News

Vicki Shortis

Dear Member

With regret and sadness, I am writing to let you know that Vicki Shortis passed away a few days ago. Although she had not enjoyed recent good health, her passing was unexpected.

Not only does Vicki deserve recognition for her large part in establishing the Caspian horse in the West, she was a long-standing supporter of the Caspian Horse Society, and she worked tirelessly to support and promote the breed.

I enclose below some memories of Vicki, written by CHS members. The picture above shows Vicki with Bonnie (Costessa Kharzan), and three further pictures are attached.

Remembering Vicki Shortis

Barbara Smathers' memories

'Vicki was already a long-standing stalwart of the breed, and the CHS, when I joined Council, in 1995! She had been instrumental in reuniting members, after an early split, and continued to work, largely behind the scenes, to support the breed with her time, effort and money, without a break.

When Ron Scott left to form CBS, I was Secretary to the CHS breed society, and inherited a large workload, overnight, including producing the CHS magazine! Vicki stepped in, to assist, and continued in the role, of magazine editor, until just a couple of years ago!

During the late 1990’s, Vicki persuaded her son, Chris, to build the first ever CHS website!

Vicki’s biggest project has always been, the Caspian Archive, she holds a copy of every article ever published, about the breed, from around the globe, since the beginning, and up to date. What an amazing feat!

Vicki has always been a strong but calming influence in Caspian dramas! An amazing colleague and a great friend, l will always remember her telling me, “Least said, soonest mended” I will miss her, greatly. Goodbye Vicki, happy trails!'

Ruth Staines’ memories

'Vicki bred Arab horses before purchasing her first two Caspians in 1979, long before I met Louise in Iran. Her prefix was Costessa, from Costessey, just outside Norwich, where she lived. As I have relatives in Norwich, I would visit her when I was there and was always invited to lunch. Her Caspians have left their mark on the Caspian world, she exported to US, and Costessa Siyroun lived to the ripe old age of nearly 34 in France.'

Liz Webster’s memories

'Today I have learned, with great dismay, of the unexpected passing of Vicki Shortis, a good friend and one of the original stalwarts of the Caspian world. We first met back in the 1970s, when Vicki bought from us the imported foundation mare, Siyah Gosh, together with one of our home-bred youngsters, the filly Hopstone Simorgh. Siyah Gosh had actually been sold to Mrs Helen Rattray of New Zealand, but at the last minute could not be included on the flight due to having been imported recently from Iran, where Piroplasmosis was endemic. Despite this 'stain on her reputation', Siyah Gosh fully justified Vicki's faith in her. She and Simorgh produced some of the loveliest Caspians in the UK. Vicki spent a great deal of her time, money and energy promoting and showing her beloved Caspians in Norfolk which, like just about everywhere else in Europe at the time, had never heard of them! We became good friends and had great fun, along with working extremely hard to promote the Caspian breed.

Later Vicki and I joined forces as co-editors of the Caspian magazine, in the days when it was an actual, printed booklet. Something that you could hold in your hand, give to friends and build up in a proper library of News of the Caspian worldwide. We also worked closely together on the CHS Council for many years. So with all those happy memories of Vicki stored in my head and heart I must express my real sadness at her passing. We had not been much in touch recently since we both took up 'gardening leave', but I won't ever forget her. She will be a great loss to her many friends and, naturally, to the Caspian world, to which she gave up so much of her love and time. Her Costessa Caspians have descendants in many parts of the world. My sympathies and condolences go to her family.'

Points for Performance Card Update

For anyone planning to show or compete their Caspians this year, either physically or online, please note that there brand new Points for Performance cards now available to download.

These can be downloaded by clicking here or by visiting the showing page.