We are fortunate to have Wade Bailey as our stud manager and saddle trainer. Wade had worked with Arabians throughout the world and brings a wealth of experience and dedication. Wade is ably assisted by Julie Smith, who principally looks after the breeding side of the stud.

An integral part of the Syrah team is Anne McIntosh, our extremely talented
halter trainer and handler, and close friend.

The property at Bullengarook was acquired in December 2001 and has been set up as the perfect environment for our beautiful Arabians. The horses enjoy large pasture improved paddocks, sheltered by the old cypresses on the property. The stable block contains 12 stables, tack room, a hot and cold wash bay and self-contained accommodation. The stables adjoin the free lunging yard and full size dressage arena, together with six large yards up to one acre in size.

Syrah had its genesis some 30 years ago when as a horse mad child I declared "When I grow up I'm going to have an Arabian Horse Stud." I was captivated by the first pictures I saw of Arabians and when I met them at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, in the days before specialist Arabian shows.

My first pony was the versatile part Arabian pony, Elmridge Misty, who excelled at sporting, jumping, eventing, hacking and dressage. She is still with me, as a venerable old retiree. That's Misty Samantha is riding (left).

A thoroughbred and a warmblood for competition riding then followed, however, in early 1988, I acquired the then yearling filly Cherox Miguela, of Egyptian, Spanish and Crabbet bloodlines, to give me an interest when my sister, Verity Smith, of Elmridge Stud, showed her Anglo Arabian. Miguela was subsequently shown lightly (and surprisingly successfully given her owner's complete inexperience in Arabian showing) and broken in. She has also proved to be an exceptional broodmare, particularly with Sarezin.

The stud really commenced with the acquisition of Sarika in 1992. (The photo at left was taken when I first met her.)

Sarika was an incredibly beautiful mare who had dominated the show ring from her debut as a yearling in 1979. She was Supreme Exhibit at the Victorian Classic AA class show twice, including as a yearling, and Supreme Female Exhibit four times, as well as an Australian National Championships Top Ten Mare twice on both occasions first on the International Judges cards.

Sarika had also produced two Australian National Champions, Malmsbury Samira and Malmsbury Sami. She had long been a "poster girl" for me, so when she became available and after a lot of financial stretching, she joined the stud. Elmridge acquired her daughter, Malmsbury Samira, at the same time. Unfortunately Syrah has only one surviving daughter from Sarika – Salida. Salida however, as well as being the first foal for the stud, also has first place in my affections and had a wonderful show career before becoming a superlative broodmare. Salida is the dam of Valouria.

The third mare acquired by the stud was Amira El Marieshaah, acquired as a ten year old in late 2000. I had first seen Marieshaah as a yearling, and had loved her, from then. I acquired her specifically to breed to Sarezin. The plan has been a resounding success to date.

All the other horses in the stud (except for Arabian Riding Pony, Ascot Porcelain Doll and Arabian Pony, Woranora Genevieve) descend from these three mares, and every foal bred by the stud has at least one cross to Sarika.