American Shagya Arabian Verband, Inc. Newsleer

American Shagya Arabian Verband, Inc.
Summer, 2009
Newsletter
Lily Creek Stetson
“Endurance”
Proving to be the
Perfect Sport for
our Shagyas
SA Te Jat
President’s Corner
Kilian Dill
2009 has been a very successful year for ASAV. Membership has expanded to numbers beyond what we had
envisioned. The Jump Start Breeding program is still
garnering new members all the way from the east coast
(New England, Virginia, North Carolina) to the Pacific
Ocean (Eureka, CA).
We have extended the deadline until July 31st and it is
likely we will again extend the date of our offering.
Our National meeting, held in Bend Oregon, was a
smashing success. The meeting report is in this newsletter and on our web site Maren Engelhardt presented
a very enlightening and educational program as it
pointed out the Shagya stallion and mare lines that
have influenced the Trakehner breed. It is our hope to
foster and expand collaborations with other horse organizations. In line with this effort, Karen Bish is hosting an
American Warmblood Society inspection at her ranch (see
announcement in this newsletter). All Shagya owners are
invited for either the inspection clinic or to present their
horse(s).
The ASAV Endurance Challenge cup race is set for
Brothers, Oregon on September 19th. All those who
wish to participate are welcome. Details are given in this
newsletter. ASAV will provide a continental breakfast on
the day of the awards. The Shagya winner receives an
engraved cup and becomes the owner of the cup for one
year. Next year the race will be east of the Mississppi.
The 2010 ASAV National meeting will be held in
Kentucky in conjunction with the World Equestrian
Games. We already have Shagya dignitaries from
Europe and South America, who will be attending. We
endeavor to make this our most spectacular meeting to
date. (Kentucky 2010 - September 25 - October 10)
One other issue has come up and I have decided to address this in the President’s corner. PShR has asked ASAV
to join with them in proposing a joint inspection. We
have indicated to them we are not against this and would
“ask our membership”. Our official line is that we do not
mandate inspections for our members. Inspections
are voluntary! To this end, those who do participate
will get special recognition by the registrar. Those who
do not participate will not be ostracized in any way.
Remember we work for you~ the members!
The Shagyas in North America do well because their
members love them and are proud of them. We aim to
make you our prime focus.
Thus, take part in any inspection out there. Just let us
know what you did and how well you fared. If you wish
to take part in a Shagya inspection (no matter which
organization) feel free to do so.
In order to get a head count as to who would like to take
part in a Shagya inspection, please let me know. I can
report this to the heads of the other organizations.
Frank Bakonyi,
of the First
California
Hussar Regiment,
gave a talk on
the history of the
Hungarian
Hussars at the
recent ASAV
annual meeting,
where he was an
honored guest.
Read his
article in
this issue
Happy birthday to my
amazing partner,
SA Te Jat!!!
This picture of Te was taken by photographer Genie
Stewart-Spears at the Endless Valley ride.
Today ( July 22, 2009) is Te’s 11th birthday, and what a
fabulous time we’ve had over the last six years! I bought Te from
Daunna Sellers as a just started five year old and began competing with him in distance riding the following year. We currently
have over 2,600 combined miles in competitive trail, limited
distance, and endurance. This year is going very well. I’ll focus
on just a few of his rides.
Over Memorial Day weekend we competed at AHDRA I, a
ride practically in my backyard in northern Illinois, and rode
two days of competitive trail. There were over a dozen of the top
competitive horses in UMECRA (Upper Midwest Endurance
and Competitive Rides Association) competing. Te was first
lightweight and high point both days, with a higher vet score
on the second day.
Two weeks later, we went to the White River Summer Ride in
Michigan and did our first 50-mile ride of the season. He came
in 10th out of 25 horses in very strong competition (Canada had
sent several riders from their National Endurance Team).
Then over the 4th of July weekend we went to the Endless
Valley Ride in Wisconsin. What a remarkable weekend we
had! Te came in first place and earned Best Conditioned in
the 55-mile ride on Friday and then came back on Sunday
and tied for 1st lightweight in competitive trail. The vets
were very impressed and said he looked better at the end of the
ride on Sunday than he did at the beginning!
We had a wonderful weekend at the Wildcat ride in Wisconsin..
I rode the 50 mile ride on Friday ( July 31) with two very
experienced endurance riders who have done lots of 100’s,
National rides, etc. We rode together the entire ride and all
three horses were doing well at the end so we decided to draw
straws for our finish placing, rather than race in on a gravel road.
I drew second place (not bad since I probably would have gotten
lost without them) and Te got BC!!!
Two rides in a row he’s been awarded BC. If I’m reading
the BC score sheet correctly we did the ride in 5 hours and 2
minutes. This means we averaged 10 miles an hour.
Te looked fabulous at the end, but I decided not to ride on
Sunday. I really want to finish the season with 3000 UMECRA
miles, so I don’t want to push too hard at this point in the season
and mess things up.
Marty Powers
SA Te Jat has won more awards then one
may count. He was the ASAV Distance
champion in 2007 and the AERC reserve
champion High Point and High Milage horse.
Marty Powers, his owner, continues to
rack up those miles, and awards.
Te Jat’s breeder is Daunna Sellers.
Te is by Bayram x SA Enif ox
FEET OF IRON AND A RACING
HEART
By Carol Federighi Lily Creek Stetson is a 10-year-
old Shagya gelding owned by my friend, Brian Coss. In
his prior life he was a breeding stallion owned by Brian’s
mother, Donna Coss. After Donna decided to end his
breeding career and find out what he could do as an athlete,
semen was frozen, and she gave him to Brian, who works in
Washington, DC and lives in Manassas, Va.
Brian started with trail riding and also experimented with
dressage and jumping lessons but had not found a true
career for Stetson until he started hearing about endurance and some of the feats that other Shagyas (especially,
Oman) have achieved in endurance.
Brian had the opportunity to discuss in depth the subject
of the Shagya breed in endurance directly with Tamas
Rombauer. Tamas was the breeding director of the
Shagya stud at Babolna, Hungary, for several years and is
well known in the European
horse community.
Michelle Mattingley, another Shagya fan, (AERC
winner 2001) generously
instructed Brian in the
complexities of competitive
endurance at the Chicken
Chase ride (Brian’s first endurance ride as a spectator)
in Indiana in 2008
Coming home and looking
in his barn, Brian then saw
what seemed to him to be
Carol and Stetson
the perfect endurance horse.
Stetson has solid feet, correct conformation, lots of bone
in his legs, a strong back, and a sensible attitude, and he
moves straight without interfering. In addition, he is a
gentle soul who loves being around people – for example,
he is always ready for Brian to jump on him bareback with
just a halter and to careen around the field.
So off Brian went to start to condition Stetson (which is
when I came into the picture, as a training partner with my
horse Gobi). Endurance turned out to be the perfect sport
for Brian, who also likes flying, snowboarding, backpacking, and for Stetson~ once he found the joy of racing down
the trail with another horse.
Being outside in nature (rain or shine) and spending lots
of time with your horse, and caring obsessively about his
every need and the well-being of every cell in his body, is
some of what we endurance riders like about the sport.
And, to be sure, we love galloping headlong down the trail
trying to catch another horse, or floating along for miles at a
10-12 mph trot.
Brian started seriously conditioning Stetson in early 2008.
Taking things slowly with regard to competition, he rode in
a few “limited-distance” rides (25 miles) that year. The year
ended with a first-place finish in the 25-mile Fort Valley
race, with me crewing (in the pouring rain.)
2009’s goal was to move up to 50 miles in competition
and to really test out what Stetson could do. Along the
same lines, Brian decided over the winter to pull Stetson’s
shoes and to ride and train him barefoot. Stetson’s feet were
already iron-tough and going barefoot proved no problem
for him, even over rocky training rides in the mountains.
After further research into foot care for endurance horses,
Brian decided to try racing in the new Easyboot Glue-Ons,
agreeing that extra protection was needed for actual racing,
even if the horse could train barefoot. As part of his plan
to “step up” in competition, Brian also sought professional
guidance on conditioning and racing from Judie Ricci of
Meadow Springs Endurance Training Center.
Stetson also spent two sessions at the Animal Aquatic
Swim Center in Middleburg, Va. The first time to take
care of adhesions left from his gelding surgery and the
second time just for conditioning. He was a great subject
and water as/in creeks, lakes or the Shenadoah River is no
problem!
The first race of the season, the No Frills 55 miler, proved
a successful outing both for Stetson and his footwear (even
though he lost his rear Glue-On boots somewhere in the
fetlock-deep mud in the middle of the race), and he and
Brian finished just outside the top ten, in 14th place (again,
with me crewing, and in the pouring rain). Brian reported,
however, that Stetson was very keen during the race,
although racing well within his ability; in fact, he found
control over Stetson’s speed, elusive at points.
Brian was riding Stetson, as usual, in a bitless bridle, which
usually is all he needs. However, once Stetson’s racing
heart took over, he effortlessly ignored the bitless bridle in
his desire to take the lead.
I then stepped in as a backup rider to ride Stetson in
his next race. I had been training with Stetson and Brian
on my horse, Gobi, who unfortunately was now injured.
Brian thought I would be a good match with Stetson and
that Stetson might benefit from some of the additional
experience I had. Last year, I had done a week-long clinic at
the Global Endurance Training Center in Moab, Utah, with
Christoph Schork and Dian Woodward, and had gone back
to Utah subsequently to ride in three 50-mile races at the
Paunsagaunt XP, Randy Coleman Memorial Pioneer Ride.
Feet of Iron.....pg.2
I learned a lot about pacing and race-riding from them
(in addition to conditioning, feeding, shoeing, etc.).
My ride on Stetson was the Sandhills Moonlight ride.
The race started at 7 pm and we rode into the night along
the wide sand roads of the Sandhills Reserve in South
Carolina. We opted to try an English hackamore for control, and the Glue-Ons for just the front feet. Stetson and I
started out in the first group, and did we fly! Six or seven of
us cantering madly for miles in a tight group, our fit horses
barely taking a breath.
But after half an hour or so of this, I got concerned about
the toll this might be taking on Stetson. No, he did not act
tired, but his heart rate had been at a fairly high level for
a while, it was still hot out, and this was only his second
fifty-mile race. Time to slow down a bit, I decided. Stetson
had other ideas, and so we embarked on a many-mile-long
battle.
By this time, Stetson had figured out the hackamore and
how to brace against it in such a way as to avoid the
leverage effect. So we cantered on – or was this a gallop? –
Stetson with his head between his legs, me standing up and
leaning back, hauling alternately on one rein or another to
try to get some slowing down effect. Somehow, the point
of this (to give Stetson a bit of a breather) got lost in this
pitched battle.
On we charged, until finally another rider caught up and I
was able to tuck Stetson in behind him and get him to slow
down. The last few miles of this loop, we even trotted a bit.
I jogged him in to the vet check, worried that it might take
him a while to pulse down or that he might have problems
with eating as he had before, due to the furious pace at
which we had covered that loop.
Swiftly, Brian, another friend, Jesse, and I threw water on
him and scraped it off, and repeated. Yes, it did take a bit
longer than usual for him to “pulse down,” but he did do so
within 15 minutes and everyone else in the lead was taking
about the same amount of time. So we were left wondering
if Stetson would have finished that loop in equally good
shape (but closer to the leaders) if I had let him roll and
not engaged in the heart-pounding battle over control.
For the second loop, we were on our own, and Stetson
settled down to listen to me. Darkness fell, glowsticks
bloomed, and we zipped on, at a less draining but still
quick pace. Pulsing down at the end of that loop was easy,
and we felt Stetson was still racing well within himself.
I calculated that we were sitting in seventh or eighth place,
on schedule for a hoped-for top-ten finish.
It was a good thing that Stetson had the energy reserves I
thought he had, as his mettle was then tested on the next
It was a good thing that Stetson had the energy reserves I
thought he had, as his mettle was then tested on the next
loop. We headed out alone again, and after about four
miles, I missed a turn and sped way too far down a long,
dark, worryingly glowstick-free road. By the time
I found my way back to the missed turn (I will skip the
description of my navigational flaws), I estimated that
Stetson and I had covered an extra four miles, and lost
half an hour of time. A top-ten finish now seemed out
of the question. We fell in with two other riders that
caught up to us as we shuffled dejectedly down (finally)
the right road, and spirits rose as we traded off leads with
them, and they boosted us to the finish of that loop.
Finally, the last loop – off we went again, alone after
the first ten minutes. All of Stetson’s parameters were
good – heart rate, breathing, willingness – and we settled
down to try to make up some time as finally the moon lit
up the sand roads. Stetson quickly opted into an 8-mph
trot, from which I periodically asked him for his faster
trot, or a canter.
We never did see anyone else, either in front of or
behind us, and trotted at the same steady pace across
the finish line – amazingly, in tenth place (unofficial
results). Stetson pulsed down immediately, as that loop
had taken little of him – indeed, each loop seemed to
take progressively less out of him. And because we had
taken that loop at such a measured pace (no need to
rush if we were not going to catch up to anyone), he was
ideally positioned for the “best-conditioned” part of the
competition, in which we got third (also still unofficial).
A week later, Stetson has not lost any weight from his
exertions and, in fact, looks even more muscular than
before. And his feet looked untouched by the sand roads
of South Carolina. Stetson and his riders still have a lot
to learn about race strategy and conditioning, so the
long-term plan is for more, well-spaced-out fifty-mile
races. Next on the agenda is the Ride Between the
Rivers on August 8, where there will be rockier terrain to
navigate again (but no night-time riding). Like purebred
Arabs, Stetson holds his fitness well, so there is no need
for much conditioning work between races – Brian plans
one weekend of hard rides but otherwise will pretty
much take it easy and let Stetson build up his strength.
Which is just fine with Stetson, unless he sees a pack of
horses taking off without him ....
Stetson is a son of Sarvar PFF and his dam is the
wonderful mare, Sonata PFF. Stetson was left an orphan
at 30 days when his dam died from an improper, and
catastrophic Veterarian procedure.
Sliger Mine Ranch Shagyas Perform Well in TEVIS
Three of Potato Richardson’s Shagya bred horses completed the 2009 Tevis
race, held August 1st in California. Fayette de Cameo, a purebred daughter of
*Oman, and previous winner of the Tevis in 2002, and the Haggin Cup in 2001,
placed 15th in this year’s ride. She was ridden by her owner, Seiichi Hasumi
The 7/8 brother to “Cameo” SMR Zoltaan, finished and came in with a very
respectable seventh place. His rider was Christopher Baker, from the U.K.
Zoltaan is sired by one of the ASAV Jump Start stallions, SMR GARCON.
Potato Richardson, also finished the Tevis, on his Arabian mare, SMR
Filouette. He came in in 28th place. This is his 20th Tevis buckle!
Potato and Filouette
Tevis 2009
A.E.R.C Standings August 1st, 2009
Bob & Julie Suhr Husband
& Wife Team Award
#8. Julia & Michael Elias
Lily Creek Nobelest
(LC Stetson X SW Naomi)
Lily Creek Bataan
(Bahadur x SW Selabration)
Julie & Michael also ride
two OX geldings
Jim Jones Stallion Awards
Third Place
*KS RUBIN
Purebred Shagya stallion
owned by Katherine Voyer
460 miles
Imported by Donna Coss
*KS Rubin
Michael & Nobelest
First in Featherweight Division -- ALL Regions
Belesemo Arabian Pioneer Award ~~ 1306 points # 2
War Mare Award ~~ 1111 points # 2
MJL OLIVIA
Purebred Shagya mare
owned by
Monica Vincent
of Dallas, Tx.
Sired by *OMAN
Dam is
Ruminaja Ali/Khemosabi
Ninja PFF
A Story With a Happy Ending
By Judith Moore
Ninja PFF, six year old Shagya gelding, is owned
by my friend, Dale Scoville who lives with me. Dale is
competing my gelding, Samson in endurance (together,
they have completed over 450 miles) We haven’t decided
just what direction to concentrate on for Ninja. His trainer
thinks 3-day would be a good fit since he has some jumping ability. ( he jumped out of his paddock) I would like to
ride him in dressage. He has done some trail riding but is
still green.
SarvarPFF, his sire, really demonstrates what a wonderful cross the Shagya makes with the purebred Arabian.
The photos are from his first show ever. Ninja’s dam is
Nadeja, a Bask pure Polish granddaughter.
He is now sound and was entered in the Pacific Coast
Arabian Sport Horse Classic in late May. The PCASHC
has offered Shagya classes for many years and it is a
wonderful opportunity to highlight our Shagyas. Ninja
was reserve champion in the Shagya Sport horse in hand.
Sterling Silver, a stallion owned by Shelley Housch took
first place honors. Ninja won his Shagya Arabian Sport
Horse Under Saddle class and took third in his Half Arabian Under saddle class. Ninja was handled and ridden by
our trainer, Ryan Sulonen.
Shagya Arabian Sport Horses
Ninja lost about a year of training since we had to bring
him back from stifle surgery. He got kicked right on the
stifle and the joint was split open. He had two surgeries to
flush out the joint because of infection. Then he had about
six months of stall rest~veterinary hospital ~ and $10,000.
later we have a super Shagya.
Judith Moore & Dale Scoville
Napa, California
[email protected]
AWS INSPECTION
submitted by Karen Bish
New Babies 2009
As many of our ASAV members can attest to the Shagya
breed blends well with many of the other breeds. The
Shagya is indeed seen as the “great improver” by many. At
the ASAV convention this year, Dr Maren Engelhardt gave
us a wonderful overview of how influential the Shagya
blood has been for years in the Trakehner breeding program. And she listed a great many of the top performance
Trakehners who have benefited and excelled in their sports
from the addition of Shagya blood lines.
More and more our breed is being appreciated by
breeders on the warmblood side. It makes sense then
that Shagya breeders partner up or support breed
organizations such as the AMERICAN WARMBLOOD
SOCIETY, who understand the value of high quality cross
bred horses.
ASAV wants to make our members aware of an AWS
warmblood inspection being held Sept. 12 at Karen
Bish’s, Hawkview Ranch in Bend, Oregon.
As stated on their web site “The AWS is an international
non-profit performance/Breed registry whose only goal
and purpose is to represent, promote, award and aid in the
development of talented sport horses of all bloodlines from
the grass roots through the Olympic levels”.
Details about the inspection criteria appear on the AWS
web site. The AWS focuses on an educational format at
their inspections so this will also be a learning experience.
The horses are not judged to a breed specific criteria but
rather to desirable conformation and desirable movement
criteria. Several Shagya’s will be presented.
If you’d like more information see the AWS web site or
contact Karen Bish at 541~388~1410 for details or
inspection entries.
“ELLA”
Ciara’s Divine
Rafealla
*Dante
X
Lily Creek
Ciara
Kathy Johnson
“Ella” has caused
quite a sensation in
her neighborhood
of Wild Rose, WI.
Is she the only
Shagya born in
Wisconsin this
year?
Sun Arabs
SW
Saranade
SW Daniel
X
Lily Creek
Sarendipity
This is:
SA Jeeka's Jessica
For Sale
Karen Bish
Bayram
X
Oak Island Jeeka
Hawkview Ranch
Bend, Oregon
Farm News
Lake Chelan Shagya Arabians
Cherry harvest is around the corner here at Lake Chelan
Shagya Arabians and we are expecting a record crop. This
year brought us several positive changes and we are looking forward with excitement to the second half. Since eight
months now we are proud owners of a Shagya stud and
watch with pleasure the progress he makes in dressage.
after only three months of intense training Shagya US
shows proper muscle development and gains more and
more confidence every day. Coming well under from behind now we expect him to be ready to start showing and
competing in a few months. Watch out for further news
from Shagya US - we will keep you informed!
With Denis being “home” full time now we finally can
concentrate on our already established vineyard and
orchard and the founding of our winery: Atam’s Winery.
There are hundreds of forms to file with the county, state
and federal government and so far it left us only little time
for riding. However we are planning to attend a few endurance races late summer and fall, though, with
*Nadjsha, our purebred Shagya Arabian mare and one of
our younger Shagyas.
Have you seen that we offer *Nedda, her full sister, for
a very attractive price? We consider this as a “Shagya
Stimulus Package” and it provides a perfect opportunity
to get you started with the Shagya Arabians.
Irmi Atam
www.shagya.us
Sun Arabs
The wound care article
needs an update and we are
showing this photo of the leg
as of July22. It has healed fairly
well considering the gravity of
the wound.
We made the long trip to
northern Illinois and to Lily
Creek Ridge, where we loaded,
Lily Creek Ravven, a three year
old stallion, that is a son of *KS
Rubin X LC Seredy, an *Oman/
Stetson cross.
He has a lot of bone and
substance and at 15.3 should
Daunna Sellers
add some height to our next
[email protected]
foal crop.
DARLENE STEVENS AND DAUNNA SELLERS
National Junior Young Riders Endurance
Championship at Clark St. Forest in Henryville, IN.
Darlene and I served tea and cookies to the riders and their
crews in the name of ASAV. I stayed for the winners who
started at 6:00 am and came in at 5:50 or there abouts.
There were 18 starters, which included two Mexican riders
FROM MEXICO. Their coach was very happy to have two
riders do 75 miles. She said no other Mexican rider has
accomplished this and of course these are youths. These
Mexican youths leased horses to ride. (I think from Jan
Worthington) And two or maybe more Canadian riders.
Our Shagya rider was not able to make it.
REDWOOD RANCH
We have several horses that need to sell and find new
homes.
Shagya gelding , RWR HORUS, 9 yrs.. undersaddle , nice
body, Bold Bravo Son .
IRHAN, Shagya mare, older, needs to have a couple more
foals as rare Shagya bloodlines in the US.
New homes needed ASAP.
Shagya US
Kilian Dill
[email protected]
Lily Creek Ridge
I am still in the process of selling my farm so it has
been a very stressful summer. I will keep you posted as
to what develops.
Three purebred Shagya foals were born here this spring
and one Tk./ cross. All sired by *Dante. The lone filly is
from Diva Dance. All will be for sale.
Sold is TANSY, a very nice four year old mare, from
Tunis, Tk. x *Dante. She was purchased by Marve
Castic of Wheaton, Il. They are amazed by her quiet,
confident demeanor. Of course, I tell them the Shagya
part is all that is needed to “re-wire” the brain. Her dam
could be a fruit cake at times.
I just had an e-mail from Jana Bennett who has one of
the Anglo Shagya mares, sired by LC STETSON. She is
a full sister to LC SABLE, who resides in Virginia.
LILY CREEK STAR STATUS continues to impress!
“I am a adult amateur currently riding training level,
schooling first level movements. I ride with an instructor
on a regular basis and this summer have started showing
in local schooling shows. Two weeks ago I rode with a
classical dressage clinician, Dr. Thomas Ritter, and he
really liked Star. The first day he called her elegant and
the second he told me she has talent.
Star is always eager to learn when schooling and rarely
says no, when she does I think it is out of confusion. She
is very tolerant of rider mistakes and does not take things
personally. She is very good in new environments, never
spooky or stupid. I trail ride her around the barn and
have trailered her to a local county park to ride with no
problems. It is my goal this Fall to do a hunter pace (no
jumping) with three of my friends who are foxhunters.
She is an easy keeper and currently does not wear shoes
. . . very good feet. Star has only been marish once since
I’ve owned her, it was a Spring heat. Knocking wood as
I say this, she has never been lame. She has been turned
out with other horses with success, but will let the other
horse know if she does not like them. At my barn they
prefer to turnout horses alone”.
Jana Bennett
I did not breed back any mares this year and what I
have left here at the farm have wonderful Shagya bloodlines.
SW Selabration.............*Oman X Sabiyana
Bay mare~ born 1995, she is approved NASS and ATA and
has produced supreme offspring for me. Her 09 colt is a full
brtoher to “DaVinchi”, owned by Shannon McCracken in
eastern Canada. Her bay yearling filly by *KS Tribute, is Lily
Creek Legacy, and NOT for sale!
Summer PFF..............Sarvar PFF X Sjonja
Beautiful mare that looks exactly like her dam. May
be in foal to TB stallion, Storm Cat grandson.
Lily Creek Brielle...........Bahadur X Selabration
My beauty ~born 6/03, she carries very desirable
imported lines. Has stunning yearling filly by
KS Tribute--chestnut, flaxen mane and tail. This year is
one of my very best, a colt by *Dante, Lily Creek
Dance With Me
Lily Creek Diva Dance....Sarvar PFF X Dynamo’s
Dancer, p.b. ox. Diva is a gorgeous, tall mare, that always
produces a premium foal. She does well under saddle.
Has a yearling filly by LC Bataan, and this year another filly
by *Dante
Lily Creek My Secret, Anglo Trakehner mare from frozen
semen from Horstein stud in Germany is simply one of the
most beautiful mares with big, melting eyes, big, deep body.
The best example of the Habicht line! Has a long
legged bay colt by *Dante.
DAVANI
Anglo Shagya
four year
old
mare
under saddle
Endurance
Prospect
FOR SALE
*Dante X LC Secret To Keep
First California Hussar Regiment
Frank Bakonyi, of the First California Hussar Regiment, gave a talk on the history of the Hungarian Hussars at the recent ASAV annual meeting, where he was
an honored guest. Each piece of his authentic reproduction of an 1848 Hussar’s uniform was explained in detail.
His presentation concluded with a thrilling demonstration
of the Hussar’s lightening mounted charge.
The Hussars were the light cavalry of the Hungarian
nation and later the main force of the Austro-Hungarian
Imperial Army. While the foot soldiers, with their
baggage, supplies, and camp followers, could only move
ten to twelve miles a day, the light cavalry could cover
50 to 60 miles~ day after day.
The Hussar’s famous tactic was to hide in the landscape,
make a lightening charge into the midst of a suprised
enemy, then wheel and disappear again. This was
remarkable since even into the late 17th century all charges
by any other cavalry were made at walk and trot.
Their horses were very thrifty and hardy. Originally they
were a mixture of Turkomen and Oriental blood. During
the 17th and 18th centuries, horses were imported from
the Syrian Desert to improve the quality of the cavalry
mounts. This led to the foundation of the Shagya breed.
(Frank mentioned that a price of 26,000 golden ducats
was paid for the founding desert-born stallion named,
Shagya.) The Shagya was taller then the Oriental horses,
with a deeper body, and was substantial enough to carry
a man, his armor, and their rations. Shagyas became
known as the “Emperor’s Horses”. It was considered
a mark of honor and prestige when a young officer was
assigned a Shagya to ride.
Royal families in Europe frequently intermarried,
causing many wars to be fought over inheritance rights.
A Hussar generally fought in foreign lands, so their reputation as fierce and capable fighters was renowned. The term
of service was usually ten years, with a six year re-enlistment.
The Hussar’s primary weapon was the saber. This is a
long, relatively heavy sword, sharp on both edges at the
tip. It was intended to cause injury to the enemy, because
an injured soldier required more manpower and supplies
to care for than a dead enemy would. Horses were rarely
purposely injured. Rather, they were captured for use by
the winning side.
The Hussar’s distinctive tall hat had several uses. It
could be used as a bucket to water the horse. A wire
frame helped protect the head. The markings on the hat
identified the rank and regiment of the wearer. It had a
cord which buttoned to the jacket so it would not be lost in
battle.
The entire uniform was made of wool; warm in winter and
when wet, and breathable in hotter weather. The styling
allowed considerable freedom of movement. On the jacket
and pants were lovely swirling designs of metal entwined
braid which helped to protect the Hussar from saber cuts.
Officers’ jackets had five rows of buttons; lieutenants’
jackets had three rows of buttons.
Hussars..... page two
The cape was worn over the left shoulder to protect the arm which held the reins. The right arm was left free to swing
the saber. An embroidered “saber -sash ” hung from the soldier’s belt carried personal belongings, and helped protect the
thigh.
A colonel hired the men to form his regiment, and paid for their horses, uniforms, and armaments. Usually, the
Treasury would then reimburse him for his expenses. However, he was allowed to choose his own regimental colors and
the regiment was usually named after him.
The horse’s tack was also designed for battle. The horse’s gut and flank were protected from saber cuts by the deep
saddle pad. The bridle had brass decorations and a piece that crossed the horse’s face to provide more protection.
The First California Hussar Regiment has a mission to provide Education, Entertainment, and Enjoyment.
They can field from 12 to 18 riders in full uniform. Their musical keurs have been performed for the Hungarian Embassy
in Washington DC and gala events throughout California.
They strive to keep alive the memory of Commander Michael Kovats, the Hussar who organized the first United
States Cavalry under General George Washington. During the American Revolutionary War, the Hussars often
fought out numbered ten to one. Legend says that Commander Kovats died in battle in 1779 of Charleston. First they
shot his horse than they shot him. Even when his horse collapsed and he was dying, he held up the American flag in
his hand. Brigadier General Skully, who was the British commander, reputedly said of Kovats, “He was he best damn
cavalry the Rebels ever had.” Frank Bakonyi ended his talk with these words, “Like me, Commandant Kovats was
Hungarian by birth, but we are American by choice.”
We adjourned to the big outdoor arena where Bakonyi mounted his horse to give us a taste of what the Hussars’ full
gallop charge was like. He rode a big bay Hungarian Felver gelding, borrowed from a boarder at the Hawkview Ranch
stable. The striking dark bay and the elegantly uniformed rider made an impressive picture. Many of us had photos
taken with this handsome pair.
By Nancy Skakel
*Nedda
(Lenkoran II x *N'Obaja) Purebred Shagya‐Arabian Premium Shagya‐
Arabians imported from Germany ...
Mare imported from Germany
born 2001, grey, honest 14. 3 ½ $3,800
This is a unique opportunity to buy a purebred Shagya‐Arabian mare. Nedda is very friendly, sound, and has no vices, and had one foal so far. She is sound, was inspected/approved for purebred Shagya breeding and registered with both North American Shagya‐Arabian associations. Visit our web‐site for details & further sale horses
Denis & I rmi A tam * Phone: 509-687-4421 * Email: [email protected]
FOR SALE -- RARE IMPORTED SHAGYA STALLION
*OLIVERO
*OLIVERO is a European
import, who has lovely
gaits and good
conformation
He will be a a rare
contribution to
the SHAGYA gene pool here in
the States.
Under saddle, very forward
moving with lots of
suspension, powerful hind end
with good hock action.
Good barn manners and
quiet temperment
Will mature about 15.2
Rohan Meadows
Shannon McCracken
Sterling, Ontario, Canada
613-395-9054
[email protected]
What Elisha and I Did all February and March
In Jan of 2009, I adopted a horse from Nicole Dutzi, that was going to the killers. She is a beautiful Chestnut AngloArab mare. She settled into the routine at Sun Arabs for three weeks. I got tired of cleaning her stall. The first night I put
her out overnight she met me standing in the field with a help me look on her face.
The following pictures show what my daughter, Elisha Morehead, and I had to deal with. The Vet, I called to put her
down, said there could be a chance that she would heal if it was all soft tissue damage. She suggested that we give her
five days, if there was no infection and fever she might make it. In five days she had a spark in her eye and had a normal
temperature for the eight weeks we nursed her. She had two rounds of spectra, a sulfa based drug for infection. After
that we put her on an herbal mixture called Glycomixens made in California. This is taken internally to boost stem cell
production. With this treatment a salve is used to put on the wound.
Every day she was hosed for 10 minutes, the wound was washed with surgical soap, rinsed and then cleansed with
Hydrogen peroxide. The wound was patted dry and the salve applied around the edges of the wound, and around the
exposed bone. Furizone salve on the gauze and placed on the wound. Then standing cottons and vet wrap.
These series of pictures with dates tell the story.
We ran out of the Glycomixens and the salve. Healing is still going on, she walks sound and sometimes trots without a
limp. She is interested in visiting Bayram which is why she came to the farm.
Daunna Seller and Elisha Morerhead
Feb. 13
Feb. 13
March 11
SA Skat
July 1, 1996 - May 15, 2009
Skat died because of a freak accident coming into the barn. He fell on a cement ramp at the barns
entrance. He struggled to get up and injured himself internally.
He won the 2006 Shatowee Run Novice CTR-his first ride and was reserve champion in the National
Shagya Endurance Challange Cup 2006. For most of his working life he was leased and loved by Kathy
Papp of Villa Hills, KY.
The picture of Skat walk is with Kathy Papp riding.
The time has come
To say goodbye
To that special four-legged friend
Watch as he gallops into the sky
His mane and tail swish as he climbs the
clouds
His agile hooves skip lightly
And ever so slightly,
A smile flickers on his velvet lips.
As high as the flying bird
He rejoins the herd
And turns round to smile again.
Goodbye,
Your dear, four legged friend
THE SHAGYA CONNECTION
ASAV Award Program
Several have asked about the Award
Program that is sponsored by ASAV.
1. DISTANCE RIDING AWARD PROGRAM
Points for the new ASAV Distance Riding Award
may be accumulated in endurance and/or competitive trail competition. All owners of horses must be
members in good standing of ASAV and the horses
must be registered with the association in order to
earn points. Horses do not have to be ridden by
the owner in order to earn points. Points may be
earned on rides which require mandatory veterinary supervision during the entire competition. At
this time, points maybe earned by riding under the
sanctioning of the following organizations: American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), South
Eastern Distance Riders Association (SEDRA),
North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC),
The Upper Midwest Endurance and Competitive
Ride Association (UMECRA), Ohio Arabian All
breed Trail Society (OAATS), Arabian Horse Association (AHA) and the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). Currently, the ASAV Distance
Riding Award will be a high-point award. Separate
categories for Endurance, Competitive Trail, Junior
and/or weight divisions will be considered for addition by ASAV as participation increases.
Points should be reported for the weight division
in which horse competed and placed. For example,
if an endurance horse was 3rd overall but first
Heavyweight, points would be figured for the first
Heavyweight placing. All ride distances will count
towards year-end awards and lifetime point totals
in the Just Ride Mile Stone awards program. No
body sends me any paperwork. I go on line and
check for AERC miles and points.
We give the National Shagya Distance Challenge
Cup to horses competing in a designated AERC
ride in odd years on the west side of the Mississippi
river and in even years in the east. We also award
any AERC High point and or high mileage Shagya.
Does not have to be a member or registered with
ASAV on a yearly basis. Usually a plaque.
2. “JUST DO IT” usually is only halter but covers
any ”merry go round” classes. Sub -catagories in
Dressage, Hunt (over fences), and Combined
Training.
3. YOUTH, Forms may be printed from the
internet website-- Horse Nomination Form or
obtain from the Corporate ASAV Office.
All categories need to download
nomination forms from the web site.
The complete qualifications may be
found at www.shagya registry.com
American Shagya Arabian Verband, Inc.
Summer, 2009
ASAV has divided the membership into four Districts. The
regional directors are also on the Board of Directors.
cossdj@gmailcom
North District One: Donna Coss,
NY, NH, NJ, ME, CT, OH, PA, IN, IL, WI, MN, MI, RI, MD, DE, VT, MA, DC
South District Two: Brian Coss,
[email protected]
VA, NC, GA, FL, AL, KY, TN, MS, WV,
Pacific District Three: Valerie Bullock
[email protected]
WA, MT, WY, ND, SD, CO, LA, OR, NE, ID, CANADA
[email protected]
West District Four: Kilian Dill
CA, AZ, NV, OK, TX, NM, UT, AK, HI, KS, AR, LA, MO
Officers, Board of Directors, Committee Chair
President, Kilian Dill
Vice President, Valerie Bullock
Secretary, Elisha Morehead
Treasurer, Darlene Steven,
[email protected]
Registrar, Daunna Sellers, [email protected]
Newsletter, Donna Coss
Membership chairman, Valerie Bullock
Int. relationships, Denis Atam,
[email protected]
Web Master, Denis Atam
Youth Director, Kesleigh Lehman,
[email protected]
Promotions Editor, Nancy Skakel,
[email protected]
www.shagyaregistry.com
Please be advised that you are encouraged to contact any of the ASAV Officers at any
time, with matters of concern, ideas for the promotion of
the Shagya Arabian breed, or questions, comments etc. The e-mail addresses
are listed for your convenience.