed his stallion performance test at Stadl-Paura in 2009, he now continues his sire’s line as a breeding stallion at Al Qahira. Libretto’s daughter Cascabel Qahira (2001 chestnut mare, full sister to Valeroso) also achieved performance-tested status and remains a valued broodmare within the program. Through these and other descendants, LM Libretto proved his quality as a sire.
LM Libretto’s death in 2024 marked the close of an era for Austrian breeding programs grounded in Spanish lines.