Arabian World Highlighted
America has gained another diplomat to help bridge the gap between
the Arab world and the U.S. And at the same time, the horse world of the Santa
Ynez Valley has gained another notable horsewoman.
Jo Franklin is working on an amazing project through her company,
Seacastle Films, which is producing a documentary titled “A Gift From the
Desert.” Its subject matter covers the Near East horses and the content is
based on research by leading scholars. The film will be shot on location so
that the horses can be shown in their native environments and it will be shown
at the Kentucky Horse Park during the World Equestrian Games in 2010.
Franklin, an attractive blonde, is a former producer for PBS, and
is noted for her highly acclaimed documentaries, which she has filmed
throughout the Near East. In December 2005, in a formal ceremony at the Saudi
Embassy, she presented a copy of her Franklin film archive on the Middle East
to the Saudi ambassador, Prince Turki Al-Faisal. He accepted it on behalf of
the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, saying, “This is a
valuable gift for the Saudi people that enhances the film archives of the King
Faisal Center. I am grateful for this fine collection of cultural footage.” It
includes over seventy hours of interviews and is an oral history of Saudi
Arabia. The 120 hour film is valued at $45 million.
Franklin’s documentary joined a collection of more than one
million books, rare manuscripts and audio-visual material in the center’s four
different libraries. This collection is considered the principal resource in
the world on Islamic civilization.
Her other documentaries, which aired on PBS, included: “Saudi
Arabia” (1981), “The Oil Kingdoms” (1983), “Days of Rage: The Young Palestinians”
(1989) and “Islam: A Civilization and its Art” (1994). About these films,
Franklin said, “It is their history and should remain with them. It is my
deepest hope that the different cultures of the world come to better understand
and appreciate their difference and similarities in an effort toward peace.”
Her present project, about the history of Arabian horses, is of
great interest to our valley, with its large Arabian horse population. It is
sponsored by King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Upon completion, it will be aired
in primetime in both the U.S. and Near East. It also will be marketed on DVD in
English and in Arabic.
Of course, after all these projects, for which she was required to
immerse herself in their culture, Franklin has learned to speak some Arabic and
demonstrates it upon request. “How are you? It’s a beautiful day,” she tells me
she is saying. It has a mysterious sound, not similar to European, English or
Oriental languages.
In addition to the presentation of the film, about three hundred
and fifty artworks and artifacts will be included for display at the Kentucky
Horse Park Museum.
“One thrilling part of this effort,” she tells me, “is that very
prestigious museums that are considered impossible to get to, are bending over
backward to take part and lend valuable pieces for our display.” Based on past
attendance figures for international exhibits and related activities, it is
expected that 500,000 visitors will come to see “A Gift from the Desert.”
It’s exciting to imagine that horses could help to bring two
countries together. But common interests and goals can accomplish miracles.
Escapee comes to the valley
Christian Larson was a dignified Brentwood businessman. He wore a
suit every day and ate at posh restaurants. But lurking inside was a cowboy,
and he secretly rode around in his mind on a quarter horse. Did he have the
John Wayne syndrome?
“I don’t think so,” says Chris, “but a good friend of mine was the
son of the famous film actor Robert Taylor, who appeared in many westerns. He had great posters. It may have
rubbed off.” Well, Chris recently escaped from the pressure cooker of L.A. and
bought a home on Ballard Canyon. This home was formerly owned by the late
Willard Beanland, who used to dazzle us in the parades with his beautiful
palominos and silver mounted saddles. And, of course, Chris now has his own
horses.
He didn’t buy just any old horse. He has several quarter horse
breeding mares and two in training for reining and working cowhorse work with
Phil Ralls in Texas. Of course, Chris started taking western riding lessons
because, as he says, “I’m new to the horse world and I’m anxious to learn.”
Seems like he is a fast learner, because he has only been to two
shows and his 11-month-old filly is already a circuit champion. She placed
first in halter at Del Mar under two different judges and won over all four of
the judges at the Silver Dollar Circuit in Las Vegas. Passion Page has now
qualified for the American Quarter Horse Select World Show in Amarillo, Texas,
in August. She was sired by Majority Page, who stands in Kentucky, and her dam
is Telusivity. She’s a young beauty as the photo shows.
We wish them
well. If Chris loves horses, he came to the right place.