Annual General Meeting of the Pyramid Society Europe on 24 May 2025 – A Day of Exchange, Recognition, and Fascinating Horses
On 4 May 2025, the time had come once again: members of the Pyramid Society Europe (PSE) gathered for their Annual General Meeting – this year at the invitation of the Martin Buschfort family at the distinguished Straight Egyptian stud, Hofgut Kauber Platte. Nestled high above the romantic Middle Rhine Valley, not far from the legendary Loreley rock, the idyllic plateau provided the perfect backdrop for an inspiring meeting.
Reflection and Outlook: The Annual General Meeting
Held in the stud’s welcoming conference room, the meeting unfolded in a warm, familial atmosphere. PSE President Bettina von Kameke offered a comprehensive review of the society’s activities over the past year and gave an insightful outlook on upcoming projects.
The situation in Arabian horse breeding remains challenging; however, there were also encouraging developments. One such highlight was the enthusiastic participation of many members in the anniversary gathering of the Asil Club in Marbach – an event that impressively underscored the vitality and dedication of the community.
This was followed by a summer meeting in Großenkneten with Dr Nagel of El Thayeba Stud and Robert Schlereth, which included a presentation of the progeny of newly introduced stallions.
In September, Bettina von Kameke travelled to the Egyptian Event Europe in Bergamo. Despite a last-minute rescheduling due to the Global Champion Arabians Tour, the event maintained its charm and intimacy.
A further milestone was reached at the All Nations Cup in Aachen at the end of September, where, for the first time in many years, a dedicated 2024 All Nations Cup class for Straight Egyptians was held – with plans for its continuation this year. It would be a delight to see members once again represented in Aachen with their own horses. As in the past, the Pyramid Society Europe will also host its own stand at the event.
Looking Ahead – and Beyond Borders
This year holds a particularly exciting highlight: the upcoming Egyptian Event Europe in Pompadour, France – a historic venue steeped in equestrian heritage, home to Château Pompadour and the former French National Stud.
While demand for an Egyptian Event Europe in Germany currently remains modest, efforts continue to establish meetings and events as vital platforms for community-building and showcasing these remarkable horses.
Internationally, the Pyramid Society Foundation is becoming increasingly active – for instance, supporting the development of a Pyramid Society China. International networking and collaboration with sister societies remain a key focus for PSE as well.
A Moment of Honour – Ferdinand Schwestermann Named Honorary President
A particularly moving moment during this year’s gathering was the heartfelt recognition of Ferdinand Schwestermann, who had travelled from Switzerland with his wife Jeanette. In recognition of his longstanding and deeply committed service as President of the PSE, he was deservedly named Honorary President. Bettina von Kameke presented him with the certificate in a touching gesture of gratitude and appreciation.
Spotlight on Arabian Horses – Discussion and Presentation
The formal part of the day was followed by lively discussion on how to rekindle public appreciation for the Straight Egyptian Arabian – not only as a show and sport horse but, more importantly, for its exceptional qualities as a family and leisure companion.
As per tradition, the afternoon was opened to guests and interested non-members, who were also invited to present their own horses. This spirit of openness and hospitality continues to enrich the event immensely.
New members Patrick and Antonia Rudolph travelled from the north with their youngest child to present two horses. The Gerbershagen family embarked on a rather adventurous journey from Bavaria, crossing the Rhine by ferry with their four grandchildren and a horse in tow.
Presentation of Horses
The presentation began with the 2021-born stallion KP Al Marzouq (Shamekh Al Danat x KP Marxam) of the Manaya family, owned by Oliver Gabriel and expertly shown by Toni Baumann.
This was followed by:
- KP Al Nakib Ibn Tameen, b. 2013 (Ajmal Tameen x KP Naima)
- KP Noury, b. 2015 (KP Maryoom x KP Naima)
Both descend from the Nana family, bred by Martin Buschfort and beautifully presented by Toni Baumann.
Also shown were two promising fillies sired by KP Noury:
- KP Hanoura, born in March (KP Noury x KP Hodhoda), owned by Regine Kern
- KP Miray, born in May 2025 (KP Noury x KP Maryam Bint Tameen), owned by Martin Buschfort
Reinhild Moritz presented her well-known stallion KP Maryoom (Hakeel Ibn Kaisoon x KP Mofida) from the Manaya family, now 25 years old and still proudly carrying himself.
His offspring were also shown:
- The 2018 gelding GO Najaah (KP Mokeel x KP Naima), under saddle and owned by Oliver Gabriel
- The 2020 filly KP Homayra (KP Maryoom x KP Hooriya), shown in-hand and owned by Tanja Stolzefuss
Christoph Gerbershagen presented his promising 2022-born bay colt Dabur El Mujid (Abia El Mujid x Eos Dakota).
Patrick and Isabelle Rudolph brought their 2017 stallion Moses GW (Marib GW x Salalah GW), bred by Dr Gisela Wegener. Approved for breeding and active in endurance, he stands at Stud RFH. His 2023-born daughter RFH Maha (Moses GW x Maydara) impressed as a strong and promising chestnut filly.
Toni Baumann concluded the presentations with two further stallions standing at stud:
- The purely Russian-bred bay Vadim (Sakmagon x Velikaia), born 2020 at the Russian State Stud Tersk, owned by Ivana and Didier Thievent of France. He was Champion at the ZSAA Stallion Licensing 2024 and is currently preparing for his performance test in France.
- The Russian-Polish gold-premium grey stallion Epifan (Psytadel x Epimeria), born 2008 and owned by Stud Gut Meinfeld.
Frau Zünkler-Behlau had travelled from the Lower Rhine on her birthday and was warmly celebrated with hugs, flowers, and many heartfelt wishes. Epifan was visibly pleased to take centre stage for the group photo.
As the evening drew to a close, a delicious barbecue brought the day to a convivial end. Board member Michael Ponnath generously donated the organic meat, and many spirited conversations continued into the evening in a truly familial atmosphere.
A heartfelt thank-you goes to our host, Martin Buschfort, as well as Reinhild Moritz and Toni Baumann for their excellent organisation.
Amidst inspiring exchanges, the vibrancy and unity of the Pyramid Society were once again clearly felt.
