The South African Lipizzaners

Comments about what is on this page.

 

News Flash
 14th March 2008

In this newsflash:                                                                          Click here for the GHS website

-  SA Lipizzaners - Special General Meeting
-  Young man struck by lightning at Sunlands
-  Reminder to Course Designers

************************************
GAUTENG HORSE SOCIETY

Incorporating Limpopo & North West 

NOTICE TO ALL GHS MEMBERS OF A SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE GAUTENG HORSE SOCIETY TO BE HELD AT THE CLUBHOUSE, KYALAMI EQUESTRIAN PARK, DAHLIA ROAD, KYALAMI ON THURSDAY  17TH APRIL 2008 AT 19h00.

THIS SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING IS IN TERMS OF CLAUSE 9.3.2 OF THE GHS CONSTITUTION 
 

AGENDA OF MEETING

1.       Present

2.       Apologies 

3.         Notice of meeting

4.         Matter for discussion: 

THE REQUEST FOR A SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING SIGNED BY 65 MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY IN TERMS OF CLAUSE 9.3.2 OF THE CONSTITUTION (WHICH REQUEST IS REPEATED VERBATIM HEREUNDER).

          SUBJECT:  South African Lipizzaners

          It has come to our attention as THS (now GHS) Members that 60 years of a unique South African heritage is about to come to an end. Why? One of the main reasons is that they are about to lose their home.  This home was built for them by Major George Ivanowski who had the foresight to purchase this land in Kyalami.  He sold the land to THS with a 'gentleman's agreement'  that his beloved Lipizzaners would have a home for ever. We are aware from a recent THS (now GHS) newsflash that there are financial issues, but nevertheless, as THS (now GHS) members, we want to save this wonderful South African heritage;  the first step towards this is to keep them in their present  home in Kyalami.  We believe t hat THS (now GHS) members have a right to a 'voice' in this situation and according to the THS/GHS Constitution paragraph 9.3, we hereby request a Special General Meeting.

Please note that there were 110 signatories made up as follows: 

29 Non GHS members

6 Inactive GHS members

6 under the age of 18

4 Entry level GHS members

65 Voting GHS members
 

Note:     1.  Voting members are all members other than junior members, child/pony rider members, entry level members and temporary members.

             2.   All members entitled to vote are entitled to one vote.

      3.   Proxy votes are only allowed for juristic persons (e.g. Company or C.C.) who are members and who have notified the Society in writing of their nominee prior to the meeting and who are not represented at the meeting.

      4.   Only members of GHS may attend the SGM.
 

I believe the property that is now THS was sold to them by George Inwonoski (spelling?) on condition that the Lippi’s would always have a home there.   THS wants something like R25000pm rent from the Lippi’s.

Which is rather a lot?   Does any other yard in Joburg pay that much rent??

Hi Hony  From Vivienne Tothill vivt@mweb.co.za

The SA Lipizzaners are an institution, not only in South Africa, but in the world, We all have to pull together to ensure that they are not lost. I suggest that 2000 caring people each transfer R100 into a trust fund for the Lipizzaners. This would bring in R200,000-00 to make a start.  Follow up annually and build up the numbers. Give me a Bank account number and I’ll put in the first R100.

Come on horse lovers – We cannot lose The Miracle of the White Horses!

Vivienne Tothill.

Hi Hony,

I have been reading your website and visited the Lipizzaner Face book website with some interest, one thing that stands out very clearly for me is that this issue has become somewhat of a contentious and emotional one. I fully agree and support the endeavor to save the Lipizzaner but must ask the question in the pleas’ that are being sent are these pleas to keep the Lipizzaner in their current home or is this a plea to save the breed and cultural value that they add to the equestrian community?  If this question can be answered in an unemotional and untainted fashion I think that a resolution would be reached a lot quicker. If you dig deeper and read between the lines, I think it’s unfair to claim that the blame for the Lipizzaner current (which has been a on- going for many years) financial demise on the GHS, the GHS do not manage their accounts. The debacle over who owns what land who owes who what should be kept in the boardroom. I am fairly sure that the GHS is not trying to throw the stallions on the streets or try and obliterate a cultural icon in Kyalami. The bottom line as far as I see it is that the Lipizzaner are in a financial conundrum and have been this way for a while, due to many reasons mainly the lack of sponsors to help keep them afloat. I am sure that if they had a sponsor such as Toyota (in the past), they would not find themselves in this predicament.

Instead of pointing fingers and creating unnecessary emotional turmoil over this issue, lets rather find a way to help the Lipizzaner. Let’s be proactive.

My five cents for what it is worth.

Kim.

Hi Hony,

I have just had at least 4 tries at filling in your form re the Lippis, due to the fact that my kitten has had great fun deleting it each time when half completed. I can only hope that the final one reached you. If not, if you care to let me know I will put the kitten outside and have another try.

I do in fact remember that the gentleman's agreement was made, when the property was sold, but a gentleman's agreement only holds good with gentlemen.

Thanks

XXXXXX

 

Dear Hony,

 
I think everybody is getting their issues confused.  Nobody is going to destroy nor put down any of the Lipizzaners nor are they negating their history.  They are in essence just asking a non paying tenant to leave their premises as their rent and utilities owing has reached over R 250 000.  Any land lord would do the same.  If I do not pay my livery on time and in full I will be either asked to cough up the full amount or take my horses elsewhere.  In essence this is the same thing.  The Lipizzaners wherever they decide to move to will take their heritage and historical value with them. That, nobody or society can strip them of that.
 
Instead of finger pointing and jumping up and down why don't people put their money where their mouth is and make donations to the Lipizzaners.  Ultimately this whole mess should actually be laid at the feet of management executive of the Lipizzaners and questions asked to about why they are in such financial dire straits and managed to end up owing R250 000 to GHS not mention outstanding bills to vets, feed merchants, furrier's and Stud Farms which I am sure runs into the hundreds of thousands.
 
Everybody needs to take a step back and look at the situation unemotively.  I as a paying member of GHS feel that it is not our responsibility to "save" the Lipizzaners as saving them would probably mean that I as a member would end up paying and extra thousand rand a year on my annual subscription to GHS, which  I am afraid I am not prepared to do.  I have enough of my own rent, utilities and liveries to pay.
 
Kind Regards
Suzanne Rudham
Concerned GHS member

Hi Hony

Thank you for posting all the info on your website!!!

The ideal Facebook group to join is “South African Lipizzaners” … we are trying to get everyone from Save the Lipizzaners to join our one  (created by Lipizzaner riders) so we can keep everything on one page so to speak J

I am trying to keep the group as updated as possible!

These comments are AWEsome!!! Thank you!!

Best Regards
Andrea Lachner
Rider – SA Lipizzaners

 

Hi Hony

I have read the letters on your WebStable, and have to agree with the sentiments expressed.

 
This is a vital equestrian heritage that we may not lose. I believe that the cost of rental can easily be carried by the members of Equestrian sport in Gauteng, and SA. If the calculation of R100 is correct, that is not even equal to the cost of entering one dressage class. I would have no problem paying an increased annual membership to the GHS to support the SA Lipizzaners.
 
One additional thought: Has anyone approached the Austrian Embassy for financial support? This is a unique cultural heritage, and preserves and develops bloodlines and the sport that must be of importance to Lipizzaners all over, but especially in Austria.
 
I am aware that Embassies have budgets for cultural activities, and this is unique to Austria.
 
We just cannot risk this priceless asset for a few Rand.
 
Regards,
 
Mark

 

Dear Hony,
 
Although I am no longer a member of THS (or whatever it is now called), I was for many years and I am sure that the average member of that body does not want to see the "Lipies" thrown out.      It is sad that their management is unable to make them financially viable and, of course, there is no particular reason why the members of the THS (or whatever) should have to foot the bill but I bet if you asked the Members instead of the administrative employees what they thought they would, to a man, be disgusted at the thought that they are being evicted from their long standing home.      
 
The admin of THS are showing the unpaid rent as an outstanding debt to make their books look better  but frankly, if the Lipies don't pay rent, who cares.    After all, the land actually did belong to them in the first place.
 
They should of course be responsible for the electricity and water they use and the upkeep of the premises but in my book that would be enough.    
 
So that portion of the THS Members' land receives no income - So???     The rest makes enough.      
 
I did hear something about a proposed move out into the boondocks which I personally think would be the final death knell.    
 
My suggestion is that a proposal is put forward at the THS agm that the Lipizzaners are allowed to remain on their land rent-free and that whoever puts forward that proposal makes sure he has enough supporting Members present to ensure that it goes through. 
 
I am going to be really popular for this, aren't I ???
 
Oh well, never mind, I have never traded popularity for what I thought was right so no point in starting now.
 
Kind regards,
Helen
horsebooks@tiscali.co.za

Hi Hony,

Just for interest sake, there is a group on Facebook that was created for the Lipizzaners (The group name is "Save the SA Lipizzaners"... you can spread the word if you feel like it. About everyone is part of Facebook and this is a good way to get exposure for the Lippies ... anyone can search for the group and then join.

Kind regards,
Jeanette
 

Hi Hony
 
I just want to tell you that not one person to whom I have spoken is in agreement with GHS to evict the Lippis.
Every single person is outraged and absolutely shocked at the idea.
 
I hope that the members get a chance to speak out.
 
Regards
 
B 

Dear Hony

 
Just a thought - there are approximately 2900 members of THS, if each member paid in R100  it would mean a payment of R290000.  This would stop the urgency on the arrears.  Couldn't each member be asked to pay a little extra on there membership, which goes directly to the lipi's.  GHS could open a payment facility on their website , and there would be no cost to the lipi's. 
 
Arti

Hi all,

My response to the above attachments:

I don’t know if I misunderstood, but as far as I know that particular piece of land was supposed to be declared as ‘property’ of the SA Lippizaners as long as it was property of the then THS – and only when all the land had to be sold were the Lippizzaners to go and then they would be found another suitable home?? See attachment article below.

Will you help us preserve a unique South African heritage?

It is 60 years ago since the magnificent white Lipizzaner stallions came to South Africa by boat. The Lipizzaner were rescued from war-torn Austria and brought to South Africa in 1948 by Count Jankovich-Besan. A Polish cavalry officer, Major George Iwanoski, came to South Africa and met the Count at the Royal Show in Pietermaritzburg. It was he who instigated the first Lipizzaner performances in South Africa and he who built their home and the first Indoor Hall especially for their performances in Kyalami. The South African Lipizzaners have earnt the honour of being the only performing Lipizzaners outside Vienna recognised by and affiliated to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

During the time the Lipizzaners have been in South Africa, they have, and still do experience difficult times. The team is without a major sponsor. A brand new management team was appointed at the beginning of 2008. The new directors are four well known, successful business and equestrian personalities, totally dedicated to ensuring the Lipizzaners’ future in South Africa. “We are absolutely focussed on ensuring this unique South African heritage continues to survive and flourish” said Maureen Dalglish, one of the new Directors who currently runs her own real estate business. Maureen has had a long association with the Lipizzaners and worked closely with Major George Iwanowski in the early days. At that time, there was a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between the Major and what was then the Transvaal Horse Society that in selling the land on which the indoor was built to THS, that his beloved Lipizzaners would always have a home. It is sincerely hoped that his wishes will be honoured.

Adriaan van Wyk, one of South Africa’s top dressage instructors and a B.Com graduate, has added his flair for fund-raising and business acumen in joining the team as a Director. He was the driving force behind the highly successful Lipizzaner Ball held in October 2007, which was organised privately.

Continuing to perpetuate the Lipizzaner breed has been the job of Director, Lilian Moller, who is also Team Leader and as a qualified vet, Manager of the Breeding Programme. The fruits of her endless energy have come to the fore with a fine stamp of young stallions coming up, competing not only in the Lipizzaner performances but winning numerous rosettes in dressage competitions. ‘We have to continue to breed every year’ said Lilian ‘otherwise this breed will disappear. We are determined that this will not happen. However, the breeding programme does unfortunately cost a lot of money’.

At the centre today there are 30 stallions ranging in age from three to twenty three. All six of the bloodlines are represented. Favory, Maestoso, Conversano, Siglavy, Pluto and Neapolitano.

Judy Vertue, another new Director, a successful business woman and previously Chairman of Dressage, and who brought in the biggest sponsorship in the history of dressage, puts her finger on the pulse. ‘To run a successful business, there are two key ingredients, firstly business acumen and secondly marketing. There has to be constant awareness of who we are and what we do”.

The ‘Lippies’ will be performing at Gold Reef City during four weekends around Easter; the team will be performing at the Royal Show in Pietermaritzburg, and enquiries are being pursued for performances at the Agricultural Show in East London and later in the year in Port Elizabeth. A new Schools Fund Raising programme has been launched and a marketing plan is being developed to market not only the regular Sunday performances but also Special Events where the Lipizzaners can add their unique touch. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are being pursued.

“Few people know how versatile the Lipizzaners are’ said Lilian. “They have been up in a lift at the Sandton Convention Centre to perform at a banquet, they have pulled Cinderella’s carriage on stage at the Civic Theatre, they have performed with the Drakensberg Boys Choir, and have added that special touch to Product Launches, Banquets, Birthdays and Weddings.’

The four new Directors are supported by professionals in the financial, auditing and legal fields.

How can you help?
We hope that there will always be those who realize the value of preserving something of grace and beauty. As an individual or as a company, we hope you will want to be part of preserving the future of these courageous horses in South Africa.

Sunday Performances
Come and join us every Sunday at the Lipizzaner Centre, Dahlia Road, Kyalami. Buy a ticket at the door or book via Computicket. The performance starts at 10h30 and lasts 60 minutes. Refreshments and memorabilia are available at the shop. Please check on our website www.lipizzaners.co.za in case the team is travelling.

 Donations Become a Friend of the Lipizzaners:

Contact Maureen Dalglish 083 228 1753
E-mail: dalglishm@mweb.co.za

Bank Account Details
Account Name: Friends of the Lipizzaners
Bank: Nedbank Branch Epsom Downs
Branch Number: 152203
Account Number: 1522043489

Please fax payment confirmation to 011 708 3297 and please include the names of all people who have contributed.

Secondly, why do the GHS charge rent in the first place? I personally find this alone to be appalling because I would expect such a society to be appreciative of this equestrian heritage, be proud to sponsor them, and give them the land!! Why do they need to charge them rent when they know this is an NGO struggling for income, yet an important aspect of equestrian heritage, class, horsemastership and excellence of training??? I am quite sure the GHS can survive happily without the rent or the land, and that they are just being petty about the money. Frankly I am disgusted at the callous attitude the GHS have shown towards the SA Lippizzaners – they only seem interested in the money, not at all the history of the breed in SA or the amazing skill of these horses and riders, or the welfare of the horses. They, as an equestrian association, should be ashamed!

Is there something we can do? A petition or vote? I am not a member of GHS – how can I help? I vote the GHS give them the land!!!!

Kind regards,
Andrea van Rijswijk
andreavr@pmrinet.com
www.stablepeople.co.nr

 

Hi everyone

The South African Lipizzaners

"All members will have the opportunity to discuss the matter at the Special General Meeting, the date of which will be advised to all our members in due course."

According to the GHS Constitution, this will be some weeks away (see excerpt from constitution below).

9.3.1.       The EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE may convene special general meetings at any time it deems fit, provided 20 days written notice of such special general meeting is given to the members.

9.3.2       The EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE will convene a special general meeting within 60 days of receipt of a request in writing therefore signed by not less than 30 members who are entitled to vote.

We feel that the members have a right to know both sides of the story soonest, and therefore we are sending this information out to our own mailing list, which we know consists of many members and hope that you will pass this on to other members and other interested parties.

On behalf of those wonderful horses, our National Heritage.

Judy Vertue
Lilian Moller
Adriaan van Wyk
Maureen Dalglish
Directors, SA Lipizzaners
Tel:  011 465 4400
Fax:  011 467 1868
Mobile:  083 601 2104
E-mail:  tarragon@mweb.co.za



 

GHS Newsflash

Friday 29 February 2008

SA Lipizzaners

The Gauteng Horse Society ("GHS") is in the process of evicting The SA Lipizzaners ("the Lipizzaners") from premises at Kyalami Equestrian Park which premises is owned by GHS.

The background to this unfortunate state of affairs must be considered.  GHS is a non-profit organisation run by an elected executive committee on behalf of approximately 3400 members.  One of the responsibilities of the executive committee is to administer properties owned by GHS.  One such property was leased to the Lipizzaners in terms of a written lease agreement, which provided for the payment of a monthly rental and utilities.  This rental income features significantly in the annual budget of GHS, which in turn determines the membership fees of the GHS members.

For approximately the past five years the Lipizzaners have experienced financial difficulties, which caused them to default on the payment of their rental obligations during 2005,2006 and again in 2007.

In July 2005 the Lipizzaners were approximately R100 000.00 in arrears when GHS(after months of unsuccessfully attempting to resolve the matter)cancelled the lease agreement. Pursuant thereto the Lipizzaners signed an acknowledgement of debt in favour of GHS whereby the debt was paid over a twelve month period and a new lease agreement(inter alia providing for a reduced rental and deferred payment) was concluded at the end of November 2005.

In July 2006 were once again in breach of the lease agreement and were given a final demand for the outstanding amount of approximately R70 000.00. Payment was ultimately received and the lease agreement was extended to September 2007.

In May 2007 the Lipizzaners were back in arrears. On 30 June 2007 the Lipizzaners were given a  demand for payment and despite telephone conversations and repeated requests by GHS,no meeting nor payment nor commitment was received. GHS issued a final demand and offered the Lipizzaners an acknowledgement of debt for repayment of the debt over twenty four months alternatively to cancel the lease and that the Lipizzaners vacate the premises. In the interim GHS was obliged to continue paying water and electricity used on the premises. The Lipizzaners did not respond to GHS's offer.

In light of the fiduciary duties owed to the members, the executive committee resolved that it could not continue to expose its members to an escalating debt without any prospect of the debt being repaid.  Consequently, the decision was taken towards the end of 2007 to terminate the Lipizzaners lease agreement, which was done and the Lipizzaners given notice to vacate the premises. The matter was handed over to GHS's attorneys in September 2007. Since then,attempts were made in conjunction with the Lipizzaners representatives to secure the historical indebtedness and to explore the future sustainability of the Lipizzaners.  Unfortunately, the Lipizzaners representatives have declined to accommodate the GHS in securing the debt to the GHS and have al so failed to demonstrate the future sustainability of the Lipizzaners.  In these circumstances the GHS executive committee would not fulfil its responsibilities to the GHS members if the position was allowed to continue.  The executive committee would like to assure members that, being sympathetic to the Lipizzaners plight, numerous attempts were made by executive committee over a period of more than 6 months to discuss the non-payment of rental with a view to finding an acceptable solution.  Regrettably, none of these discussions were successful and at the present moment the Lipizzaners are in arrears in an amount of approximately R250 000.00 in unpaid rental and utilities.

As a result legal proceedings were initiated to recover the debt and to evict the Lipizzaners from the premises. We remain open to negotiating the Indoor Hall for Lipizzaner performances and affording them a reasonable period in which to relocate to alternative premises.

The GHS executive committee has at all times kept its members informed of the position regarding the Lipizzaners.  in the annual financal starements before the AGM as well as via newsletter, newsflash and website.To date, less than a dozen members have objected to the conduct of the GHS.

 

Equestrian