In Memoriam Erwin Escher (1959-2016) Friday, the 13th, is considered an unlucky day. And it came true on May 13, 2016, when we lost Erwin Escher. Erwin was one of those people in the Arabian horse business everyone knew and loved. It seems that he was everywhere and knew everybody. Born in 1959 in a small village close to Augsburg, South Germany, he loved horses since he was a boy of ten years of age. Six years later he bought his first Arabian and took photos of his beloved horse. What began as a hobby, soon became Escher’s profession and although he took photos of all breeds, he specialized in the most beautiful one—the Arabian horse. No major show in nearly 30 years was without Escher in the ring. “As a photographer, I had the pleasure to be with Erwin inside the show arena of great shows [sic],” says photographer Saleh Mostafa from Egypt. “Although it is hard to find someone who is really willing to support you nowadays, Erwin did not just support me, but he even introduced me to people as his ‘student.’ I will never forget his hidden smile while asking me some tricky questions. I even still hold my camera between my legs while taking notes as he used to do.” When he met his future wife, Annette, in the 1980s, Escher found the just right companion. Together they built up Rothenberg Stud in Bavaria, South Germany, which is well known for Egyptian Arabians worldwide, thanks to a wisely selected foundation. Among the fine horses, Escher’s stallions Madallan-Madheen and Classic Shadwan, were especially close to the passionate breeder. Being a down to earth character, Escher did not see himself as an artistic photographer, even though he was, without question, among the most internationally notable Arabian horse photographers. For him, the horse was always more important than the artistic expression of the photo. They were beautiful photos for breeders to see the horse. For over three decades, Escher created an amazing archive and was admired by breeders and publishers of magazines in nearly every corner of the world for his solid, professional and reliable work.
George Halsey Murch (1935-2016) George Halsey Murch, 81, passed on June 1, 2016 at MRMC, after an extended illness. Halsey or (Hal) Murch was an accomplished horseman spending most of his life with Arabian horses. He trained and showed them as well as being an AHSA judge. His love settled on a paint mare called Angel. He was strongly into natural horsemanship and met few horses he didn’t like. Halsey started his career in the state of Maine at Three Gates Farm, advancing on to Ranch Ruminaja in Michigan, Gainey Arabians in California and Nodoroma Farms here in Ocala, during his career. He was proud of his children, Craig Murch of Dunnellon, Cindi Murch of Miramar Beach, Steven Murch, deceased of California, and Brian Murch of Orchard Park, NY. He is survived also by his wife of 63 years, Beverly Worth Murch. Mr. Murch is survived as well by a sister, Pauline Conley, four grandchildren, Stanley White III, Jacob Murch, Ciara Murch and Kristen Murch, also a great grandson, Zachary White.
Sigi Siller (1950-2016) Sigi Siller always followed her dreams. She was a strong visionary while fiercely fighting for all those she dearly loved, from her children and grandchildren, to her horses. No wonder Sigi created one of the most famous and influential breeding programs in the world—Om El Arab. Born in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany, Sigi was instilled with a love of horses through her caring parents Liane and Franz Siller, who bought their first Arabian—a mare—from Marbach, and laid the base for a future of many successes. Ar abian Horse Times | 301 | Volume 47, No. 2