This year the KL Grand Prix saw 20 of the world’s top-ranked riders and their prized horses in a spectacular three-day display of power and grace, while vying for the coveted title and one of the richest purses in showjumping.
“Pos Malaysia is proud of the opportunity to celebrate the region’s most prestigious equestrian event through the issuance of stamps and First Day Cover. This is the first time for Pos Malaysia to issue a collection of stamps featuring horses and we hope that our customers will take this opportunity to purchase the stamps and learn more about horses and equestrian sports in Malaysia,” said YBhg Dato’ Idrose Mohamed, Group Managing Director / CEO of Pos Malaysia Berhad.
 |
| From left: Wan Ahmad Radzi, Executive Director Asiapromote Ventures, Wan Zaleha Radzi, Managing Director Asiapromote Ventures, Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina (actress, producer and entrepreneur), Peter Imran Winton, CEO Asiapromote Ventures and Ms. Wong Lai Kim, Senior Manager, Philately, PosNiaga, Pos Malaysia Berhad |
The FEI 5-Star KL Grand Prix 2007 stamps and First Day Cover feature a collection of images depicting the different types of Warmblood, a breed of horse that has gained enormous popularity in the past years as sport horses. More and more of these horses are used in competition especially in Grand Prix and Olympic level competitions. Each of the Warmblood types offers its own bit of edge in competition.
Visitors to the FEI 5 Star KL Grand Prix would have seen several Warmbloods in thrilling action jumping over obstacles of up to 1.6m.
Wan Zaleha Radzi, Managing Director, Asiapromote Ventures Sdn Bhd, the organiser of the FEI 5-Star KL Grand Prix said, “We are proud that Pos Malaysia has recognised the KL Grand Prix as one of the top international sporting events in the country, portrays Kuala Lumpur as a world-class venue for equestrian sports, and makes this year’s event even more memorable.”
 |
| Lisette Scheers, the stamp designer |
Three types of Warmblood horses are featured in the stamp designs. The stamps, 30mm X 40mm in size are printed in sheets of 20 on SPM watermark, phosphor-coated paper and are available in 30sen, and 2 designs for 50sen denomination :
· Hanoverian
The Hanoverian is probably the most successful and one of the oldest of the Warmbloods and today it is one of the most prominent riding horses in the world. It has a worldwide reputation as a showjumper. Many Hanoverians have won gold medals at competitions including the Olympic Games.
This breed was founded in 1735 on Celle Stud in Germany by King George II of England who wanted a coach horse that could also be used for agriculture. Through the years with the changes of the function of the Hanoverian, the breed has been further refined with Thoroughbred infusion to make it lighter and more agile. Together with its wonderful temperament and powerful body, the Hanoverian has an added edge in competition.
The Hanoverian’s height varies from 15.3-17.2 hands (horses are measured in hands which is approximately 4 inches). This breed has no predominant colour and solid colours like chestnut, bay, brown, black and grey are common.
· Oldenburg
Another breed originating from Germany, the Oldenburg is the heaviest of the German Warmbloods and the most powerfully built of all Warmbloods. Big, powerful and impressive, the Oldenburg is most popular in showjumping and dressage as it is reliable in temperament and has regular paces.
Established in the 1600s initially as a carriage horse, the breed was later developed into an all-purpose riding horse and now it is bred specifically as a sport horse. However this breed still retains its ability as a powerful harness horse. The Oldenburg is known for its athletic ability, calm temperament and strength.
Standing between 16.1 and 17.2 hands in height, the Oldenburg is mostly found in brown, black and bay.
· Dutch Warmblood
The Dutch Warmblood is the product of Holland’s two indigenous breeds – the Gelderlander and the heavier Groningen. The breed is a proven performer in the showjumping ring and the dressage arena. A notable showjumper is the millionaire horse Milton known for its famous leap in the air that has brought crowds to a standing ovation. Milton and his illustrious partner, British Olympian, John Whitaker have shared many victories in international events.
A fairly modern breed, the Dutch Warmblood was developed in the 1960s to combine the best characteristics of both the native breeds and was further refined with the introduction of Thoroughbred blood. This resulted in an athletic horse with much improved scope and stamina. Reliable and intelligent, the Dutch Warmblood makes a good competition horse. As with all Warmbloods, the Dutch Warmblood continues to evolve and the breeding goes through a very strict selection process to ensure good conformation, action and temperament.
First Day Cover at 30sen each can be purchased at all post offices nationwide. Folders at RM5 each are only available at selected post offices.
Stamp enthusiasts are advised to join SODA (Standing Order Deposit Account) to enjoy the convenience of receiving their stamps and other philatelic products without having to queue up at the post office on the day of issue. In addition to that customers can now enjoy the convenience of Philately Online at www.posonline.com.my to open SODA account, top up and check for the balance in their SODA account and update personal details.
For further information log on to www.pos.com.my or visit your nearest post office or the Stamp & Philatelic Division at 1st Floor, Pos Malaysia Headquarters, Dayabumi Complex, Kuala Lumpur.
Alternatively, please call 03-2274 1122 ext. 6830 or e-mail to filateli@pos.com.my for enquiries.
