Society News Briefs 09/20/07-Update

"Ebony and Ivory" By Shary Akers
We invite you to visit Shary's website at
www.sharyakersequineart.com

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

52008 Stallion Owner Participation Program
5EBC Breedings Available
5Performance Horse Award Program
5 The Pharaoh's Treasure Draw
5 August Board Meeting Recap
5 Calendar of Events

REGIONAL ROUND-UP
-MEMBER NEWS AREA-
 

News Archives

Aug 2003 - Nov 2003

Dec 2003 - Feb 2004

THE 27TH ANNUAL
EGYPTIAN EVENT
JUNE 3-9, 2007
KENTUCKY HORSE PARK – LEXINGTON, KY

Were you unable to attend this year's Egyptian Event?  You can read all of the highlights of what happened the week of the Egyptian Event on the Egyptian Event Page.  Find out who won this years Breeders Awards, Futurities, and the horses named Supreme Champion.  Also, look at the results pages to see more complete results for this years Event.  And, mark your calendars for the 28th Annual Egyptian Event to be held on June 2-7, 2008.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS MORE EGYPTIAN EVENT Information!
 

EGYPTIAN BREEDERS CHALLENGE BREEDINGS AVAILABLE
The Egyptian Breeders Challenge classes paid out a record $73,000.00. Next year’s payout will be $80,000.00 and the expected payouts for the 2010 classes will be over $110,000.00! There is only one way to get a piece of this handsome payout; buy a breeding to one of the wonderful Straight Egyptian stallions enrolled in this exciting program.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A LIST OF AVAILABLE EBC BREEDINGS!

 THE NATIONAL BREEDERS’ CONFERENCE
As part of its mission for ongoing educational opportunities, The Pyramid Society earlier announced a National Breeders' Conference to be held September 7-9, 2007, at Imperial Egyptian Stud in Parkton, Maryland.  Entitled "Foundations in Excellence: American Traditions in Egyptian Arabian Breeding — 1900-1973", this seminar features noted educators and speakers Cynthia Culbertson, Steve Diamond, Joe Ferriss, Judith Forbis, Lisa Lacy and Eileen Verdieck.  Majid Alsayegh, Kent Mayfield and Becky Rogers will serve as moderators.  Other highlights include a Crabfest at Imperial,  equine presentations, as well as a performance by Intercultural Journeys.  Intercultural Journeys is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote understanding among people of diverse cultures through dialogue and the presentation of world class performances in music, poetry, and other art forms.   Over 100 attendees will be present for what promises to be a meaningful and memorable weekend.  A special thanks to Imperial Egyptian Stud for hosting this activity and to the speakers for their continued devotion and dedication to the Egyptian Arabian horse. 

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE INFORMATION ON THE NATIONAL BREEDERS' CONFERNENCE!
 

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THE INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE HORSE PRESENTS A MAJOR EXHIBITION AND FILM DEVOTED TO THE ARABIAN HORSE
The International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park is pleased to announce that the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation has agreed to become the presenting sponsor of a major international exhibition and film entitled, A Gift from the Desert: The Art, History and Culture of the Arabian Horse. The exhibition will be produced and hosted by the museum during the summer and fall of 2010 in conjunction with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

This exhibit is the culmination of efforts begun over three years ago when the museum’s director, Bill Cooke, approached The Pyramid Society with the concept of developing a major exhibit on the Arabian horse. The Board of Directors of The Pyramid Foundation, Inc., as well as a visionary group of donors, worked together to move forward with the exhibit and assist the effort to partner with a major sponsor.

The $2.35 million investment in the project by the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation represents the most significant support ever received by the museum for an exhibition. John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park noted, “Considering the beauty of the Arabian horse and the rich and ancient culture surrounding the breed, it’s easy to understand why we are so excited to have received this magnanimous gift from the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation to assist in funding this project. In a world where differences between cultures are often the cause of fear and scorn, this exhibit and film will be a celebration of a common bond that unites people of widely divergent backgrounds: the mutual love and admiration we all share for the glorious Arabian horse.

The 9,000 square foot exhibition will contain between 300 to 350 artifacts and works of art. Material will be solicited from prominent Near Eastern museums, academic institutions and private collections, as well as from leading American and European sources. The International Museum of the Horse will also work closely with Saudi Arabian and other regional and international scholars as the exhibition is being developed.

Reflecting the exhibition’s cultural and equestrian themes, the one-hour film will be produced and directed by Ms. Jo Franklin, President of Seacastle Films. Franklin is noted for her eight highly acclaimed productions on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Near East, all of which appeared in prime-time PBS broadcasts in the U.S.

Based on attendance figures from the museum’s previous two international exhibitions, and the additional guests expected to attend the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010, A Gift from the Desert is anticipated to attract approximately 300,000 visitors.

Museum Director Cooke stated, “We are enormously grateful to the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation, not only for their financial support, but also for their confidence in our museum to produce the definitive exhibition and film regarding the rich cultural and equestrian heritage of the Arabian Peninsula and the Near East.” Cooke also extends his appreciation to The Pyramid Society. “I especially want to thank the founding donors for their invaluable contributions toward this project, as well as Judith Forbis and Christie Metz who coordinated these early fund-raising efforts.

Working with Cooke will be guest curators Sandra L. Olsen, curator of anthropology at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, and Cynthia Culbertson, Arabian horse historian and author, who has also assisted with the project since its inception.
For more information on the exhibition, please contact museum director Bill Cooke at (859) 259-4232 or email bill.cooke@ky.gov. For more information on the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park, click on www.kyhorsepark.com.
 

PERFORMANCE HORSE AWARD PROGRAM
The Pyramid Society announces a new program to recognize and reward Egyptian horses involved in performance - if participation levels so dictate. Designed to promote and encourage the participation of Egyptian and Egyptian-Sired performance horses in approved competitions at and outside of the Egyptian Event, the program will reward horses in many disciplines at shows conducted within the geographic areas of North America and registered with the Arabian Horse Association or the Canadian Registry. Points are earned for placing in rated shows of a recognized organization.

Points will be tabulated from January 1st – December 31st. High point awards will be given to the top five horse/owner combinations who earn the greatest number of points as calculated by the points system. All awards will be given as a cash prize and accompanied by a certificate. The winners will be recognized at the following Egyptian Event and will be featured in The Pyramid Society’s Chariot and on the website. The program is free to Pyramid Society members in good standing and available to non-members for a $50.00 enrollment fee. Pre-registration ends on November 2nd, 2007 (100 registrants’ minimum required).

For complete details, click here!

 Don’t miss out on this opportunity to put your performance horse in the spotlight!

 

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THE PYRAMID SOCIETY AT U.S. NATIONALS
The Pyramid Society will be represented at this year’s Nationals, October 18-27, 2007, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We will have a 10 x 20 booth located in a prominent location and will be available at the booth later in the week to answer questions and sell reference materials and merchandise. If you have an Egyptian Arabian competing at Nationals, we want to know! Please contact us immediately so that we may help you promote your contenders. Additionally, Pyramid Society member Mary Ellen Chavez will be hosting a social for members and guests on Thursday, October 25th beginning at 5:00 p.m. Located in Los Lunas, NM, her home is a short drive from the show grounds and the evening promises to be an enjoyable one you won’t want to miss. Thanks Mary Ellen for your generosity.

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NEW MEMBERSHIP YEAR - NOVEMBER 1 – OCTOBER 31
Another very successful year is coming to a close, and we couldn’t have accomplished all that we have without the support of our members. We are grateful for your dedication and participation, and encourage your continued support.

In an effort to streamline record-keeping, the Board of Directors voted to restructure the annual dues year to coincide with the organization’s fiscal year, beginning with the 2008 membership year. Therefore, going forward, the Society’s annual membership year will begin on November 1 and conclude on October 31. Membership renewals have been mailed and we encourage your timely renewals in order to assure inclusion in our 2008 Membership Directory.
As a thank you for your support, and in addition to the numerous regular member benefits, anyone joining or renewing their membership by October 31st will be:

Included as part of a promotional e-mail sent to over 30,000 Arabian owners and enthusiasts, including a link to your website or e-mail.

Entered to win one of three great prizes:

Grand Prize: Full page ad in the 2008 Membership Directory
Second Place: Handmade, Authentic Syrian Halter
Third Place: $100 Pyramid Society Gift Certificate

Again, thank you for your dedication to the Egyptian Arabian horse. We look forward to serving you as a current member throughout the 2008 membership year and beyond!

Click here to become a member of The Pyramid Society!
 

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2008 DIRECTORY ADVERTISEMENTS
The Pyramid Society will once again be offering advertising space in the upcoming Membership Directory. This exceptional opportunity has been extremely popular as it provides visibility for your farm and horses in a publication that’s used on a year-round basis. These member ads will be located in the geographical section of the Directory for ease of locating farms when traveling.

Click here for the Membership Directory Advertising Form.
 

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2008 STALLION OWNER PARTICIPATION PROGRAM
The Stallion Owner Participation Program is an incentive program, whereby participating stallion owners offer to pay one-half of the futurity nomination fee for mares bred to their stallions. This program is included as part of your member benefits and it provides great promotion for your stallion.

 If you are interested in entering your stallion in this program, please complete this form & return it to our office by November 1, 2007.
 

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CONGRATULATIONS TO JANEL BROOKSHIRE OF LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, PHARAOH’S TREASURE DRAW WINNER!
Janel has won a trip for two to Paris, France, for the 2007 Salon du Cheval World Championships, a breeding to Imperial Baarez, an educational package from The Pyramid Society and a marketing package from Arabian Results. Thanks to everyone who helped make the Pharaoh’s Treasure Draw successful.

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BOARD UPDATE

AUGUST BOARD MEETING RECAP

OFFICERS & DIRECTORS UPDATES
Henry Metz was unanimously elected by the Board to serve a second term as President.

Majid Alsayegh was unanimously elected by the Board to serve as Treasurer of the organization. He replaces Sandy DeShazer, whose term ended in August.

Karl Breckon, board member since 2004, resigned his position, due to an expanded work schedule as well as unforeseen factors precipitated by the recent death of his mother. Karl will be greatly missed as a board member but has graciously agreed to continue serving on the Finance Committee. Merrie Aiken was elected to serve the remainder of Karl's term.

Merrie Aiken—Merrie and her husband Ed have been Pyramid Society members since 1988 and became Life Members in 2007. Merrie's devotion to the Society did not go unnoticed, as early on she was tapped for a Regional Representative role. And here she demonstrated her skills by hosting numerous open houses and serving as a mentor to many in her region. Merrie has also hosted activities at the Egyptian Event and has been a show-ring exhibitor. She has served as a local club president, region show commissioner, and worked on numerous committees within AHA. As a Pyramid Society Board Member, Merrie's goals are to work toward enhancing member benefits, whether it be through expanded Regional Representative programs, through children's activities, or through the creation of new programs. And as a result of this experience and enthusiasm President Henry Metz appointed Merrie as the new Membership Chairman.

Bob Miars - Bob spent 30 years in the development and construction business in Dallas prior to retiring in 2000 to Northeast Texas. He purchased his first Egyptian horse as an equine hobby and only after learning more about the breed did he decide to pursue the art of breeding Egyptian Arabian horses. According to Bob, "That decision was primarily influenced by The Pyramid Society and some of its most supportive members. Since purchasing the first Egyptian Arabian in 2000, I have now grown to 33 Straight Egyptian Arabians. This is now my full time pursuit in life". Bob has served as a Regional Representative and has been an active EBC committee member and overall supporter of this and numerous other Society programs. Bob, welcome “aboard”!

Jennifer Parsons, earlier elected to fill an unexpired term, was reelected to a two-year term.

JUDGING & EVENT SCORING SYSTEM CHANGES
Believing the goals of the judging and scoring system are to encourage improvement in the conformation and movement of Straight Egyptian Arabian horses, while maintaining the type for which the Arabian horse (and the Egyptian Arabian in particular) are known, the Board approved the following revised scoring and judging system beginning in 2008:

Numerical Scoring Indicators:
1-3 - Very Poor
4-6 - Poor
7-8 - Below average
9-11 - Average
12-13 - Above average
14-15 - Good
16-17 - Very Good
18-19 - Excellent
20 - Ideal

Individual Categories and explanations for the system are as follows:

Type- (X5) - This is the ethereal quality of the horse that defines it as an Arabian, a horse unique in its physical beauty, balance, and symmetry. Type includes but is not limited to presence, tail carriage, refinement, elegance, quality and beauty from head to tail. Type is the epitome of the 5 Hallmarks of the breed - Classic Head, Shapely Neck, Compact Back and Loin, Level Croup and Gaily Carried Tail. Type is not intended to be a doubling of the "Head" score. The Type score can, and often should, be different from the Head score.

(Note: Head and Neck were previously judged together. Head will become a separate category and judged as follows :)

Head - (X4) - The head is the single most defining characteristic of the Arabian horse. The head can reflect different forms of beauty, but it should be comparatively small with large, dark eyes; refined, well-set ears; fine skin; refined muzzle with good length of mouth and large nostrils; well-defined jowls and cheek bones. Eyes should be set at approximately one-third of the distance between the ear and the muzzle when viewed from the side. From the front, the eyes should appear wide-set, suggesting a triangular shape from the poll to the eyes. From the eyes to the muzzle, the front view of the head should show well-defined bone structure tapering to a fine muzzle with well-formed nostrils. The muzzle should be comparatively small, reflecting the overall beauty of the head. This score is intended to reflect a careful study of the head itself and not as an evaluation of Type or quality overall.

Neck & Shoulder - (X4) - The neck should flow from the shoulder into the head with a well-defined throatlatch that reflects balance and harmony with the rest of the body of the horse. The neck should rise out of a well laid-back shoulder, suggesting a graceful arch as it connects through the throat to the head. When judging length of neck, consideration for the length of back and hip should provide the basis for judging the horse's overall balance in relation to the length of its neck. Placement in relation to the shoulder and wither, as well as refinement in the throat, shall have priority over extreme length.

Body & Topline - (X4) - The body includes the shoulder, chest, heart girth, withers, rib cage, flank, croup, hip, and tail placement. The body should reflect refinement and elegance yet suggest a subtle strength. The Arabian horse is known for endurance, speed, agility, and freedom of movement in the shoulder and hip. The body and topline evaluation should consider the necessity for the Arabian horse to combine form and function, substance and beauty. The view from the front and back should reveal a horse with good substance and spring of rib. The chest should be comparatively wide when viewed from the front. The hips should be comparatively wide when viewed from behind, giving the impression of a balanced, muscular and refined body. An Arabian is a horse of compact nature possessing a relatively short back with a broad strong loin - flowing into a comparatively level topline. The hip and croup should be long in relation to the back and suggest strength. The overall effect should be one of smoothness and balance.

Legs - (X4) - Legs are an important factor in any horse's ability to perform a task or athletic maneuver. Judging legs is an important component of selecting horses for breeding stock or for competitions. The leg score should include the legs viewed at rest and the legs viewed at the walk. Joints should be sufficiently large with the forearm and gaskin broad and muscular, knees clean and flat. Tendons well defined, clean and strong with fine cannon bone. The appearance neither coarse nor too frail. Pasterns long, sloping and elastic. Hooves round, large and strong.

Movement - (X4) - Movement shall be based on the assumption that the horse could be used for any performance activity. Good movement is freedom of movement in the hindquarters and hind legs, with corresponding ease of movement in the shoulders and front legs. Ground covering stride square and true. Stifles and elbows should move freely, with a broad range of motion. Extreme knee action is not necessarily a goal and shall not be extraordinarily rewarded. American style Country English Pleasure movement is equally desirable with Dressage, Hunter, or Western Pleasure movement, for example.

Tail Carriage - This is not a separate category for actual judging, but it is a part of any judging process. Arabian horses are noted for their tail carriage, and a natural gaily-carried tail shall be rewarded.

The Board is confident this enhanced system will prove to be a more effective system for judging our horses. Further revisions by the Board include:

JUDGING OF CHAMPIONSHIPS
Championship classes will be judged by five judges. Names of the specific five will be drawn for each of the respective championships from the pool of three regular and three EBC judges .

OTHER SHOW UPDATES - Bridgette Orwig has agreed to serve as co-chairman of the Show Committee, working alongside Nancy Blankenship, Chairman.

Other show enhancements or changes will be communicated to the members as they are finalized. The Board’s continued goal is to make our Event “unlike any other.”
 

INDUSTRY NEWS

September 1
September 7-9

September 26-30
Early October
Mid-October
October 18-27
November 1

Second Installment EBC Payments Due
National Breeders' Conference, Parkton, MD
Sport Horse Nationals, Lexington, VA
October Chariot Mailed
Futurity Forms Mailed
U.S. Nationals, Albuquerque, NM
2008 Membership Year Begins
Stallion Owner Participation Program Submission Deadline

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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