RP Penalba Bint Psytadel

photo: Aline Sagrabelny

The 2006 black-bay mare RP Penalba Bint Psytadel represents a carefully considered blending of some of the most influential bloodlines in modern Arabian breeding. Bred in Germany by Petra Hammer of Di Grazia Arabians, Penalba combined the international appeal of her sire Psytadel with the strength of her Straight Russian dam line through Nikonja.
Her sire, Psytadel (Padrons Psyche x Bint Bey Shah by Bey Shah), was one of the most recognizable sons of the late Padrons Psyche. Born in 1998 and passed away in 2019, Psytadel proved not only an important show horse but also a valuable sire. Through his dam, Bint Bey Shah, he was a full-brother to the celebrated All Nations Cup Junior Champion Filly Pandoraah, underlining the consistent strength of this cross between Padrons Psyche and Bey Shah. Psytadel’s offspring earned him international recognition, and RP Penalba Bint Psytadel was a fine example of his type.
On her dam’s side, Nikonja (Neman x Nika), bred by the noted German sculptor and breeder Prof. Fritz Koenig, anchored Penalba’s pedigree with Straight Russian heritage. Nikonja (1987–2008) contributed substance, depth of body, and the classic qualities for which the Russian program is admired. Penalba was also a younger full-sister to Pamira Bint Psytadel, an outstanding broodmare in her own right. Pamira produced multiple champions, among them RP Grace Kelly (by Ajman Moniscione), Israeli National Senior Bronze Champion Mare in 2013; RP Mister Big (by Ajman Moniscione), Junior Bronze Champion Colt at the Bairactar Memorial in 2012; and the widely admired RP Burj Al Arab (by WH Justice). The latter earned major titles including European Silver Champion Colt (2014), All Nations Cup Silver Champion Colt (2014), and European Senior Bronze Champion Stallion (2022). This record demonstrates the proven production of the Psytadel–Nikonja cross, elevating Penalba’s own importance as a broodmare.
In the show ring, RP Penalba Bint Psytadel made her mark early as Reserve Junior Filly Champion at the Arabica Show in 2007, confirming her quality among her peers. While her competitive career was brief, her significance grew in breeding, where her progeny continued her legacy.
Her first foal, RP Marrakesch (2012, by Ajman Moniscione), carried forward the cross that had already proven successful in her sister’s progeny. In 2013, she produced RP Scheherazade (grey mare by WH Justice), followed by RP Calimero (2015, bay stallion by WH Justice). Both foals reinforced the appeal of blending Penalba’s pedigree with WH Justice, a stallion renowned for his charisma and refinement. After her export to Iran, Penalba produced Borkan Al Asad (2017, black-bay stallion by Elmaran) and later Thunder Asayel (2020, bay stallion by Espressivo), both adding further depth to her contribution as a broodmare.