2010 Egyptian Event Post-Event Press Release

2010 Egyptian Event

June 7-12, 2010

The celebration of the 30^th Anniversary of the Egyptian Event, held at the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY from June 7-12, 2010 was certainly a week to be remembered. Beyond the myriad of activities celebrating the Egyptian Arabian horse and surrounding community, the 2010 Egyptian Event served to be a benchmark week in the history of the Arabian horse. Both the opening of the Al-Marah Arabian Horse Galleries and the international exhibit “A Gift from the Desert: the Art, History and Culture of the Arabian Horse” took place during the Event.

The Event kicked off on Monday, June 7th with a complimentary clinic entitled “Arabian Movement: Assessing Conformation in the Working Egyptian Arabian – Part I” presented by Scott Benjamin and Dr. John Shelle. Monday afternoon classes included the beautiful Most Classic Head exhibitors, along with Western Pleasure Open, the Produce of Dam and Get of Sire classes. Tuesday morning attendees were once again welcomed to participate in Part II of Dr. Shelle’s clinic on “Assessing Conformation in the Working Egyptian Arabian”. Amateur Western Riders began the morning session, followed by World Class yearling fillies and colts in the afternoon and Open Hunter Pleasure closing the Tuesday evening session.

By Wednesday the Event was in full swing beginning in the morning with the Membership Meeting/Welcome Breakfast and Seminar entitled “The Influence of Straight Egyptians in Modern Arabian Breeding” presented by Scott Benjamin and sponsored by Jerel and Daphne Kerby of StraightEgyptians.com. Later, the always exciting Stallion Showcase was held in the covered arena. The crowd cheered as each beautiful Straight Egyptian stallion entered the ring for his moment in the spotlight. The audience was then invited to join the stallions in center ring for an up close and personal look. Individuals of all ages greatly enjoyed this opportunity to photograph the stallions, visit with owners and give them a nice pat on the neck! At the close of the Stallion Showcase individuals headed outdoors to enjoy the Barn Parties which included great food, bubbling champagne and numerous presentations of spectacular Egyptians. Egyptian Event youngsters also enjoyed an exciting Wednesday afternoon beginning with a special meeting with Alexa King, sculptor of the life-size bronze statue of Barbaro, following by an afternoon of T-shirt designing.

Thursday, June 10^th was filled with exciting competition and fun activities, including a seminar entitled “Out of the Desert: A Narrative Journey”, presented by Peter Harrigan, representing Peter Upton. Classes were followed Thursday afternoon by a presentation of Private Treaty Sale Horses offered at the Egyptian Event. After viewing the sale horses, classes commenced once again in the arena, including the Futurity Finals of Straight Egyptian two year old colts. Classes ended with the always enjoyable Native Costume class, which prompted people to hurry to their cars in preparation for the Reception held at the “A Gift from the Desert” Exhibit. Beginning at 7:00 p.m. over 400 people were treated to authentic middle eastern food, live music and a tour of the highly anticipated “A Gift from the Desert: the Art, History and Culture” exhibit. It was truly a spectacular and unforgettable evening.

Jamie Roberts began Friday morning’s activities with a timely and educational seminar entitled “Going Green in the Barn: Natural Alternatives for Horse Wellness”. Gorgeous futurity fillies and colts filled the arena for the morning and afternoon sessions. At the close of the afternoon classes, crowds fled back to their hotels in preparation for the highly anticipated “Gifts from the Desert…Vegas Style” Gala & Fundraiser held at The Embassy Suites. The Gala was surely an evening no one will soon forget with decorations overflowing out of the ballroom and crowds gathered around casino tables, all while dancing to the entertainment of Dean Martin, Elvis Presley and the David Fontana Band. After a delicious meal, the live auction was held featuring world-renowned Arabian artwork and a trip to Qatar & Kuwait!

The final day of the Egyptian Event began just after daybreak when the Pyramid Challenge Endurance riders embarked upon their 50 mile course, followed later by the 25 mile riders. Back in the arena one outstanding horse after another was garnered with Championship ribbons throughout the day. The amateur-led Egyptian Breeders’ Challenge (EBC) fillies and colts competed Saturday morning for a total payout exceeding $120,000. Talaria Farms took home the large payout for both EBC classes when, first, TF Exotikah (Botswana x EAI Etheena) won the fillies class, followed by TF Teheran (Botswana x Temima) winning the colts class! What an exciting morning it was for the Talaria crew! Immediately following lunch, the always-popular Egyptian Breeders’ Challenge Live Stallion Auction began in the covered arena. With over 60 stallion services auctioned and wine and cheese spreads sponsored by Lyday Farms, the EBC auction always exceeds our expectations. The excitement for the 2011 EBC classes was set in motion on Saturday!

At the close of the EBC Stallion Auction many attendees headed over to the Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse to attend the Grand Opening of the Al-Marah Arabian Horse Galleries. This much anticipated event marked the largest, permanent addition to the Horse Park’s Museum. The Arabian horse now has an eternal and enduring place in the “Horse Capital of the World”, Lexington, Kentucky.

The Saturday evening championship session began with a touching tribute in honor of Dr. Felino Cruz, Imogene Flick, Joan Skeels, James Sirbasku, Patrick Swayze and Beverly Sziraky. Following the opening ceremonies, the crowned Junior Champion Filly TF Shahraaz (Botswana x Shaamis Amira) owned by Talaria Farms was led to the winners’ circle by Michael Wilson and the Junior Champion Colt Farhoud Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Johara Al Shaqab) owned by Signature Sponsor Al Shaqab, Member of Qatar Foundation was presented by Michael Byatt. Once the lovely youngsters exited the ring, the exotic aged mares and stallions took center stage. Negma Al Shaqab (Safir x Kajora) owned by Al Shaqab, Member of the Qatar Foundation, garnered Senior Champion Mare ribbons, while Paladium (Mishaal HP x Amiri Jolie), owned by D. Carolyn Busch, took home the Senior Champion Stallion title. Michael Byatt went on to lead the stunning Negma Al Shaqab to the title of Supreme Champion Mare, while the crowd-pleasing Farhoud Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Johara Al Shaqab) walked away with the coveted Egyptian Event Supreme Champion Stallion title.

From every standpoint, the 2010 Egyptian Event was a success. The Pyramid Society was honored to have Al Shaqab, Member of the Qatar Foundation as the 2010 Signature Sponsor, as well as Trophy & Ribbon Sponsor, The Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation. Each sponsor and patron is integral to the success and continuance of the Egyptian Event for another thirty years. With 300 Egyptian Arabians competing for over $200,000 in prize money, international show judges representing Switzerland and Morocco, along with three distinctive EBC judges and celebrations of the Egyptian Event’s 30th Anniversary, it was a great week to be in Lexington, Kentucky. All those involved with The Pyramid Society and the Egyptian Event look forward to another memorable year in 2011.