Arabian Horses In Saudi Arabia

Life is extremely difficult in the immense deserts of Saudi Arabia, where the thermometer can reach temperatures of -15° at night from *al-Nufud al-Kabir to the golden sand covering an area of 105,000 km2. It stretches from *Jubbah, which is famous for Paleolithic rock art sites to Sakaka, located above a fossilized forest. There is also the desert of *al-Araqana, which connects Medina with Tabuk, and the small desert of *Néfoud ad-Dahna, as well as the *Rub Al-Khali, which has dunes covering a global area of 650,000 km2, as well as *Sabkhas, which can be hazardous for adventurers. In addition to playing an important role as a crossroads and the cradle of Islam, these provinces shaped Bedouin men, their character, and their soul to reflect the values they inherited. Most Bedouins in these provinces are livestock and horse herders. The best-known tribe is *Rwalah. Some tribes live in nomadism, some others, such as *Fellahin, have a somewhat sedentary lifestyle. However, they were known to attack with their swift steeds caravans crossing these deserts. In the beginning, they lived in black tents made of goat hair, separated by a partition called *gata, the animals were important for their nomadic lifestyle, camels as the main means of transportation or pack horses as the most valuable possessions, sometimes traded currency or honorary gifts between tribes. The Bedouin diaspora underwent significant changes in its traditions during the 20th century, caused by the knowledge of the Western way of life that the Ottomans had gained since 1920, which was intended to limit the power of the Bedouin tribes. The Bedouin society is based on blood ties, the family has a fundamental effect on the whole group, and each tribe recognizes the authority of a legitimized Sheikh. As part of the reunification of the tribes preceding the setting up of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a nation, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud, established the King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Center in Dirab to bring to the eyes of the world the history of Arabian horses. Culture of the pure Arabian horse in the country. It is the responsibility of the Kaahc to ensure the administrative control of the Arabian Horse register, as well as all Arabian horse-related activities in the Kingdom. In 1991 the World Arabian Horse Organization approved the first official Stud Book, and since then the Kingdom has experienced a significant cultural shift in terms of horse breeding, primarily in recent years, by adapting ancestral customs to contemporary times. Since the herd has grown considerably because of new breeders or owners who have poured considerable funds into developing victorious subjects abroad, taking into account the cross-origination at the level of mothers and breeders, it is imperative to monitor non-consanguinity. THE DIRAB ARABIAN HORSE CENTER has its breeding of high-quality horses originating from the cradle of the breed, boasting five bloodlines resulting from the collection, currently directed by Mr Abdulaziz Saud Al-Muqbil, who's assisted with logistics by the kind Obadah Zabadi. One must act according to the King's order and not ignore the breeding techniques that have been used in the Kingdom for several centuries. All horses reserved for the competition have a reputation for their authenticity, they mark the spirits of those who discover them, they are difficult to acquire, to export, they are the nation's greatest treasure. At present, national and international competitions are held each year on the country's hippodromes, with Equestrian Endurance Competitions and hardcore production Arabian horse breeding competitions organized by the King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Centre. Saudi Arabia is determined to be closer to Arabian horse events in the Middle East, and we won't have to wait long to learn more about that. 5TH SAUDI INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN HORSES SHOW King Abdulaziz Arabian Horse Center - Saudi Arabia 15th to 18th December 2021 At the various competitions, 132 females and 114 males in full condition competed in their respective age groups, resulting in a total of 246 competitors. FINALS RESULTS YEARLING FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP Gold - Ward al-Muawd, bay 2020 by SMA Magic One & Cinderellaa Breeder Al Sobaie - owner Sultan bin Mohammad bin Abdullah Silver - SK Tia, chestnut by ES Harir & Haifa ED Breeder - owner Al Sakab Stables Bronze - Salwa al-Mamlakah, chestnut 2020 by Vegas HEC & Sweet Venratta Breeder - owner Almamlakh Stud JUNIOR FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP Gold - D Hadeyyah, bay 2018 by Fa el-Rasheem & My Fair Rose D Breeder Dubai Arabian Horse Stud - owner Ajmal Stud Silver - Genovia WN, bay 2019by Exxalt & Geneva CS Breeder - owner al-Watan Stud Bronze - Hilaliyat al-Khalediah, bay 2019 by Yaasoup al-Muawd & Halah al-Khalediah Breeder al-Khalediah Stables - owner al-Khaled Farm SENIOR MARES CHAMPIONSHIP Gold - Bint Hazy al-Khalediah, grey 2013 by El Palacio & Hazy al-Khalediah Breeder al-Khalediah Stables - owner al-Khashab Stables Silver - Ghazalat al-Khalediah, bay 2010 by PA Gazsi & Argentina SS Breeder Davina Arabians - owner Ajmal Stud Bronze - Carmine al-Khaled, grey 2014 by Glorius Apal & Cosmopolitan J Breeder - owner al-Khaled Farm YEARLING COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP Gold - Ezz al-Khashab, grey 2020 by Emerald J & Malikat al-Moluk Breeder - owner Al Khashab Stud Silver - Khald al-Salam, grey 2020 by Emerald J & Rania JK Breeder - owner al-Salam Stud Bronze - Bander al-Waseel, bay 2020 by Salman al-Waseel & Modhawi Breeder - owner al-Waseel Stud JUNIOR COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP Gold - Mutabahi al-Hawajer, bay 2018 by Fa el-Rasheem & ZT Magrumi Breeder Alhajri - owner Najd Stud Silver - AJ Faik, grey 2019 by Shanghai EA & AJ Farha Breeder Ajman Stud - owner Tala Stud Bronze - CA Amadeus, bay 2019 by Titan As & TF Star Of Afrika Breeder - owner al-Watan Stud SENIOR STALLIONS CHAMPIONSHIP Gold - Alexxanderr, grey 2014 by Excalibur EA & AR Most Irresistible Breeder Butler Carson - owner al-Sayed Stud Silver - Fuerte, grey 2014 by Shanghai EA & Frymuska Breeder Dobrzynsji - owner al-Mokhidlat Stud Bronze - Amir al-Reeh, bay 2017 by Fadi al-Shaqab & Zahira al-Zobair Breeder - owner al-Reeh Stud Camels - The greatest treasure of Saudi Arabia A traditional image of the Middle East is the Arabian camels, also known as "vessels of the desert," which are one-hued dromedaries that carry people and goods through the vast desert expanses of the Arabian Peninsula. In addition to keeping the physical work going, camel wool is sought after, camel milk is rich in antioxidants, camel meat is consumed, and camel leather is widely used, the camel is a creature that deserves special attention. Among all races on Earth, camel breeding has always been an impertinence concern for the reasons outlined above, it has maintained its significance with breeding competitions, the most famous of which is the King Abdelaziz Festival, which takes place for forty days until mid-January in al-Rumhiya in the desert northeast 160 km from Riyadh, the owner of the most beautiful camel in the world will receive a staggering prize of 29 million euros in this early competition, carrying on the Bedouin tradition. These competitions, judged by uncompromising experts, classifying three colour categories, are very well attended by thousands of amateurs, who often make the trip to attend what is the holy grail for camel breeders from all over the Arab world. Camels have a very special place in the hearts of Saudis, it is an industry that is both agricultural and even more so that responds to the ancestral traditions of the country which places camelids on an equal footing with falcons and Salukis preceding very away from equines, competitions are organized throughout the year, which ensures the rewards of the most beautiful specimens, wealthy passionate owners invest hundreds of thousands of euros to acquire the most beautiful subjects of the breed whose staff is particularly chosen to take care of their animals. The hope of winning, if the prizes motivate the owners, nothing is at random, the camels must be shown in their natural state, the removal of their *ears *declawing, *dehorning, and other cosmetic procedures are considered cruelty to animals by the Saudi authorities throughout the Middle East and Asia. Offenders and those who sometimes use *botox to compensate for cheating face very heavy penalties, and all competing camels are X-rayed. Female camel owners have been allowed to compete with their animals since this year, often owning *maghatirs, a very old breed of camel very sought after, Princess Sirene bint Abdulrahman regularly takes part in competitions. For the comfort of the thirty-three thousand animals of great value which often come from the United States of America, Russia, France, a 'hotel' with 120 outdoor enclosures for camels is installed on the 32km² with about fifty workers are busy caring for and monitoring their 'champions', which represents several million dollars. Nearly one hundred thousand visitors come to see the biggest camel in the world, three meters high. Around 2.3 million camelids live in the Arabian Peninsula. 2022 Saudi International Festival For Arabian Horses T he name Ubayyah given to the Festival is that of the Mother of King Abdul Aziz al-Saud, a founding father of modern Saudi Arabia. There has been an increase in competition in Saudi Arabia since 2012, mainly due to the production which is not really controlled in the face of legitimate demand from new owners who take pride in competing with each other in front of the others, which is not a vain distraction, considering the recent development of the sector in the country, and overall prizemoney was 1 million Riyals. The 2nd Ubayyah Festival Organizers have set themselves the goal of creating one of the region's most important events dedicated to Arabian horses under Prince Salman bin Faisal al-Saud's High Patronage, with intangible cultural and traditional events anchored for generations in the country, the promotion of young painters and calligraphers, sculptors, a colourful and fabulous program with *Ardah equestrian prowess astounded by the lightness of the riders and the dancing horses strangely accompanied by a disc jockey, that objective was largely achieved this year... At an auction, about 40 Arabian horses were offered, with all the profits amounting to 48,000 euros going completely to charity, an example to follow wherever there is a competition of Arabian horses that can bring joy to people. In the middle of the desert, everything was gathered there for the benefit of the thousands of visitors, who could admire the exhibition of the fabulous historical epic of the Al Saud family, who possess ancient bloodlines that are guarded as preciously as diamonds. As for the quality of the horses, it has been at least two decades since the country has been focusing its efforts on the production of the greatest champions in type and movements around the world that certain local owners have been able to acquire at great expense, because of this, the national herd has grown considerably, so it is necessary to organize more competitions of all levels across its various provinces, as young and wealthy individuals become owners, they have committed to putting on events under the aegis of the King Abdulaziz Arabian Horse Center. In spite of the fact that there was an overabundance of participants, the invited judges, including a detachment of the Royal Guard, were expanding their expertise to make the necessary selection for the championship following the official launch of the competition, the King Abdulaziz Arabian Horse Center provides zootechnical classes on equine breeding in order to support its declared goals of supporting sports, culture, heritage, and purebred breeding activities in 2030. UBAYYAH JUDGES A - Mrs. Stojanowska Anna B - Mrs. Jamar Christine C - Mrs Darius Claudia D - Mrs Maria Annaratone - Ferraroni E - Mr McCrea Bruce F - Dr. Aragno Gianmarco G - Mr. Detailleur Koenraad H - Mr. Trela Marek In order to compete in the various B-International Championships, 151 females and 120 males in full condition competed in their respective age groups, for a total of 271 specimens. YEARLING FEMALES CHAMPIONSHIP Gold - Mothelah Almuawd, grey 2021 by Fa el-Rasheem & Hela al-Zobair Breeder - owner al-Muajwd Silver - Eradah Athbah, grey 2021 by Parys K & Leen Athbah Breeder - owner Athba Stud Bronze - HD Tarfa, bay 2021 by D jalaa & Jolya al-Hawajer Breeder - owner al-Sogor al-Yami JUNIOR FEMALES CHAMPIONSHIP Gold - Ward al-Mujawd, bay 2020 by S.M.A Magic One & Cinderellaa Almuajwd Breeder al-Subaie - owner al-Diriya Stud Silver - Shmoaa al-Enaya, bay 2020 by Sultan Alenaya & Malika Alenaya Breeder Enaya Stud - owner al-Nukhaysh Stud Bronze - Abha Elfina, grey 2019 by Jakhal Alfabia & ZT Maglal Breeder Ses Planes - owner al-Asool Stud SENIOR FEMALES CHAMPIONSHIP Gold - Perfinka, grey 2011 by Esparto & Perfirka Breeder Bialka Stud - owner al-Rajhi Stud Silver - La Era De Excalibur, grey 2016 by Excalibur EA & Expected Beauty Breeder Las Rosas - owner Alsayed Stud Bronze - D Seyasah, grey 2015 by Fa el-Rasheem & D Myasah Breeder Dubai Arabian Stud - owner al-Tamimi Stud YEARLING MALES CHAMPIONSHIP Gold - SK Shaheen, grey 2021 by Nabila al-Shaqb & SK Mia Breeder - owner al-Shaqab Stables Silver - Eyad Alkhaled, grey 2021 by Meteor Arabco & Eureka K.A Breeder - owner al-Khaled Farm Bronze - Fam Bandolero, grey 2021 by D Seraj & D Crysta lMoon Breeder José Morales Jordan - owner Wesam Nabil O Eid JUNIOR MALES CHAMPIONSHIP Gold - Shaman al-Areeb, grey 2019 by Excalibur & Morjana Breeder - owner al-Areeb Stud Silver - AJ Sabran grey 2019 by Aj Kafu & Aja Caprice Breeder Ajman Stud - owner al-Sehli Stud Bronze - Zayed al-Zayed, bay 2020 by Bade al-Hawajer & SS Dana Breeder - owner Alaead Stud SENIOR STALLIONS CHAMPIONSHIP Gold - Amir al-Reeh, bay 2017 by Fadi al-Shaqab & Zahira al-Zobair Breeder - owner al-Reeh Stud Silver - D Rawaj, chestnut 2017 by Fa el-Rasheem & S Shroud Breeder Dubai Arabian Stud - owner al-Zayed Stud Bronze - AHM Motgatres, bay 2018 by Marajj & Shamsat al-Shawamis Breeder - owner al-Yammahi Al Fursan - Endurance Cup - 120 KM Text by: William Richardot de Choisey & Waleed al-Riyah Pics by: Al Fursan Organization Translation by Sonia Smaldone A few years ago, al-'Ulâ was a peaceful town in the Hejaz of the Bedouins, located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, a region included in the seven governorates of the Medina Region. There are large crenellated massifs with ocher colours that interrupt black basalts within the lunar topography of the valley. Here, oases have been cultivated since ancient times... The richness of this country springs from its ancient culture and its heritage. UNESCO has designated al-Ulâ a World Heritage site since 2008. It is located near Hegra and Madâin Sâlih, both Nabataean caravan cities, like Petra in Jordan, on the route of incense and myrrh transported from southern Arabia to Gaza. In 2011, Prince bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud established the Misk Foundation as a program of dynamic initiatives for technology, arts, and culture, followed by 2015, a program of reforms of all kinds formed by the new rulers of the Saudi Royal Family to promote economic liberalization by 2030 for the modernization of the country. This specific equestrian endurance event has become one of the most important sporting events of the season and is classified as two stars in the list of the International Equestrian Federation. The sands reveal the Arabian past, the ride is tough for both the man and the horse, having to contend with the weather and the natural elements in the Middle East. The sport of equestrian endurance is physically and mentally demanding on both horse and rider, who often push their limits, despite being timed. The focus is on the best condition of the horse at the finish line, but, because of their versatility, Arabian horses often occupy the top of the register of victories. The launch of the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup 2022 witnessed massive international participation, with total prize money of 4.2 million USD. About 206 riders participate with horses owned by local owners, they set off to finish the 120 km drawn on a desert territory, including terrain variations, four mandatory stops to check the horses' condition = 1st stop 37.7 km, 2nd stop 31.6 km, 3rd stop 28.0 km, 4th stop 22.7 km. 142 competitors could not finish the race for various reasons, all pairs in good condition, the participation of Saudi riders is impressive! It was an almost grouped finish of the event won without contest by two Uruguayan riders: Federico Ferber achieved a speed of 21.9 km / h with HC Yaiza, a female a.ar born in 2011 in al-Ain Stables, and Andrés Rivera achieved 21.9 km / h with SM Fabricio, a male a.ar born in 2011 in al-Ain Stables. They received their trophies from Prince Abdallah ben Abdelaziz al-Saud, a great moment for all horses lovers. Therefore, Saudi Arabia is at the crossroads of tradition and modernity in "The threshold between tradition and modernity". Alula - The Cultural Program A s part of the program of multiple activities within a model of economic and economic development, the program of King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud to enhance the local cultural heritage in support of this concern for international openness, a first artists' residence was inaugurated around the theme of the rebirth of this oasis. In order to encourage cultural exchanges, the immense artist Marine Oussedik represented her creativity in a large mural imaged by her art as a guest of honour. Sport & Culture - Al -Ula Desert polo tournament 2022 S even thousand years of history get woven into the valley of al-'Ulâ. All the great 'badawiyoune' Bedouin tribes as the Ruweilah, the Anazeh, the Howaytat with branches like Ibn Jazi, Abu Tayi, the Anjaddat, and the Sulaymanniyin, lived through the time of great political movements, including the Hejaz Railway, whose famous Colonel Lawrence (Laurence of Arabia) had succeeded in uniting all the tribes to protect Medina. It is an extraordinary place that the Saudi government has taken into account to enhance its heritage territory and turn to internationalization that is also cultural, Alia Keys performed at Maraya, and renowned architect Jean Nouvel designed Sharran Project, a luxury hotel nearing completion. As part of planning sports activities in this desert region of the Hegra site designated by Unesco as a World Heritage site, with the necessary protective reserves, to facilitate the arrival in Saudi Arabia, direct flights from Paris to Al-Ula have now become permanent for Europeans. Initially, the Royal Commission for al-Ula partnered with the Saudi Polo Federation, led by Amr F. Zedan, to organize a Polo event, which needed a major technical partner to be successful by bringing together financial partners. For the first time, the Maison Richard Mille, known for prestigious events, attracted enormous international participation of riders and their mounts. Despite ever-growing success at the second Richard Mille Al-Ula Desert Polo Tournament, it got reserved for a certain elite with a significant financial component remaining in the excitement of watching a competition in this breathtaking place, where the horses in this desert appeal to the memories of a thousand-year-old civilization. Several of the fans of this discipline who attended the first edition returned for the second. As a public that loves to admire the sporting side of the best players in the world in action, emulation has also been carried out by the influx of Saudi royalties and friends, such as HRH Prince Abbas bin Ali bin Nayef, HRH Prince Sultan al-Faisal, Sheikha Alya al-Maktoum, and HSH Prince Carl von Oettingen became enthralled to this sport, Prince Bader al-Farhan, Minister of Culture and Governor of the site, and the most fervent actor for the cultural and sporting development of its territory. A prominent community that brings together professional players who get the support of major sponsors. The Dolfina Polo Team, founded by Adolfo Cambiaso, is an example of perseverance in supporting a successful team, the English House of Bentley is always present at the call, which allows the Royal Commission for Al-Ula to ensure a long partnership to maintain an equestrian strategy, which could eventually become a destination for all horse lovers by developing Polo in Saudi Arabia, often defined as 'Sport of the Kings'...