Rusleem
February 24, 2026, Photo © Betty Finke
Rusleem
Among British Crabbet-influenced Arabians of the late twentieth century, Rusleem stands as a particularly instructive example of how classical breeding principles could succeed in the modern show arena without sacrificing athletic utility. Foaled in 1989 and bred to approximately 73% Crabbet blood, Rusleem achieved national distinction both in-hand and under saddle, earning recognition as an Arabian Horse Society Premium Stallion.
Rusleem’s sire, El Saleem, carries the imprint of one of the most consequential British-bred stallions of the late twentieth century: Maleik El Kheil. Foaled in the United Kingdom by the Maxwells of Lodge Farm Stud, Maleik El Kheil was sired by El Shaklan, but it was his own accomplishments and influence that solidified his place in modern Arabian history. He emerged as a figure of both national and international renown, earning titles such as British National Champion Colt, British National Supreme Champion Stallion, All Nations Cup Champion Colt and World Champion Colt.
Malik El Kheil's influence extended through his progeny, producing numerous national and international champions, including Khashil and Hamadahn, as well as becoming leading sire at the British National Show six times as his son El Saleem whose dam Crysilla was also by El Shaklan (x Crystal Clear by Bright Shadow).
The dam side of Rusleem’s pedigree represents a rich tapestry of Crabbet Arabian blood. Rusleem’s dam, Rullante (b. 1980) was by Roxan, a pure Crabbet stallion, himself by Count Roland out of Bint Roxana. Rullante’s dam, Russallka, by Golden Rex out of Roshnara (by Hassan II), was likewise almost entirely Crabbet-bred.
Rusleem was the eldest full sibling of Rushkar (1992), a gelding who achieved success in halter competition, and Rushan (1996), who distinguished himself as British National Champion Colt in 1997 and went on to claim the title of Supreme British National Champion — the only purebred yearling in history to do so. Rushan later attained international recognition, capturing Senior Champion Stallion at the 2010 World Cup in Las Vegas.
One of Rusleem’s immediately recognizable traits was his striking white markings. His bold blaze and stockings framed a masculine, well-set head and clean limbs, adding presence without detracting from overall harmony. This degree of “chrome” became something of a visual signature and would also be seen in Rusleem’s half-sister, OAS Panache. OAS Panache was out of the 100% Crabbet mare Rose of Bediya. She was unbeaten at the British National Show as a youngster, winning the Junior Female Championship at both two and three years of age. OAS Panache later transitioned successfully into ridden competition, securing Reserve Ridden Champion at the National Show. Like Rusleem, she combined athletic movement with strong visual presence — including similarly generous white markings.
Rusleem’s show career demonstrated a versatility of the Arabian horse. He achieved major success at the UK International Arabian Horse Show and the British National Show, earning championships as both a junior and senior horse. Significantly, he also secured major ridden titles, including national-level championships under saddle. His ability to excel in both disciplines culminated in recognition as a National Champion in-hand and ridden.
As a breeding stallion, Rusleem transmitted substance, athleticism, and temperament. His progeny have succeeded not only in halter and ridden show classes but also in endurance, demonstrating durability and mental steadiness. He represents a generation of British Arabians that maintained fidelity to Crabbet principles while adapting successfully to evolving competitive standards. His career illustrates that classical structure, correct biomechanics, and functional movement remain enduring assets. More than a decorated show horse, Rusleem stands as evidence that balance — in bloodlines, in conformation, and in purpose — remains the foundation of lasting influence.
Rusleem’s sire, El Saleem, carries the imprint of one of the most consequential British-bred stallions of the late twentieth century: Maleik El Kheil. Foaled in the United Kingdom by the Maxwells of Lodge Farm Stud, Maleik El Kheil was sired by El Shaklan, but it was his own accomplishments and influence that solidified his place in modern Arabian history. He emerged as a figure of both national and international renown, earning titles such as British National Champion Colt, British National Supreme Champion Stallion, All Nations Cup Champion Colt and World Champion Colt.
Malik El Kheil's influence extended through his progeny, producing numerous national and international champions, including Khashil and Hamadahn, as well as becoming leading sire at the British National Show six times as his son El Saleem whose dam Crysilla was also by El Shaklan (x Crystal Clear by Bright Shadow).
The dam side of Rusleem’s pedigree represents a rich tapestry of Crabbet Arabian blood. Rusleem’s dam, Rullante (b. 1980) was by Roxan, a pure Crabbet stallion, himself by Count Roland out of Bint Roxana. Rullante’s dam, Russallka, by Golden Rex out of Roshnara (by Hassan II), was likewise almost entirely Crabbet-bred.
Rusleem was the eldest full sibling of Rushkar (1992), a gelding who achieved success in halter competition, and Rushan (1996), who distinguished himself as British National Champion Colt in 1997 and went on to claim the title of Supreme British National Champion — the only purebred yearling in history to do so. Rushan later attained international recognition, capturing Senior Champion Stallion at the 2010 World Cup in Las Vegas.
One of Rusleem’s immediately recognizable traits was his striking white markings. His bold blaze and stockings framed a masculine, well-set head and clean limbs, adding presence without detracting from overall harmony. This degree of “chrome” became something of a visual signature and would also be seen in Rusleem’s half-sister, OAS Panache. OAS Panache was out of the 100% Crabbet mare Rose of Bediya. She was unbeaten at the British National Show as a youngster, winning the Junior Female Championship at both two and three years of age. OAS Panache later transitioned successfully into ridden competition, securing Reserve Ridden Champion at the National Show. Like Rusleem, she combined athletic movement with strong visual presence — including similarly generous white markings.
Rusleem’s show career demonstrated a versatility of the Arabian horse. He achieved major success at the UK International Arabian Horse Show and the British National Show, earning championships as both a junior and senior horse. Significantly, he also secured major ridden titles, including national-level championships under saddle. His ability to excel in both disciplines culminated in recognition as a National Champion in-hand and ridden.
As a breeding stallion, Rusleem transmitted substance, athleticism, and temperament. His progeny have succeeded not only in halter and ridden show classes but also in endurance, demonstrating durability and mental steadiness. He represents a generation of British Arabians that maintained fidelity to Crabbet principles while adapting successfully to evolving competitive standards. His career illustrates that classical structure, correct biomechanics, and functional movement remain enduring assets. More than a decorated show horse, Rusleem stands as evidence that balance — in bloodlines, in conformation, and in purpose — remains the foundation of lasting influence.