The Arabian Breeders World Cup: Las Vegas 2011
Article and photos by Lisa Abraham
The Fifth Annual Arabian Breeders World Cup in Las Vegas was another great event! Horses from all over the world competed for top titles at this prestigious show. If you came just to see the horses, I'm quite sure you left more than satisfied. However, there were a few "extras" that made this show a special one.
One special "extra" this show provided was the opportunity to spend quality time with both Pyramid Society officers and board members. They were scattered everywhere! On Wednesday, April 13, The Pyramid Society had a day-long planning session facilitated by Howard Pike. Then on Thursday, the Spring Board Meeting was held. For many of us, the Egyptian Event in Lexington is our only opportunity to socialize. Showing, despite our good intentions, makes quality time scarce. The Arabian Breeders World Cup provided a welcome opportunity for us to share our day-to-day happenings, brag about our new foals, and our plans for the upcoming 2011 Egyptian Event.
These few days in Las Vegas also gave many of us our first personal introduction to new Pyramid Society staff member Susan Frank. Susan, the new Marketing and PR Manager, ran The Pyramid Society booth at the show, along with Anna Bishop, Executive Director. They effectively reinforced The Pyramid Society's importance in the Arabian world. Interacting with both members and the general public, Susan and Anna enthusiastically encouraged education. Susan, who has now been with us for three months, said, "The highlight of the Vegas show was the joy of being able to meet so many Pyramid Society members and supporters and share in their passion and enthusiasm for the breed."
Another treat was the Saturday morning seminar "Nazeer - The Eternally Noble One," presented by well-known author/historian Joe Ferris. This program was hosted by The Pyramid Society and generously sponsored by 2011 Educational Sponsors Hylant Group Nashville and Markel. Joe, in his unique professorial style, was able to illustrate – in one hour – the scope of Nazeer's influence on the Arabian breed as a whole. Nazeer's direct influence upon the very horses we were cheering at the show was emphasized and celebrated during this enlightening lecture. This was a very early morning seminar, but everyone who attended agreed it was worth the extra effort!I would like extend a very big congratulations to Pyramid Society members Bill and Irma James of Mountain Meadows Arabians for their Straight Egyptian stallion Shamas (photo above), who participated in the very competitive class of Senior Breeding Stallions, 5 years of Age. Pimlico RCA, owned by Judy Sirbasku of Arabians Ltd, one of the World Cup's Platinum sponsors, is the celebrated sire of Shamas (out of Minstrils Deseret). Shawn Crews, who has been supremely triumphant with many of our most famous horses, said:
"Judy and I have closely followed the career of this impressive Pimlico son. He was on the money in Scottsdale as he went Top Ten in a great class where he was beautifully presented by Mike Wilson. Then in Vegas, it was a pleasure for Judy and myself to be able to cheer Shamas on from ring side. From both sides of his pedigree, he comes from genes which have been slow to mature. But now as a five-year-old, Shamas is the one to watch out for! Bill and Irma are to be admired for their success with this young stallion and for representing all Egyptian breeders at these two World Class Competitions."
Congratulations also goes to Pyramid Society member Sean Givens of Celestial Arabians for competing with the Egyptian-sired Kaleela CA. This lovely filly competed in Class 101A with the Junior Fillies of 2010. Kaleela CA is sired by Laheeb Al Nasser, an exciting young stallion owned by DeShazer Arabians, also one of the World Cup's Platinum sponsors.Thank you to all who made the 2011 Arabian Breeders World Cup a show to remember! Congratulations to all winners and to all those who competed admirably.
More great photos from Lisa Abraham:
June is just around the corner, and our Big Event is nearly here!
For many of us, that one week in Lexington is the highlight of the year. Las Vegas was a tasty appetizer, but the Egyptian Event is our main course...our turn to shine is next.
For many of us, that one week in Lexington is the highlight of the year. Las Vegas was a tasty appetizer, but the Egyptian Event is our main course...our turn to shine is next.
See you all in Lexington for the 31st Annual Egyptian Event – Let's make this one the best ever!!
Lisa Abraham Photography
(615) 579-3478
www.lisaabrahamphotography.com
