In 1998 we left Germany and lived for 3 years in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Middle East). Then we moved on to the United States and then settled in Lake Chelan, Washington. Of course we did not consider making that move without our beloved Shagyas and imported five of them.

We first became acquainted with the Shagyas in 1980 when we volunteered as vet-assistants during an endurance race in Germany. The ride was won by 2 Shagya-Arabians and beside the fact that the Shagyas won they were fascinating & wonderful horses. The “Shagya-Seed” was planted in our hearts and we started to save some money to buy our first Shagya-Arabians – two colts, sired by Ibn Galal VI, bred by the Kleinekathoefers.

We raised and trained the young horses ourselves and participated in many endurance rides over the next couple of years with great success. Our dream always was to one day live in the US and that’s what brought us to Washington State in 2001.

We own a 85 acre estate, which includes an apple and cherry orchard, and a vineyard that has produced our first vintages in 2006. Currently we grow Riesling, Gewuerztraminer, Syrah, and Barbera. In 2009 we will be opening also our own winery. Best of all for us is the lovely setting of our location above Lake Chelan, which opens up to vast mountain trails for riding.

Denis has competed successfully in distance & cross-country running when he was living in Germany, so his interest in distance riding competition comes naturally.  His experience as a runner has given him a good sense of the conditioning requirements for distance riding. 

After 20 years of service with one of the world leading Software Companies, Denis finally retired from his Global Project Management Responsibilities in order to pursue their own businesses and - of course - spending also more quality time with his wife, horses, and pets at Lake Chelan.

Irmi continues to manage the home, stables, and theOrchard & Vineyard operation. 

The success of our riding training program has been demonstrated several times. For example in 2008 they came in first and second twice with Denis on*Nadjsha (Lenkoran II x *N’Obaja) and Irmi on Yallah a Purebred Arabian.

Lake Chelan Shagya-Arabians professionally breeds & trains Shagya-Arabians and Shagya-Arabian Outcrosses. 

With our experience for almost 3 decades now, combined with a perfect setup at Lake Chelan, the area provides clean air, an ideal mixture of grass, a dry & sunny climate and perfect training conditions, we will continue to produce exquisite and sound Shagya-Arabian horses of premium quality.

You are always welcome to make an appointment to visit us at Lake Chelan Shagya-Arabians. Find out more about this wonderful breed during a stay at Lake Chelan!

Denis & Irmi Atam