Remembering Bravado Bey V of Varian Arabians
1/11/92 – 12/23/18

Bravado Bey V, sired by Huckleberry Bey and out of Bachista V by Ariston to the great Bachantka+ was the grey gentleman with the big, liquid eyes and bold trot that stole hearts in every distinct chapter of his life. Bravado began his legacy as one of the top English pleasure horses in the country, carrying the torch of his famous father, Huckleberry Bey V.

From there, he went on to become a producer of champion show horses (including national champions in both English pleasure AND Western Pleasure), along with a slew of influential broodmares – Misti V & Maggie May V ( both daughters of Magdalena V by *Sanadik El Shaklan to Marigold V who is by Bay El Bay and out of Moska)… many of which lived out their lives in the acclaimed broodmare pastures of Varian Arabians. 

In his older years, he was gelded to maintain a predictable quality of life, but it did not diminish his purpose in the least. His new environment? Varian Arabian’s famous Colt Hill. His new job? Babysitter. That’s right. Bravado’s job was to be the horse on which generations of weanling colts would emulate. He took his job seriously and created a social foundation that hundreds of young colts would depend on for the rest of their lives.

Bravado Bey V was the Grand Gentleman of Varian Arabians. And while others enjoyed a more public stage than Bravado in recent years, he was loved to his core by every staff member of Varian Arabians.

Bravado passed away peacefully this past Sunday. He led with a quiet authority that will be forever held in our hearts.