Society News Briefs 2/17/06-Update

Click on a link below to read the current Pyramid Society news!

5
5 Pyramid Society members nominated
    for Professional Horseman's
    Association Awards
5 More Tools Available on The Society's
    website
5 Volume XI Information
5 New Staff Member Spotlight
5 New Life Members
5 Member Farm to be Featured on
    RFDTV
5 Calendar of Events

Regional Round-Up
- Member News Area -
 

News Archives

Aug 2003 - Nov 2003

Dec 2003 - Feb 2004

EGYPTIAN HORSE DAY IN MAY
Egyptian Horse Day in May is back again! This exciting outreach program targets the public and local media by unifying Pyramid Society members across the nation. Members will sponsor, at their farms, a special day of education, fun, and opportunity to meet the Egyptian Arabian horse. “Meet us in May for Egyptian Horse Day—Join us in June at the Egyptian Event” is the slogan and press releases will be sent to local media to promote this activity. Regional representatives are challenged to help organize and develop this concept within their region.

Saturday, May 13th is the chosen date, however other dates in May can also be selected to suit an individual or group’s needs. Regardless, everyone is encouraged to target May l3th to take advantage of press releases and overall unity, date, and purpose. As in the past, if you plan to sponsor an Egyptian Horse Day activity, please contact The Pyramid Society so we can help get the word out and send you promotional materials.

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THE PYRAMID SOCIETY TO SPONSOR APRIL QUIZ ON STRAIGHT EGYPTIANS.COM
The Pyramid Society will be sponsoring the April quiz on Straight Egyptians.com. Those with the correct answer will be entered into a drawing for a complimentary Volume X Reference Handbook of Straight Egyptian Horses. Log on beginning April 1st to take a crack at the monthly question. Straight Egyptians.com is a great way to promote your farm or breeding program. In addition, to useful research information, a widely visited forum, and interesting articles, they offer professional, stylistic advertising to those seeking to advertise their Egyptian Arabians. Just visit http://advertise.straightegyptians.com for complete details!

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AUTHENTIC ARABIAN BLOODSTOCK NOW AVAILABLE
It’s official! Authentic Arabian Bloodstock by Judith Forbis is being reprinted and is now available for pre-purchase! Made popular by its vast wealth of breeding, strain, and pedigree information, the “Blue Book” is a must have for all Egyptian Arabian breeders, owners, and enthusiasts. This book is packed with rare photographs and editorial material about the Egyptian Arabian horse. And in addition to its wealth of pedigree information, it also includes a racing section, providing informative data about the prowess of Egyptian racehorses on Egyptian and American tracks. Don’t miss the opportunity to own your copy of this highly demanded and valuable reference tool. Order your copy now for just $200 plus s/h.

Order Authentic Arabian Bloodstock Now!

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Straight Egyptian Chosen As Pictorial Representative of Scottsdale Show
A photo by Scott Trees of Straight Egyptian stallion, Donatello KA, was recently chosen to serve as the primary pictorial representative of the 2006 Scottsdale Show in all magazine and billboard advertising.  Donatello KA, (Makhnificent KA x DB Shahlaha) who is owned by Mary Ellen Chavez of Sonrisa Farms, located in Los Lunas, NM, is pictured here in the photo that was chosen for the Scottsdale Show. Congratulations to Scott Trees and to Mary Ellen Chavez for their parts in bringing about this exciting opportunity to have a Straight Egyptian represent the entire Arabian breed.

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THE PYRAMID SOCIETY AT SCOTTSDALE
The Pyramid Society will be in full force at Scottsdale in 2005. Plans call for a booth in Tent 1, and Pyramid Society staff will be on hand from Monday, February 20th through Sunday, February 26th.  In addition to all of our promotional materials, all of our merchandise, including Authentic Arabian Bloodstock by Judith Forbis, will be available for purchase. Stop by The Society's booth for information on the upcoming Volume XI Reference Handbook, the 2006 Egyptian Event, and to visit with many of your Egyptian Arabian friends in sunny Arizona, February 17-26.

Pyramid Society member and Regional Representative, Merrie Aiken of Cedar Ridge Farm in Las Vegas, NV will be showing her Straight Egyptian mare, Cedars KenyaCatchMe (Botswana X CDRS Farah Moniet) in amateur, 4-year-old mares (Class 44) on Friday, Feb. 17, in the 12:30 p.m. section. Kenya’s trainer, Robin Hopkinson, will show her in the 4-year-old Mares class (#331) on Friday, Feb. 24, at 8 a.m. Additionally, Pyramid Society member Rhonda Davis has a horse competing at the show. Good luck to both of these Society members, and if you have an Egyptian Arabian showing in Scottsdale, please advise The Pyramid Society so that we may help cheer them on!

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Pyramid Society Members up for Professional Horseman's Association Awards
Several Pyramid Society members have been nominated for the 2005 Professional Horseman' Association Awards.  They include Henry Metz for ATH Halter Handler, Jordan DeShazer for Junior ATH Halter Handler, and Hank and Sandra DeShazer for the prestigious "Breeder of the Year" Award.  Lend these members your support and cast your ballot now for the 2005 PHA Awards at
 www.horsemansawards.com/apaha

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MORE TOOLS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE PYRAMID SOCIETY’S WEBSITE
The Pyramid Society now accepts payments for all merchandise through the website. Using Paypal's secure checkout service, all web visitors are now able to order reference materials, halters, videos, and more through the convenience of online shopping.  Visit our Khan El Khalili Marketplace to start shopping today!   Also recently added to the Society’s website is an Online Directory of Members.  From this page, you may also access their websites or contact information. Check back often, as the list will be updated with new members throughout the year.

The Pyramid Society is also now on eBay! Look us up by the seller name, pyramidsociety, to access our eBay store and auction listings. Find unique items including artwork, rare books, Middle Eastern gifts, and more.

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THE PYRAMID SOCIETY’S STAFF MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
The Pyramid Society has a new addition to the team! In December, Melissa Virgin joined our staff, replacing Nancy Koons, as the Financial Manager. As the controller at the Bellefonte Country Club located in Ashland, KY, much of Melissa’s success came from her well-honed ability to meet monthly deadlines and pay close attention to numbers, all while providing superior service to the club’s members. This has already translated into the skillful and speedy mastering of the “ins-and-outs” of the Futurity Program, where she has assisted numerous Society members.

Melissa was born in Ironton, Ohio but has spent her entire married life (32 years!) in Kentucky. Though their careers took them to many regions, they are pleased that it has brought them back to their favorite spot, “The Horse Capital of the World”, Lexington. Melissa feels her biggest accomplishment in life has been successfully raising two bright and loving children; one who is working on her PhD and the other who has just joined up with the UK tennis team and is working on his bachelor’s degree. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys embroidery, sewing, and reading. The thing she is most looking forward to with The Pyramid Society (and I am sure many others will earnestly agree) is the Egyptian Event. We are excited to have Melissa as part of our team!

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NOTE REGARDING 2006 EGYPTIAN EVENT CLASSES
With the ongoing vision of keeping the Egyptian Event “unlike any other horse show”, the board earlier began assessing the schedule in order to guarantee the Event remained just that – “An Event”. Thus in the January 2002 “Chariot” the announcement was made that going forward Egyptian Event classes would be eliminated when there were 5 or fewer horses in individual halter or performance classes for two consecutive years, excluding any futurities or extended specialty breeding classes. Realistically, however, this proved difficult to implement as long as the Performance Pyramid was in existence. Despite repeated efforts and numerous individual sponsorships, exhibitor support continued to decline in the Performance Pyramid. In 2005 there were only two registered participants. The time had come to make some adjustments. Using the board’s earlier directive and Event class participation charts as their guide, the Show Committee began exploring all avenues for fine-tuning the Event schedule in order to remain true to the vision of providing more - a more refined schedule with more horses in each class, more educational opportunities, more marketing opportunities, more “down” time and more social opportunities. Bottom line, the realization that holding 100+ classes for a show that averages 330+- horses was not effective or prudent. Thus, in 2006 you will see a very workable schedule that continues to feature both halter and performance classes (excluding Dressage/see below). The 2006 schedule will be posted on the website later this month and will be included as part of the Event mailing.

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DRESSAGE AT THE 2006 EGYPTIAN EVENT
At the 2005 Egyptian Event the Dressage Division had a total of twelve entries in the entire division. Some classes were cancelled, as there were no entries, while others had only one or two entries.

While I have always been a strong proponent of performance classes at the Event, and dressage classes in particular, it became obvious that without the support of exhibitors willing to show in these classes The Pyramid Society could not continue to hold them.

I feel that the Society has made every effort to accommodate those of us that wanted to show our dressage horses at the Event. The expense, however, has become prohibitive for a non-profit organization that must utilize available funds for the benefit of the majority of its members.

Regretfully, therefore, I must announce that the Dressage Division will not be held at this year’s Event.

On a more positive note, it is possible that this division could be re-instated in 2007 if a sponsor could be found and dressage exhibitors would be willing to support it.

Beverly Sziraky
Show Committee

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JEWELS OF THE NILE… A selection of Egyptian Sale Horses at the 2006 Egyptian Event

In a continuing effort to provide all Pyramid Society members with an equal opportunity to market their sale horses at the world’s largest gathering of Egyptian Arabian Horse enthusiasts, the Board of Directors approved a Private Treaty Sale beginning at the 2006 Egyptian Event. This exciting opportunity features the following benefits:

*Open to any Pyramid Society member in good standing
*Open to any Straight Egyptian or Egyptian Bred or Sired horse as defined by The Pyramid Society. (excluding foals at mother’s side)
* Special barn signage for sale horses (Sale horses will be
stabled with owners or trainers.)
* Dedicated arena presentation time for sale horses.
* Booth area specific for promotional materials and videos.
* Advertising in the Show Program, on The Pyramid Society’s website and in the April Pyramid Report.
* Map showing a list of horses/owners/barn locations.
* Flat fee of only $350 (does not include stabling fees)

Look for the complete guidelines and participation forms included as part of the Event mail-out, or check The Egyptian Event page often!

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WELCOME OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBERS

Allison Mehta
At the November Board meeting, Allison Mehta of Talaria Farms in Newnan, Georgia, was elected as The Pyramid Society’s newest Board Member. Allison has been a member of The Pyramid Society since 1998 and has owned Straight Egyptians since 1999, of which Ramses Mistletoe was the first. In 1999, Allison did not own Talaria Farms, but it was where she fell in love with Egyptian Arabians. As a boarder at Talaria, Allison got to know then owner, Gene Reichardt, who introduced her to the spirit, beauty, and fascinating history of the Egyptian Arabian horse. She went on to purchase Talaria in partnership with Curt Westley and Tom Crawford. Now one of Allison’s commitments to Talaria is also one of her commitments to The Pyramid Society. Talaria annually hosts several seminars, clinics, and open-houses and Allison would like to see similar non-competitive gatherings become common activities across the country.

We asked Allison to describe herself in three words and she chose 1. Curious 2. Trustworthy 3. Industrious. Proof of this can be found in her willingness to seek out a project and put 110% effort into making sure it is done to the highest of standards. At the 2005 Egyptian Event, the creative and hard-working duo of Allison and Bridgette Orwig took it upon themselves to spearhead the arena decorating initiative. The end result was a stunning centerpiece for the show and the indebtedness of the Event staff. One goal Allison has for her term on the Board is to do everything she can to support, promote, and preserve the Straight Egyptian horse (and the people who love and breed them) through The Pyramid Society. With a mantra like, “Success is 5% inspiration—and 95% perspiration,” we believe she will accomplish this and more as a member of the Board!

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At the January Board Meeting, two new Members were appointed to the Board. We are delighted to welcome Anne-Louise Toner and Susan Watson to the Board of Directors!

Anne-Louise Toner
Anne-Louise Toner’s involvement with Arabian horses in general and Straight Egyptian Arabian horses in particular began many years ago, as a little girl watching a beautiful mare win her National Championship class. Because of the captivation evoked by that mare, Anne-Louise has held a lifelong passion for the Egyptian Arabian horse. To this day, she feels a tremendous debt of gratitude for those who preserved and perpetuated the rare Egyptian bloodlines, and she remains dedicated to furthering this effort.

Anne-Louise has been a member of The Pyramid Society since 2001. She owns and operates Al Atiq Arabians, located in Germantown, Maryland. From October 2003 until December 2005, Anne-Louise acted as Region 15’s Representative for The Pyramid Society. As a Regional Rep, Anne-Louise planned numerous well-attended activities, including seminars, regional meetings, open houses and Pyramid Society presence at regional equine events. Through her passion for the Egyptian Arabian horse and The Pyramid Society, as well as her warm and generous nature, she has attracted many new Arabian enthusiasts to the Egyptian bloodlines.

Currently, Anne-Louise owns five horses, all Straight Egyptian, and is expecting an EBC foal in 2006. When not doing something with the horses, Anne-Louise works as a Montessori teacher. Whenever possible, she brings her students to see the horses. Even after eight years, she is still amazed at the gentle, inquisitive nature of even the young horses and their interest and desire to be near the children.

As a Member of the Board, she will work to ensure enhanced communication between members in all regions and with the Board of Directors. Through this she hopes to create even greater unity within The Society; one with a wide open network between members, one of perpetual idea sharing, and one that acts as a “guiding light” within the industry.

Susan Watson
Susan Watson has been involved with The Pyramid Society since the late 1980's when she and her husband, Lee Barnes, became Straight Egyptian breeders.  Their emphasis as breeders is on beauty combined with athletic ability. Amazingly, all of the horses they have bred are alive and doing well in the US, Canada, and overseas. One of their favorites remains their foundation stallion, The Elixir, standing at Michael Byatt Arabians.  After a successful campaign in the 1990's, Michael had him brought out of retirement for the Christmas Show in Houston.  Shown by David Botha, Elixir at fourteen years, showed them how it's done, garnering 3 Championship titles. Susan feels strongly that the Egyptian Event is an important showcase for straight Egyptians, and as a board member, she would like to continue to help keep it the Egyptian industry’s number one show. In her opinion, “It is the finest show of its kind for education, entertainment, top quality horses... Business-wise you will not find a better or larger audience for your sale horses.”

Not only does Susan actively support the Egyptian Event as an excellent showcase for Egyptian Arabian horses, she also has lent her hand serving as Friday’s Dinner Chairperson at the Event.

As a Board member, Susan is open and excited to hear from members regarding additional ways The Pyramid Society can help breeders.  Please feel free to call or email her at anytime with comments and requests. 

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INDUSTRY NEWS

NEW ORGANIZATION FORMED TO PROMOTE THE EGYPTIAN ARABIAN AS A SPORT HORSE
In September, 2005, a group of like-minded Egyptian Arabian horse owners, breeders, trainers and enthusiasts met at the Sport Horse Nationals in Virginia to discuss their goals and experiences with the Egyptian Arabian horse as a competitor in the sport disciplines. The need for an organization devoted to increasing the public awareness of Egyptian Arabian horses and their successes in the sport horse arena led to the foundation of E.A.S.H.A. – the Egyptian Arabian Sport Horse Alliance.

E.A.S.H.A. feels that support on a local level, to increase the visibility of those Egyptian Arabians already competing and performing in dressage, hunter, jumper, reining and driving classes is an important step in putting Egyptian Arabians forward into the spotlight. Providing owners with a venue that showcases the multitude of talents exhibited by these horses on a highly visible national level will enhance their abilities to the Arabian horse world at large. For more information on E.A.S.H.A., visit their website at www.eashalliance.org.

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Horse Industry’s Most Up-to-Date and Comprehensive Tax Handbook Now Available
Hot off the press, the American Horse Council’s 2006 Horse Owners and Breeders Tax Handbook is now available. The new 2006 Tax Handbook was written by Thomas A. Davis, Esq. who has been the American Horse Council’s tax counsel for over twenty-five years and is a nationally-recognized authority on equine tax laws.

“There is an old saying that in life there are only two things you can count on, death and taxes,” said Jay Hickey, President of the American Horse Council. “The Horse Owners and Breeders Tax Handbook is the most comprehensive tax publication available. It covers every aspect of tax law applicable to horse owners and breeders, including: business vs. hobby requirements, forms of doing business, sales and exchanges and passive loss rules, just to name a few.”

The 2006 Horse Owners and Breeders Tax Handbook is available for $85.00, plus $4.50 shipping and handling.

Here's How To Order:

Phone: Between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. eastern time, contact the AHC Offices at 202-296-4031 and your order will be processed right over the phone.

On-line: www.horsecouncil.org Anytime, 24 hours-a-day, 7 days a week.

Mail: If you prefer to pay by check, send your UPS shipping address (no PO Boxes) and payment to:

AHC, 1616 H Street NW 7th Floor, Washington DC, 20006.

Take this opportunity to purchase this important tax publication that every member of the horse industry should have!

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PASSING OF AN INFLUENTIAL BROODMARE
Imperial Mistilll – December 12, 1984 – December 11, 2005

It is with great sadness that we report the death of the Imperial Egyptian Stud grand broodmatron, Imperial Mistilll. (Jamilll x Ansata Nile Mist) In addition to being a superb producer, whose daughters include the multi-champions Imperial Sahoura, Imperial Safillla and Imperial Barillla, Mistilll was a horse of great character. Her sons have established impressive records in the show ring and the breeding shed. Among them, Imperial Saturn, MB Mistaz and Imperial Kamilll, whose wins in both halter and performance at the national and regional levels are too numerous to list here. Her last colt, Imperial Mistaar is already a Class A Junior Champion and winner of his large Futurity class at the Egyptian Event last year.

Though a great loss to the Imperial Egyptian Stud breeding program, they feel fortunate in having one of her daughters and several granddaughters to carry on her prestigious name.

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MEMBER FARM TO BE FEATURED ON SEVERAL TELEVISION STATIONS
Last March, Pyramid Society members’ Lee and Suzy Foss of Gold Creek Arabians had the opportunity to do something few others have had the chance to do: charm the world with Egyptian Arabians through the magic of television. Gold Creek Arabians located in Hamilton, Montana hosted Rural Farm Development Television, The Horse Channel, and Comcast Sports Southeast as they taped footage for the show, “Horse Babies”. What was scheduled to be a 15-minute segment quickly became an entire half hour show, as the film crew, who had been referred to Gold Creek Arabians by Harley Delano of Aralia Arabians, quickly realized the versatility of Egyptian Arabian horses! If you missed it the first time, you can catch this program the week of February 9th.   The show will feature TC Moniet’s Legacy and many of his offspring. These Egyptians will be seen working cattle, swimming in the Foss’ pond, and training with the Parelli’s Natural Horsemanship methods.  Form information on show times, please visit www.rfdtv.com.

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Late January

January 28

February 2-5
February 17-26
February 20-26
March 1


March 5
March 11-13
March 17
March 18

April 6-9
April 14
April 22-23
April 29
May 1
May 12
May 13
May 29

June 5-10
July 22-29

Membership Directories, Egyptian Event Stall Request Form, & the Chariot Mailed
Region 9 Meeting, Renaissance Worthington Hotel, Ft. Worth TX
Equine Affaire, Pomona, CA
Scottsdale Show
Pyramid Society Staff in Scottsdale
Deadline for ads in the April Pyramid Report
Egyptian Event Packets Mailed out
Egyptian Event links active on website
Rocky Mountain Horse Expo
Priority Deadline for Stall Requests
Region 15 Spring Seminar at Imperial Egyptian Stud in Parkton, MD
Equine Affaire, Columbus, OH
Egyptian Event Pre-Entry Deadline
Board Meeting, Lexington, KY
Projected Mail Date for May Chariot
Ads deadline for Egyptian Event Program
Deadline to order arena banner
Egyptian Horse Day in May
Memorial Day
Pyramid Society Offices Closed
The Egyptian Event, Lexington, KY
Youth Nationals, Albuquerque, NM

The Pyramid Society 

P.O. Box 11941, Lexington, KY 40579   USA
Ph: (859)-231-0771,  Fax: (859)-255-4810
Office hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday  through  Friday

E-Mail:  info@pyramidsociety.org

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