AUGUST 1999 BACK ISSUE

Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Posted on 08/06/99; 2:00:00PM.

The 1999 Egyptian Event

More than just a horse show, the Event truly is a unique experience!

The Pyramid Society hosted its 19th Annual Egyptian Event, June 8 - 13, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. This year's Event centered around The Pyramid Society's Thirtieth Anniversary of dedication to the promotion and perpetuation of the Egyptian Arabian horse. Comprising less than 3% of all registered Arabians, Straight Egyptians are valued as rare treasures, and the Event has long been known as the international showcase of the very best Egyptian Arabian horses in the world. Enhanced decorations, lighting and sound, generously provided by a small group of special sponsors, transformed the arena into a glorious atmosphere befitting the exquisite Egyptian Arabians shown there throughout the week. Over 300 Straight Egyptian and Egyptian Related horses competed for top honors and total prize money exceeding $100,000! The show included competition in a vast array of classes including halter, futurities, (which boast prize money exceeding $60,000), dressage, a variety of performance disciplines, driving, leadline and "just for fun" classes.

The prestigious Egyptian Breeders' Challenge (EBC) classes were comprised of yearlings resulting from the EBC Stallion Breeding Auction of 1996 and paid back $30,000! The Breeding Auction was a grand success with the addition of an exciting live auction of the breedings receiving the top 15 bids. The prize money for the resulting yearlings in the EBC classes of 2002 is expected to exceed $35,000.00!

The Event sponsored its first ever "Performance Pyramid" this year, and the excitement mounted throughout the week as the points continued to climb. On Saturday evening an awards presentation was held for the top three high point performance horses, "El Gohara+/, Fancy's Rashimba and Almas Al Nisr." The proud owners of these outstanding Egyptian Arabians shared the spotlight with their horses as well as checks totaling $10,000!

In addition to the thousands of visitors from the United States, hundreds of international guests traveled from around the world to enjoy these special Egyptian Arabians as they were presented and celebrated in an atmosphere of fun, festivity and honor. Always a crowd pleaser, the three Stallion Showcase exhibitions included 28 top Straight Egyptian stallions presented on an individual basis. The audience was once again invited to enter the arena and meet the stallions personally.

Much more than just a horse show, some of the most enjoyable aspects of the Event are always the elegant socials and casual barn parties held throughout the week. This year, at the Kentucky Horse Park's International Museum of the Horse, Pyramid Society members and guests were treated to an exquisite performance by the world renown violinist, Daniel Heifitz, accompanied by pianist Micah Yui. This special concert was followed by The Pyramid Society's annual membership meeting, where members and the Board of Directors became better acquainted, sharing thoughts and ideas to help shape the future of the Egyptian Event and the organization as a whole.

The Society's Thirtieth Anniversary Gala, themed "Pearls of the Desert", was held on Friday evening at the Kentucky Horse Park's Grand Pavilion Tent. After an elegant dinner, The Pyramid Society honored founding members Willis and Jimmie Flick. This special tribute was followed by a live auction of exquisite items by noted artists Shary B. Akers, Mary Haggard, Valerie Hinz, Judith Wagner, Rudi, and Jennifer Weyland, as well as special donations by King Hassan II of Morocco, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Thani of Qatar and Sherry Grau of Ft.Lauderdale, Fla. The 550 people in attendance danced the night a way as a festive ending to this memorable evening.

Education is always a key focus of the Event, and this year was no exception. The four complimentary seminars included: "Controlling Your Horse Without Force" with Dan Summerel, "Broodmare & Foal Management" with equine experts, Chris Anckersen, Becky Rogers and Beverly Sziraky and "Using Family Strains in Your Breeding Program" with renown Arabian expert, Judith Forbis.

The Pyramid Society Youth Program proudly hosted two special seminars including "Feet Come First" with farrier, John Brammer and "Horses & Youth - Lots of Ways To Get Involved" with Liza Holland of the American Youth Horse Council. And not to be missed was the lighthearted fundraiser, "Road Apple Rumble" where youth and adults alike took their chances on winning over $1,000!

To add to the enjoyment, the Event also offered visitors an extravaganza of shopping opportunities. Treasures from around the world filled the arena, with over 50 commercial booths comprising the Egyptian Bazaar.

For those who delight in a little more suspense and excitement, the annual Khan El Khalili Silent Auction showcased over 200 items to be bid on throughout the week. These items, donated by members and supporters, along with the premiere pieces auctioned at Friday night's gala, raised over $90,000 to benefit The Society's ongoing programs.

The Finale, held in the Tent on the Horse Park grounds on Saturday night was a superb ending to an extraordinary week! Members and guests danced the night away, while sharing Event stories and farewells with old and new friends.

Whether you've been to all 19 Egyptian Events or are planning on attending your first, next year from June 6-10th, one thing's for sure, it's a one-of-a-kind, first class experience! As one longtime Event attendee stated, "There was only one thing wrong with this year's Egyptian Event - it's over and I have to wait until next year to attend again!"

Some of the 1999 Egyptian Event Champions Include:

Supreme Champion Stallion IMPERIAL BAAREZ (PVA Kariim x BB Ora Kalilah) Owned by: Imperial Egyptian Stud of Parkton Maryland

Supreme Champion Mare *ZT SHAKJAMARA (El Shaklan x ZT Jamara) Owned by: Count Federico Zichy Thyssen of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Supreme Champion Gelding SHAH AL HAWAA (Imperial Imdal x Hawaa) Owned by: Mary & William Metts, Circle M Arabians, Louisville, Mississippi

World Class & Futurity Junior Champion Colt IMEXTREME (Imtaarif x AK El Sanaa) Owned by: Irving & Rosemary Salkovitz of Lee, New Hampshire

World Class & Futurity Junior Champion Filly ZT FAHMIY (Anaza El farid x AK Zafoura) Owned by: Count Federico Zichy Thyssen of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Egyptian Breeders Challenge Champion Colt SHAH ZAIRE (Shahdal x Mai Teska) Owned by: Teresa Deaton of Douglasville, Georgia

Egyptian Breeders Challenge Champion Filly KAMERE (Imperial Al Kamar x Serenity Aziza) Owned by: Ronald & Bernice Glidden of West Grove, Pennsylvania

Performance Pyramid Champion EL GOHARA+/ (Al Metrabbi x Egyptian Belle) Owned by: Amy Fulmer-Vogel DVM, Baitari Arabians, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Liberty Class Champion ENKIL X (The Elixir x VP Shaklana) Owned by: Ron & Jari Brooks Drassal, Chez Moi Arabians, Stillwater Minnesota

For more information, contact: The Pyramid Society, P.O. Box 11941, Lexington, KY 40579 Ph: (606) 231-0771, Fax: (606) 255-4810, Website: www.PyramidSociety.org E-mail: info@PyramidSociety.org