From our Arieana Notebook: The classic Balastra is warmly remembered here in Southern California as the foundation stallion for the highly-regarded breeding program of Roy and Nellie Jackson. Balastra is noted as being an incredible beauty with marvelous presence and animation. Purchased by The Jacksons as a yearling from the ranch of Herbert H. Reese, many stories have been told about this stallion as a feisty and fiery youngster. But this is one of our favorites as related by Dr. Clinton Emerson to the editors of Arabian Horse World, February 1977: "At an early show at Pomona, it seems that the judge was not happy with the stallion's behavior and didn't think that the small Mr. Jackson was capable of handling his raucous colt. I [Dr. Emerson] will never forget the loud and clear voice in which the judge told Mr. Jackson to 'Walk him down and trot him back, IF YOU CAN, I said, IF YOU CAN!' Then Roy Jackson in his calm and gentle way, patted the horse softly between the front legs and the two of them walked off quietly, then returned at a very controlled trot, much to the consternation of the judge and the crowd." This was the only time Balastra was shown and he was made Champion that day. He lived with The Jacksons for the remaining days of his life with many champion sons and daughters to his credit.

Pedigree of Balastra AHR #1590