Another episode of our Horse Breeds around the World Series. Today we talk about another Austro-Hungarian horse breed again, the Shagya Arabian whose modern home is in Hungary. Bred as a horse for the military in the 19th century, it was known as Arabian horse till after the Second World War, when the breed was named after one of its foundation sires. I am talking about this versatile breed with Louise Adensamer from Austria whose family has been breeding Shagya Arabians for several generations and keeps them in the heart of the city of Vienna.
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Horse Breeds Around the World
Different breeds and horse cultures
Today there are around 400 horse breeds in the world. Some are extremely popular such as Frisians, Thoroughbred, Arabians or Quarter Horses, whereas others are little known, such as the Caspian Pony, Noitgedachter or Marwari. Meanwhile many breeds are restricted to their home countries and some are threatened or nearly extinct. In our Horse Breeds Around the World Series we want to introduce some of the lesser known breeds to you and talk about what role they play in their home country and above all, why they should not be forgotten.
The Shagya Arabian
Another horse breed from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, after talking about the Lipizzaner, today we talk about a distantly related horse breed, the Shagya Arabian. Bred for a very different purpose, both breeds look different but have one common ancestor the Arabian stallion Siglavy brought from Syria to Austrian in the 19th century. Interbred with heavier, stronger horses, the Shagya Arabian developed in the stud farm of Babolna in modern Hungary as a swift and versatile cavalry horse. Till today the Shagya Arabian combines elegance and endurance with athletics and the slightly larger frame and height of Thoroughbreds. It has competed successfully in dressage, show jumping, carriage driving an endurance and is a perfect all-round equine partner for any activity you might want to do.
Our Guests today:
Louise Adensamer (Austria)
Equestrian Adventuress and Endurance rider from Austria whose family has owned and bred Shagya Arabians for a long time. She competes with her Shagya Arabian gelding Siglavy Bagdady Boromir in endurance.
Don’t forget to check out the resources section in this article!
Highlights
- Origin & Characteristics of the Shagya Arabian
- Stallion lines
- What are they used for
- Where can you get one
Thank you for tuning in and happy trails!
Special Announcement
Travel the World on Horseback Virtually: With EQA TV
Are you looking for something new to watch instead of old reruns of sitcoms? Well, look no further!
We are thrilled to announce that season 1 & 2 of the Equestrian Adventuresses series is now available on Amazon Prime in the UK and the United States. More locations will follow soon. Travel with us for example to Greenland, Slovenia, Ireland or Greece.
Equestrian Adventuresses travel around the world on horseback, meanwhile sharing empowering women’s stories along the way. Explore hidden destinations and learn about the history and culture from the back of a horse. This is a show for those who love horses, travel and adventure!
Do you feel that we are missing out on an important topic? Or maybe you have an interesting story to tell? Contact Heather or Ute!
Resources
- Podcast about the Lipizzaner Horses
- Website of the North American Shagya Arabian Society
- International Shagya Arabian Horse Association
- Resources for Equestrian Adventuresses
- EQA Online Shop
Thanks for listening to our horse podcast Shagya Arabians – Talented Allrounders from Hungary!
