Ansata Arabian Stud

Ansata History

Ansata was founded in 1958 by Donald and Judith Freni Forbis after they met and married in Turkey. Thereafter they lived or traveled in the Middle East. Recognizing the archetypical and genetic value of the Egyptian Arabian, they imported their first foundation stock from Egypt in 1959 including the Nazeer son, *Ansata Ibn Halima, and several Nazeer daughters. These horses re-established the popularity of Egyptian Arabians in America and today Ansata bloodlines and "The Ansata Look" are treasured globally.

The farm name and prefix, Ansata, is a registered U.S. Trademark. The logo represents two horses rearing beside the Ansata crux or ankh, symbolic of reproduction, and known in ancient Egypt as the Key of Life.

Ansata Nile Pharaoh owned by Rhodium Arabian Stud, New Zealand
with Donald and Judith Forbis. Darryl Larson photo.

A Lifetime of Dedication

Both Don and Judith have loved horses since childhood. Don jockeyed racehorses as a young boy. Judi rode in equitation and jumping classes. Don trained their Arabian racehorses in Turkey. Judi jockeyed them. Don showed Ansata horses to U.S. National Top Ten halter wins, Judi has shown Class A halter champions. Both were active in Arabian horse circles worldwide.

Don served on the Pyramid Society Board of Directors. Judi served as Secretary and is Trustee Emeritus of the Arabian Horse Trust. She is also a Founder, Past-President and Trustee of the Pyramid Society. A respected author, she has lectured worldwide and has judged major horse shows throughout the world. Although Don Forbis passed away in 2008, Judith Forbis remains active in Arabian horse circles worldwide.

The Forbises have also received many of the most prestigious awards in the equine world. More...