Most people think the finest Arabian horses only come from the deserts of the Middle East or the fancy stables of California. They are wrong. The real soul of the American Arabian didn’t start on a movie set; it grew strong in the rich, green pastures of Portsmouth, Ohio.

Forget the glitz of modern shows for a minute. The Selby Arabians breeding program did something bold in the early 1900s. Roger Selby didn’t just buy pretty horses; he imported legends. By bringing the famous stallion “Raffles” to the Midwest, he changed our barns forever. But how did one man’s dream become your horse’s DNA?

Who Was Roger Selby?

Roger Selby was a shoe maker with a very sharp eye for quality. He traveled to England and bought the best horses from the famous Crabbet Stud. He brought back horses that were strong, beautiful, and very smart. These weren’t just pets. They were the foundation for every backyard and show ring in the Midwest.

He wanted a horse that could do it all. His horses had to be elegant enough for a parade but tough enough for a long day of work. This mix of beauty and power is exactly what he achieved. He proved that you didn’t need a desert to raise a world-class desert horse.

The Magic of Raffles

Raffles was a small stallion, but he was a giant in the breeding world. He is the “Pound for Pound” champion of Arabian history. Selby’s vision focused on this horse’s ability to make the breed more refined. This look moved like wildfire through Ohio and Illinois, giving us horses with tiny ears and huge eyes.

You might think this stayed a local secret, but a certain “silver” stallion was about to change everything.

How the Influence Spread

Selby didn’t keep all the good horses for himself. He shared his success with other farmers. His stock helped start other famous places like Comar Arabians. Even the well-known Babson lines felt his impact. These Midwest farms took Selby’s base and built what we now call the “Midwest look” that everyone loves today.

These horses started winning everywhere. They weren’t just “show ponies” either. Because the Selby Arabians breeding program focused on athletic bodies, these horses became stars in endurance riding. They could run for miles and miles without getting tired. People across the United States began to notice that Midwest horses were special.

The Famous Azraff and Ferzon Lines

This is where things get really exciting for us at Twinbrook Arabians. If you love a horse with a “dished” face and a gentle soul, you can thank the Azraff and Ferzon lines. These horses are the grandkids of Selby’s imports. They are the gold standard for breeders who want a horse that looks like a dream.

Azraff and Ferzon brought a special kind of elegance to the hardy Midwest stock. They created a perfect balance. You get a horse that is tough enough for a cold winter but pretty enough to win a blue ribbon. It is a recipe for success that breeders still use every single day.

Strong Mothers Make Strong Foals

A great father horse is important, but the mothers are the real heroes. The Arabian broodmare breeding program started by Selby focused on strong, motherly mares. These girls passed on the “easy keeper” traits we love. They could survive on simple hay and still produce a world-class baby horse every single spring.

But the real surprise? The biggest impact of Selby’s work wasn’t found in a trophy case—it was found in the middle of a blizzard.

Why Heritage Matters to You

When you look at the horses for sale at Twinbrook Arabians, you aren’t just looking at an animal. You are looking at a hundred years of careful choices. We keep the Selby fire burning by focusing on those Azraff and Ferzon lines. It’s about honoring the past while breeding a great horse for your future.

Choosing a horse is a big deal. You want a friend that understands you and learns fast. Because of the Selby Arabians breeding program, modern Arabians have that famous “people-oriented” personality. They want to be your partner, whether you are riding on a trail or entering your very first horse show.

The Big Picture

Roger Selby didn’t just breed horses; he gave the Midwest a gift of beauty and grit. From the tiny but powerful Raffles to the elegant Ferzon, his footprint is everywhere. At Twinbrook Arabians, we are proud to carry that torch, offering you a piece of living history that fits perfectly in your own barn.

Common Questions About Selby Bloodlines

1. What makes Selby Arabians so special?

They combined the best English bloodlines with Midwest toughness. This created horses that were beautiful enough for shows but strong enough for hard work. Their influence is found in almost every top Arabian pedigree today.

2. Who was the most famous Selby horse?

Raffles is likely the most famous. He was a small stallion known for his extreme beauty and “dished” face. He helped refine the breed and passed on his amazing looks to thousands of descendants across America.

3. How did Selby influence the Midwest specifically?

He sold his top-quality horses to local farms like Comar and Babson. This kept the best genetics in the Midwest, making the region a “hub” for high-quality Arabian horses for nearly a century.

4. Are these horses good for beginners?

Yes! The Selby lines, especially those with Azraff and Ferzon influence, are known for being very kind. They love people and are usually very easy to train, making them perfect for new horse owners.

5. Can I still find Selby bloodlines today?

Absolutely. Many farms, including ours, focus on keeping these heritage lines alive. You can look for “Crabbet” or “Raffles” in a horse’s family tree to see the Selby influence for yourself.