[B]I don't have the Judith Forbis books, but she said, in one of them: "General von Szandtner maintained handwritten herdbooks wherein he placed a conformation photograph of the horse, wrote his pedigree, strain and measurements, and concisely evaluated each individual from head to toe, including its gaits,".
Would you (or anyone) happen to know if his (General von Szandtner) concise evaluation of Bukra is available to read?
Ray, I did have the distinct priviledge and honor of viewing the herdbook maintained by Gen Von Szandtner while he was in charge of the RAS. It was an incredible experience, one I shall never forget. General Von Szandtner did give each and every horse at the RAS during his administration a full page in this handsome book, filled with detail about the horse as you mention in your post. Also, each and every horse page contained a black and white photo that was pasted onto the page of information at the top, identifying the horse. There were a few photos missing from their pages and unforutnately, Bukra was one of those horses. Also, all of the info was hand written in ink by Von Szandtner and written in Hungarian. I would love to see this incredible book transcribed into English and published and have often wondered why the EAO has not done this considering the fact that I think many straight Egyptian breeders would be overjoyed to have this incredibly brilliant mans opinion of many of the straight Egyptians horses in our current day pedigrees, in their library. This extremely rare and valuable book was wrapped in newspaper and packaging twine. When we were through viewing the book, it was once again wrapped back in the same newspaper and wrapped in the same twine with very loving hands I might add. The photos themselves are worth their weight in gold. I will also mention that one of the main barns at the EAO is called the "Bukra" barn. I am not sure but think all the mares and foals contained within that barn do trace to Bukra in their lineage. When I walked into this massive structure, I was star struck by so many beautiful mares and babies in one huge building. Every horse in that structure has the most incredibly huge black eyes one can imagine if one loves the Bukra blood. It was another unforgettable life experience.
As to the crooked hip, you are aware of course that Ansata Bint Bukra had a broken hip. I personally have been inbreeding the Bukra blood for the last ten years and have never had a problem with crooked hips, bad hips or hips that would dis-locate. All of my double and triple Bukra bred horses have long hips and the mares have no problems delivering foals.
Gosh , I find that very strange Ray that you do not own any of Judi Forbis's books. Rather you like Judi or not, many of her books are invaluable when researching or studing bloodlines for any reason, be it breeding, conformation, bloodlines, etc. No ass chewing here Ray but you really should make the leap to owning this book so that you can see photos of many of the horses discussed on this forum and make an educated opinion.
As to long ears, most mares do have long ears, the better to hear the wolves that might be trying to eat their babies. Some longer than others but long ears on a mare have never bothered me as long as they have good shape and point in a Northerly direction.
Marilyn
Thanks Marilyn. It does seem odd that no one has translated General Von Szandtner's notes - I would think it could be a hot item for a hungry publisher.
No, I don't think the comment about a "Bukra butt" had anything to do with a broken and/or crooked hip. Probably more along the lines of a short, peaky croup and not-so-wide hip.
I gather up books, right along. Just depends on what I can find and afford at the time.
) bout my boy Relaks dameline......, this is fasinating reading.....you guys make me ,take ahard look at the whole pedigree instead of only the first generation.
This first thing was to find a photo - this is the one from the forum by Ernst Bilke.
So then I remembered Moniet El Nefous - Forbis photo.
