Society News Briefs 11/27/07-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!

5Welcome New Life Members!
5Performance Horse Award Program Update
5The Pyramid Society's Holiday Sale
5Correction to August 2007 Pyramid Report Article
5 August Board Meeting Recap
5 Calendar of Events

REGIONAL ROUND-UP
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News Archives

Aug 2003 - Nov 2003

Dec 2003 - Feb 2004

PYRAMID SOCIETY FOUNDING PRESIDENT PASSES AWAY
Douglas B. Marshall of Gleannloch Farms, Sioux Narrows, Ontario, Canada, passed away at his home on September 27, 2007. He was 89. Mr. Marshall is noted for his profound contributions to the Arabian community by serving as Founding President of The Pyramid Society and President of the Arabian Horse Registry. The names Gleannloch and Marshall were synonymous with integrity, beautiful athletic horses, as well as respect and leadership. Some of his most influential horses were Surf++ (Sureyn x Jubilema), *Sakr+++(Sultan x Enayat), and the great *Morafic (Nazeer x Mabrouka).

As Judi Forbis, one of his closest friends, summarized:

"Doug Marshall was one of the most unique persons I've ever met in my life. He was an adventurer at heart and despite all his business success and entertaining visitors from kings to presidents, his greatest joy was spending time at his farm with his Egyptian Arabian horses, family and friends, and vacationing at his beloved Christmas Island where he could fly to the northern fishing lakes in his Cessna 206.

Doug first went to Egypt when he was a pilot in North Africa during WWII. He saw Arabian horses there, and when he returned from the war, he and Margaret purchased 4500 acres of land in Spring, Texas and developed their Gleannloch Farms. In due time he began breeding Arabian horses, but eventually he and Margaret turned to the straight Egyptian as their final goal. Together with Tom and Rhita McNair, their trainers, the formidable Gleannloch Farms brought the Egyptian Arabian to new heights of popularity in America. The decision to form The Pyramid Society was made at Gleannloch Farms one day when Doug and I were discussing the future of the straight Egyptian horse and the need to preserve it. The idea met with great enthusiasm among the few Egyptian breeders of that time, and the organization was duly formed. Doug became president, and assured that it got off to a good start. To him The Society owes the greatest debt - for without his financial and personal support - it would not have come to fruition. Later he stepped down and became President of the Arabian Horse Registry of America - a job he took very seriously and was proud of, for he admired the ideals on which it was founded.

To those of us who knew Doug, his adventuresome spirit, sense of humor, generosity, good taste, and dedication to the Egyptian Arabian horse, will remain valued memories forever."

And to those not fortunate enough to know Doug Marshall personally, his rich legacy continues in many of the finest Egyptian Arabian breeding programs throughout the world.

To read his obituary, please visit http://www.legacy.com/houstonchronicle/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=95888672
 

TRIBUTE TO JARRELL MCCRACKEN
 by Judith Forbis

Visionary, mentor, educator, publisher, Arabian horse breeder, sportsman, philanthropist, ordained minister, and an eternal optimist who excelled in whatever field he chose, Jarrell McCracken was a unique individual.  Those of us who were privileged to know him will always remember his dedication to the Egyptian Arabian horse, as well as to the many other associations he supported.  When he became entranced with Arabians, because of his young daughter, Lisa, the family purchased two yearlings and a mare.  Regrettably they lost all three within the first year. Jarrell was determined not to let these tragic losses deter him, and went on to build Bentwood Farms, the largest Egyptian Arabian herd in the world, setting an example for those who may have suffered challenges early on but kept the vision and the dream alive until it became a reality.The breeding seminars held at Bentwood Farms became focal points for breeders to gather and learn multiple aspects of the Arabian horse business and breeding practices. His syndication of the straight Egyptian stallion, Ibn Moniet El Nefous changed the face of the Arabian horse market in general, and the Egyptian Arabian horse in particular. Jarrell was an innovative supporter of The Pyramid Society and became an active president who helped mold it into a dynamic entrepreneurial organization.  He encouraged and participated in educational projects, especially the Society's Reference Handbooks.  He was also was behind the scenes in getting The Classic Arabian Horse published by Liveright, as well as The Royal Arabians of Egypt and the Stud of Henry Babson, both of which became important tools for Egyptian breeders around the world.  One could write forever about his accomplishments in broad fields of endeavor and still not touch the extraordinary measure of the man.

Mr. McCracken passed away on November 7, 2007, in Waco, Texas.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to daughter Lisa Lacy and family at P. O. Box 1277, Waco, TX  76703.  To read his obituary, please visit the following website:  http://www.legacy.com/WacoTrib/Obituaries.aspPage=Lifestory&PersonId=97618570

 THE NATIONAL BREEDERS’ CONFERENCE
By: Deb Charnuski
On a bright and sunny Saturday morning in September, 103 participants gathered at Imperial Egyptian Stud in Parkton, Maryland, for the first National Breeders’ Conference. The conference, entitled “Foundations of Excellence: American Traditions in Egyptian Arabian Breeding: 1900-1973” was organized by The Pyramid Society’s Education Committee in response to the members’ desires to become more educated about the early breeders, the horses they imported, foundation breeding philosophies and breeding programs – and the significance of each in contemporary breeding of Egyptian Arabian horses.

The list of guest speakers for the conference read like the “Who’s Who” of straight Egyptian breeding: Cynthia Culbertson, a noted historian of the breed; Judi Forbis of Ansata Arabian Stud; Steve Diamond, who worked for Gleannloch Farms; Joe Ferriss, noted historian and writer knowledgeable of the Babson breeding program; Eileen Verdieck, who worked with several noted farms and breeders including Richard Pritzlaff; and Lisa McCracken Lacy, whose family founded Bentwood Farms. Members of the panel also discussed the program of Hansi Heck Melnyck, who founded Serenity Arabians.

Cynthia Culbertson opened the conference by giving a historical timeframe of Arabian breeding.  The speakers then moved into their breeding philosophies and programs, along with a discussion of the significant imports and their attributes and contributions.  Becky Rogers served as the moderator for the informative question-answer period to close the first session.  The day ended with a "Crabfest", followed by entertainment by "Intercultural Journeys", a diverse group of musicians blending music from their native lands. 

Sunday morning’s session addressed the topic of “future directions” and was an opportunity for the participants to ask additional questions of the guest speakers. The rest of Sunday afternoon was spent admiring the stallions of Imperial. Following the stallion presentations, participants were treated to a walking tour of the stud. The announcement at Sunday’s closing session that the National Breeders’ Conference is intended to become an annual event was met by cheers of enthusiasm by all attendees.

As I drove out of the gates of Imperial Egyptian Stud for the last time, I could not help but reflect on the fact that as the almost 40 year breeding program of Imperial Egyptian Stud draws to a close, there could not have been a more fitting tribute to the legacy they leave behind than the one they just left in hosting the first National Breeders’ Conference.

 

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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 UPDATE
The Pyramid Society is delighted to announce they have successfully secured the required 100 pre-registration entries necessary to make this program a reality. If you have not sent in your entry form already, there is still time. Registrations will be accepted until December 31, 2007 for the 2008 show season.

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.

For complete details, click here!

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

 

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FUTURITIES DEADLINE DECEMBER 31, 2007
The Pyramid Society has recently mailed the forms for the 2008 Futurities. The Futurity classes paid out over $73,000.00 in 2007! There is only one way to earn this money - nominate your foals today!

Click here to learn more about the Futurities.
 

STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN TO COMPETE IN THE 2008 TEVIS CUP
As many of you know, the Western States Endurance Ride, better known as the Tevis Cup, is the world's most grueling ride. It covers100 miles in one day and is challenging to both horse and rider, testing them to extremes. This ride, held the end of July each year, is the peak for endurance riders.

Since many Straight Egyptian Arabians participate and do very well in the Tevis, The Pyramid Society Board felt it would be advantageous if The Society were able to have some recognition in conjunction with the ride.

The Society is hopeful that one of our members with a Straight Egyptian horse already started in distance riding, would be willing to send that horse for training with Heidi Vanderbilt in Arizona. Heidi has completed the Tevis many times and her farm is designed for building bone and great condition by having the water at the top of the mountain and the feed at the bottom. Heidi trains the horses for the conditions they will face in the Tevis. The ride covers altitudes from 800 feet all the way to 8000 feet. These horses must be conditioned in that kind of mountainous terrain in order to move through the rugged trail to come.

In addition to being a very knowledgeable and compassionate horsewoman, Heidi is also a writer. She would regularly communicate the progress of the Straight Egyptian to its owner, and would then pass along the information to all members through the Chariot and e-mails. In essence, The Society would have a horse to root for.

Heidi has a back-up rider and horse that would train with the designated horse. These riders and horses will be promoting The Pyramid Society. And The Society would call on volunteers from the membership to crew for the ride alongside experienced Tevis ride crews. At the end, with completion, this horse would be in condition to excel in any endurance ride.

The Society would like to shoot for the '08 Tevis but if necessary will go for '09. For more information and to receive a packet with information and stories about the Tevis, contact Susan Watson, (281) 537 - 8606 or Mistil2@aol.com.

We look forward to hearing from you to see if we can make this a part of the performance and working horse side of The Pyramid Society.
 

WELCOME NEW LIFE MEMBERS!
The Pyramid Society is pleased to introduce New Life Members Mike and Janet Bazell, and Fanus and Ria Crous.

Mike and Janet Bazell of Mijan Farms located in Rockbridge, OH, have been active Pyramid Society members since 1994. They have donated and purchased EBC breedings, been patrons at the Egyptian Event and recently attended the inaugural National Breeders’ Conference. To learn more about their breeding program and horses, please visit their website at www.mijanfarms.com.

Fanus & Ria Crous own Rhodium Arabian Stud in Auckland, New Zealand, and have been members since 2006. Fanus is originally from South Africa, but moved with his family to New Zealand a few years ago. Since that time his farm has grown somuch that they recently purchased more property nearby. Fanus attended the 2007 Egyptian Event where he purchased several EBC breedings. Please visit their website at www.rhodiumstud.com, to learn more about this farm.

A special thanks to these new Life Members for their dedication and support of The Society. Each of these breeders will be profiled in a forthcoming Pyramid Report.
 

THE PYRAMID SOCIETY’S HOLIDAY SALE
In celebration of the upcoming holiday season, The Pyramid Society will once again offer a special holiday 10% savings on much of its merchandise. The sale will run from December 1st through 31st, however, orders must be received by Friday, December 14th to ensure Christmas delivery. And now, all Mary Haggard Giclées are being offered at a great “Christmas-The-Whole-Year-Through” price! Also included in this sale is a selection of Egyptian Event merchandise, including polos, t-shirts, totes, and more!

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF THE MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE FROM THE PYRAMID SOCIETY!
 

CORRECTIONS TO AUGUST 2007 PYRAMID REPORT ARTICLE
(1) In the August 2007 Pyramid Report, Akid Geshan, a Nabiel son, was unfortunately omitted from the article "Leading Sires and Dams at the Egyptian Event."  He had two winning get in halter: Tucsan Nasheeta (x AK Manaya), who was top ten in her world championship class, and Arabest Samir (x RA Amber Nabiel), who was second in his world championship class. These two give him a total of 10 points as a halter sire, ranking him 22nd on points in a tie with Eraf Emptahar, and 10th in number of winners as well. In addition, his inclusion means that there are now three stallions not on the leading halter sire list who have sons on the list, as Nabiel's son HH Fortune Hunter is also a Leading Halter Sire. Debra Geiser of Dara Meadows Farms owns Akid Geshan.

(2) Total points for Thee Desperado in Chart 1 (page 34,) should be 207, and not 161, as printed.  Thee Desperado is owned by Rock Creek Arabians, Jim & Judy Sirbasku. 

Our apologies for any inconveniences these errors may have caused.
 

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

December 1

December 14

December 24-25

December 31



January 1, 2008

Final Installment EBC Payments Due
Pyramid Society Christmas Sale Begins
Last Day to Order from The Pyramid Society to guarantee Christmas Delivery
Merry Christmas!  The Pyramid Society office is closed.
New Year's Eve - The Pyramid Society's office is closed today.
Last day of Christmas Sale
Futurities Deadline
Happy New Year!  The Pyramid Society Office is Closed today.

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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