Historical introduction to the Shagya Arabian, the fabled breed from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Shagya-Arabian combines the advantages of the Desert Arabian (elegant type, great hardiness and toughness, endurance, easy keeping, and inborn friendliness toward humans) with the requirements of the modern riding horse. These requirements are sufficient height, big frame, and great rideability including great movement and jumping ability. The International Shagya-Araber Gesellschaft (ISG), is the umbrella organization for the breed and works with all of its international member registries in their efforts to preserve, maintain and promote the breed.