Qrec Magazine by Alim editrice

History of Success

The Arabian Horse Show

“For more than 30 years, we have been organizing Arabian Horse Shows to preserve the legacy, encourage the community to breed high-quality Arabian Horses and to make Qatar the forefront in the field of Arabian Horses”

QATAR RACING & EQUESTRIAN CLUB

During the reign of the Umayyads and the Abbasids, the horse trade developed in the territory of present-day Qatar. Purebred Arabian horses have been bred there for at least 400 years. The ancestors of the sovereign family migrated to the Arabian Peninsula thanks to their Arabian horses, which were an important part of their livelihood. The independence of this small State owes much to the horses of the troops of Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani, who repelled the Ottomans in 1893. In 1907, for every 1430 camels, 250 horses were counted in this sparsely populated area. In the 1930s, the tribes still practiced mostly horse and camel breeding. The Qatari people have kept a strong attachment to this animal, considered a prestigious gift, since its long history of nomadic breeding. When the Emirate became independent in 1971 after having started to get rich thanks to gas and oil, the will to develop equestrian and horse investments was quickly realized.

The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) was created in 1975, with the objective to organize horse races in Qatar, to promote the breeding of blood horses and to promote Qatar as a world hub for horse racing and a leader in the pure Arabian breed. Since then QREC has been working towards achieving excellence in planning, regulating and developing Qatar’s equine industry to reflect the world’s best practices, promoting QREC’s social responsibility and broadening its audience base locally and globally.

The Al Shaqab stables, created in 1992 in Al Rayyan, were built on the site of the battle of Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani against the Ottomans. They are the flagship of Arabian thoroughbred breeding in Qatar, giving birth to several world champions.

In 2006, Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani invested in the construction of the first racetrack. In 2011, the prestigious Al Shaqab stables became an elite sports complex. It was one of the main arguments for Qatar’s bid to host the 2022 World Equestrian Games, as it is expected to eventually host all recognized equestrian sports, including eventing, vaulting and combining driving which are not currently practiced in Qatar.

Considering the cultural roots of horse breeding, not just Arabian horses, and their relationship with humans in the history of Qatar, we cannot fail to consider the importance of horses and their derivation from religious tradition.The horse, especially the Arabian horse, has always had a great place in the local culture due in particular to the influence of the Quran, in which the breeding of horses was encouraged by Muhammad. The cultural heritage of the Qatari Amirs also plays a role: horse riding and falconry are part of the traditional practices that glorify their power and tribal heritage. This explains the extent of attention placed by Gulf countries in equestrian activities.

QATAR

RACING & EQUESTRIAN CLUB

Qatar now has top-level jockeys and world-renowned purebred Arabian horses. Since the 21st century, it has been organizing highly endowed horse races and important equestrian sports competitions, such as the Global Champions Tour, and international endurance riding competitions.

Equestrianism is one of the most popular Qatari sports and has a major economic and cultural significance in Qatar.

The care and breeding of Arabian horses translates in encouraging local breeders to actively participate in preserving this cultural legacy, with a focus on hosting international championships.

An international equestrian festival is held in February each year. It includes 7 richly endowed races, the most prestigious of which is the “Amir Sword”. This event is an opportunity to show the best Arab - and English - horses in the State.

A transformative chapter for Qatar’s equestrian scene is its hosting of the World Arabian Horse Championship (WAHC), for the first time in 42 outside of Paris where it was born and held for 42 years. The decision to host the Championship in Qatar stems from a partnership between Katara and the National Center of Agricultural Exhibitions and Agricole Competitions S.A (CENACA), securing Qatar’s role as the host for both 2023 and 2025. This marked the biggest challenge in the world panorama of the Arabian horse beauty shows, as it gives Qatar the chance to measure up to a more than 40-year tradition.

The Cultural Village Foundation further demonstrates its commitment to horse heritage through the annual Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF), a monumental event which includes competitions such as the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, the Arabian Horse Auction, and the prestigious Title Show.

QATAR RACING & EQUESTRIAN CLUB

The QREC Arabian Horse Show Section is a symbol of the rich heritage. The Section dedicates its efforts to preserving the QREC’s activities in the purebred Arabian horse show discipline. Through the Section, QREC contributes to raising awareness of the Arabian horse show discipline among owners and those interested and presenting it in its best form through organising national and international championships in cooperation with ECAHO along with the associated activities, which aim to attract some of the elite specialised trainers and handlers. QREC seeks to provide an ideal environment, which combines heritage and innovation, providing equestrian enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and splendour of Arabian horses in high-level competitive contexts.

Seven Arabian horse shows are held from October to April every year. The first show of the season is the Qatar Arabian Horse Breeders Cup. It is followed by several other shows and most prominent of these is the Doha International Show, which attracts top-level international exhibits. The seasons concludes with the Qatar Arabian Peninsula Horse Show for Individual Owners.

Driven by its vision to promote and enhance the Arabian horse culture locally and internationally, QREC seeks to support the various equestrian activities in the country by participating and supporting the organising of national and international shows in various sectors such as the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, the Global Arabians Champion Tour and Souq Waqif Arabian Horse Festival. The Arabian Horse Show Section, further, organises horse auctions through which opportunities are created for owners to increase and diversify breeding, which improve the quality of horses bred in and imported to Qatar. In addition, the Section organises several workshops related to horses with the aim of raising the efficiency of trainees, developing their capabilities and providing them with the knowledge and skills, which help them perform their professional tasks effectively according to the best international standards and approved specialised curricula in the field of Arabian horses.

Vision

To be a pioneer in enhancing and preserving the status of purebred Arabian horses in Qatar through organising the most prominent activities and events locally and internationally.

Mission

To organise and support purebred Arabian horse shows and encourage active participation in shows, auctions and workshops, contributing to the exchange of expertise and knowledge with the relevant authorities and owners, with the aim of enhancing the high level of organisation and ensuring the safety of horses and the continuous development of the sector.

Qatar Arabian Breeders Cup

The Breeders Cup is the first show of the Qatar Season and is organized for Qatari Breeders, the owner must be the breeder of the horse since birth. The show is recognized by ECAHO (European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations) and is a Breeders Show in category. The Breeders Cup will be held over three days and will be located at Al Shaqab Indoor Arena, it is expected to showcase more than 100 horses, promising a delightful show. Divided into classes, horses awarded 1st to 5th place will receive medals, horses placed in first, second and third from each class will qualify for the Championships. Six Championships medals are given under the following categories Senor Stallions, Senior Mares, Junior Fillies, Junior Colts, Yearling Fillies and Yearling Colts.

Qatar Arabian Horse Show for Local Bred

To be a pioneer in enhancing and preserving the status of purebred Arabian horses in Qatar through organising the The Qatar Arabian Horse Show for Local Bred is focused on horses bred and born in Qatar, giving the opportunity for individuals and the horses of Qatar to compete. The Local Bred Arabian Horse show is a C National category and recognized by ECAHO (European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations) and will be held over two days after the Breeders Cup at the Al Shaqab Indoor Arena, and as like the Breeders Cup, horses awarded 1st to 5th place will receive medals and horses placed in first, second and third from each class will qualify for the Championships. Six Championships medals are given under the following categories Senor Stallions, Senior Mares, Junior Fillies, Junior Colts, Yearling Fillies and Yearling Colts.

Al Rayyan National Arabian Peninsula Horse Show

The Al Rayyan National Arabian Horse Show is being held and organized for the first time this season, the show is an specific origin show and for straight Egyptian horses, open to all horse owners in Qatar and recognized by ECAHO (European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations) The show will be hosted on the grounds of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian at a beautiful

QATAR RACING & EQUESTRIAN CLUB

QATAR RACING & EQUESTRIAN CLUB

outdoor venue. Horses awarded 1st to 5th place will receive medals and the top three placed horses from each class will qualify for the Championships.

Qatar National Arabian Horse Show

The Qatar National Show, in association with ECAHO (European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations) is an N category show, and has been organized by the QREC for over 27 years, it is known for being a very popular show, with the largest number of participants every year, over 400 beautiful Arabian horses take part including Foals, allowing a showcase of the future generation and their potential. All horses must reside in Qatar and have a Qatar based owner or Stud. The show will also be held at our outdoor venue at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club and over four days. Horses awarded 1st to 5th place will receive medals, but only the top three horses from each class will qualify for the Championships, where Gold, Silver and Bronze will be crowned for the six categories, Senor Stallions, Senior Mares, Junior Fillies, Junior Colts, Yearling Fillies and Yearling Colts.

Doha International Arabian Horse Show

The Doha B International Show is one of our top tier shows as a B International category, in association with ECAHO (European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations, with horses competing from local and International destinations for the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. Over 300 horses take to the show ring featuring participants from other GCC regions such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The show will also be hosted at our outdoor venue situated on the beautiful grounds of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club and will be held over four days. Horses awarded 1st to 5th place will receive medals and the top three placed horses from each class qualify for the Championships.

Qatar National Arabian Horse Show for Individual Owners

The Qatar National Arabian Horse Show for Individual Owners held by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club is another C National category and in association with ECAHO (European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations) The Show and has been organized by the QREC for twelve years and is for individual national owners only. The show will be held over three days at Al Shaqab Indoor Arena and witnesses over 300 local Arabian horses to the grounds competing for the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. Horses 1st to 10th place will receive medals and the top three placed horses from each class qualify for the six categories of Championships.

QATAR RACING & EQUESTRIAN CLUB

Qatar Arabian Peninsula Horse Show for Individual Owners

The Qatar Peninsula Horse Show for Individual Owners held by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club is a specific origin category and recognized by ECAHO (European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations) This show and has been organized for ten years in Qatar. The show will be held over three days at Al Shaqab indoor arena after the Qatar Nationals and is the last show of the Qatar Season, it is expected to see over 200 beautiful Straight Egyptian horses. Horses awarded 1st to 10th place will receive medals and the top three placed horses from each class will qualify for the six categories of Championships.

Majid Nasser Al Kaabi Show Director – Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club

“The Arabian Horse shows organized by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club are considered one of the most famous championships in the State of Qatar and are in association with the Europe Conference of Arab Horse organizations (ECAHO).

Show Horse owners participate at various levels, from beginners to professionals in the breeding of Purebred Arabian horses. The championships vary in terms of the quality in order to allow the opportunity for a large segment of society to participate with a selection of accredited and international officials that attribute to our tournaments”

During our stay in Qatar, we were honored to interview Mr. Majid Nasser Al Kaabi, Show Director of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.

Q: Mr. Majid, can you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’ve been in the equestrian industry for 32 years since 1992 I started as a horse owner with a great passion for the Arabian Show Horse and was welcomed into the profession and started assisting the Equestrian Federation and the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, over the years I have been a professional in the industry having the honor in sharing my experience and knowledge to others. In 2021, I came back to where it all began and I am currently the Director of the Arabian Horse Show Department at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.

Q: We have known each other since the beginning of our magazine Tutto Arabi,27 years ago. Can you tell our readers how the world of the Arabian horse has changed over the years?

The knowledge and experience the horse owners now have compared to all those years ago, the number of horses and breeding has dramatically increased, and due to this the conditioning and quality in the breed has changed. The profession of the Arabian Show Horse Trainers and Handlers has also become more popular and a general interest in the industry. I would like to add that the breeding and exercise for our beloved Arabians is now more advanced and natural… introducing new ways.

Q: You have just approved the new calendar for the 2024/2025 season, tell us your comments on this busy season in Qatar.

Next season is defiantly looking promising and extremely busy with a full calendar from October to April, including a new show being organized for the Straight Egyptian horses, allowing more possibilities to the horse owners in Qatar, adding on to this, the Qatari Government is also supporting the horse owners so that Qatar can expand and increase the popularity in the industry. The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club will also be hosting workshops and courses in the season to maintain, share knowledge, educate, and hopefully gain new interests in the Arabian Horse world.

Q: In your opinion, in general, is there a balance in Ecaho’s show calendar between local and national shows and international shows, or should we have more national shows to encourage new breeders to participate?

It would be good to see an increase in the International Shows and the prizemoney in all regions to benefit the owners and gain more participation, although with such a small time frame for the season in the GCC, it has become apparent that owners are struggling somewhat to attend shows other that Qatar as there are many shows in the GCC in a short amount of time, however as mentioned the Qatari Government is supporting and now providing land to individual owners to help build stables, which will help the industry keep moving forward and should boost the local and national show participation which will then hopefully lead to more opportunities for the international shows.

2024

4th Qatar Arabian Breeders Cup 24th - 26th October 2024

4th Qatar Arabian Horse Show for Local Bred 27th - 28th October 2024

Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show 14th - 17th November 2024

27th Qatar National Arabian Horse Show 27th - 30th November 2024

1st Al Rayyan National Peninsula Horse Show 2nd - 4th December 2024

4th B Doha International Arabian Horse Show

19th - 22th December 2024

2025

6th Souq Waqif International Arabian Horse Show 14th - 16th January 2025

14th Qatar International Arabian Peninsula Horse Show 18th - 20th January 2025

Katara International Arabian Peninsula Horse Show 29th January - 1st February 2025

Global Champions Arabian Tour (GCAT) Doha 5th - 8th February 2025

13th Qatar National Arabian Horse Show for Individual Owners 9th - 11th April 2025

10th Qatar National Arabian Peninsula Horse Show for Individual Owners 12th - 14th April 2025

QATAR RACING & EQUESTRIAN CLUB

by Tutto Arabi Magazine

In the splendid setting of the Outdoor Arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation in Doha, Qatar, the 3rd edition of the Ecaho-affiliated International B took place. The importance of this show at the beginning of the year is fundamental, as the first three horses in each class will be considered qualified and able to participate in the subsequent and numerous Class A and Title shows to be held in the Middle East. In fact, of the 378 entries in the show, only about 70 will be accepted into the next competitions, obviously in addition to those already qualified. The event took place from 5 to 8 January.

The arena for this show was adapted to the needs - it has been furnished with panels separating the ring from the collecting ring and the two side strips have been used as VIP areas. The result is an elegant look beautifully designed with the help of Mrs. Aisha Ahmad Al Ahmadi. An optimal solution given that the original

Organising Committee

Mr. Bader Mohammed Al Darwish | CEO

Mr. Majid Nasser Al KaabI | Show Director

Mr. Saad Ali Al Kubaisi | Dy. Show Director

Mr. Ahmed Amanallah Al Sheebani | Manager of Support Services

Mr. Salem Al Mari | Director of Marketing and PR

Ms. Hedaya Abel | Head of Finance

Ms. Aisha Ahmad Al Ahmadi | Head of Application

Ms. Huda Al Hail | Head of IT

Mr. Hamad Al Kuwari | Head of General Services and Protocol

Mr. Saeed Al Rashdi | Dy. Head of Stables

Show Committe

Ms. Rebecca Thomas | Show Coordinator

Mr. Fajar Sadiq | Show Coordinator

Ms. Cristina Cicolin | Show Coordinator

Ms Dalya Tariq | Show Coordinator

Mr. Abdul Ghani Touzri | Office Assistant

Mr. Abdunnoor Motosinali | Office Assistant

Mr. Juhaim C.P. | Official Photographer

Ms. Nabilah Al Ali | Announcer

Ms. Manal Salmi | Announcer

Arabian Essence | Computer Scoring

location is circular. . Also excellent was the catering service ‘Al Messila’, which served lunch and dinner to all guests on all days of the event. Numerous owners and breeders came from Kuwait, KSA, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt and all were helped by Mrs. Dalya Tariq and Mr. Fajar Sadiq for supporting them in the process of importing their horses. The great work took place in the field and behind this great event are Mr. Bader Mohammed Al Darwish, CEO of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), Mr. Majid Nasser Al Kaabi Director of the show and Mr. Saad Ali AlKubaisi a Deputy show director, who we have seen award several categories and who were perennially attentive to the success of the show. The list of all those who worked on this show is obviously very long. Mrs. Rebecca Thomas (UK) and Mrs. Cristina Cicolin (It) Show Coordinators have been a daily contact and guide for all of us media, judges, all DC staff and vets.

Judges:

Tomasz Tarczynski | Poland

Ali Ghanem Al Mazrouei | UAE

Marek Trela | Poland

Koenraad Detailleur | Belgium

Maria Ferraroni | Italy

Tarek Hamza | Egypt

Carmelo Gimenez | Spain

Mohamed Oussidhoum | Morocco

Elyas Ebrahim Faraj | Bahrain

DC:

Ms. Barbara Pfistner | Switzerland

Ms. Line Brunsgaard | Denmark

Ms. Christine Keyser | Norway

Dr. Vet. Noora Fawzy | Egypt

Ringmaster: Roberto Ceccaroni | Italy

Veterinary Commitee:

Mr. Dr. Oussama Meraimi | Qatar

photos by Simone Bergamaschi

Great work for DCs Mrs. Line Brunsgaard, Mrs. Christine Keyser, Barbara Pfistner and Mrs. Noora Fawzy, who checked the horses for each class before and during. The 23 classes were judged by Mrs. Maria Ferraroni (Italy), Mr. Tomasz Tarcyznski and Mr. Marek Trela (Poland), Ali Ghanem Al Mazrouei (U.A.E.), Mr. Koenraad Detailleur (Belgium), Mr. Tarek Hamza (Egypt), Mr. Carmelo Zaragoza (Spain), Mr. Mohamed Oussidhoum (Morocco), Mr.ElyasFaraj (Bahrain). Mrs. Nabilah Al Ali from Kuwait and Mrs. Manal Salmi took turns at the microphone as announcers. Excellent work by Mr. Roberto Ceccaroni - Ring master - who despite almost four hundred horses never lost his proverbial self-control.

The categories started each day at 2.00 pm, the weather was wonderful and everything went well for the 4 days where the horses qualified for the final clash, the championship held immediately after the last three stallion categories.

The final day of the championships begins with the first large group of Yearling Fillies and it is “MHS SORA” (EKS FARAJJ x NOOF) owned by Mubarak Alkhashab - Alkhashab Stud that takes the first Gold medal. The Silver goes to “AYSHA EV” (JYVAR MEIA LUA x PIETRAH EV) and the Bronze medal also goes to AL JUMAIL Stud with “NOUF ALJUMAIL” (NAMOUS AL SHAHANIA x ASSUNTA GCA).

We continue with the 2/3 year old fillies and “MZOON AL DIRIYAH” (KANZ ALBIDAYER x KADI AL ENAYA) owned by Mesfer Mohammed M A Al Hajri (QAT). Silver for “J SHAMASI” (EXCALIBUR EA x AJ ANSAM) owner AL WAJBA STUD. Bronze for “SAB’AH AL SHAHANIA” (MARWAN AL SHAQAB x ASSILAH AL SHAHANIA) owner H.E Sheikha Iman M K Al Thani. In the mares championship is gold medal “D FALA” (EMERALD J x FER FIERA BLANCA) owner Al Salem Stud. Silver is “ASHADIYA” (AMMAR EL MABROUKA x MAHRIAH) owned by AL NASSER STUD - SHEIKH NAWAF BIN NASSER AL THANI. Bronze medal for ‘E.M QUEEN DESERT’ (FADI AL SHAQAB x WAJD AL SHAQAB) owned by AL HAMAD STUD.

It is evening now, we begin to see jackets and coats on the field and in the stands, but the tension for the males championship makes us forget even the cold of the desert. The male yearlings enter, there are so many of them and it starts to become difficult to give a judgement but the judges have no doubts and the first gold goes to “QAYSAR RJ” (GHAITH AL ZOBAIR x QAMAR RG) 2023 Arabians Bay Colt Foal (SA) owned by Hamd Bin Mohammed Bin Suliman Alrajhi - Al Rajhiah Stud. To follow we have a silver medal for AL WAJBA STUD with ‘AESAR ALWAJBA’ (AJ RADMAN x LR ALTAGRACIA). Bronze goes to “ZAYED AL JUMAIL (SMA MAGIC ONE x NOOR AL JAWAD) by Al Jumail Stud (QA).

Moving on to the 2/3 years old colts we see “BAHI AL JAHAM” (BADIEA AL NASSER x BREA EA) owned by Al Jaham Stud (QAT) bring home a Gold medal. Silver for ‘KASSAR RAGHDAN’ (AJA JUSTAFIRE x DEMETRRIA) owned by Mr. Bader Alrasman. Bronze medal for “HAMZA AL SHAHANIA” (EKS MANSOUR x MISS MARWAN PA) owned by Sheikha Reem Mohamed Khalifa H AlThani.

The ring really fired up due to the large number of stallions in the arena and gold goes to Kuwait with “BASHIR AL BASHIR” (GALLARDO J x NASTYA OS) owned by ABDULLATEEF BASHEER REJA ALRASHEEDI. The silver medal instead goes to Bahrain with ‘TAHAN GHALEB’ (FA EL RASHEEM x TAYBAH) owned by Nr. Mostafa Abdulrahman Rajab. The bronze medal goes to Qatar with “MANSOUR AL KHOR” (WADEE AL SHAQAB x RUMAITHA AL ZOBARA) owned by Mr. Fahad Rashid M K Al Hajri.

The show ends with the customary awarding ceremony for the judges and all the numerous operating staff. Me personally, my photographer and Tuttoarabi feel honoured to have started the year 2024 in one of the best well organised shows and I thank again the QATAR RACING & EQUESTRIAN CLUB for the wonderful hospitality. See you next year, in the meantime you can enjoy Simone Bergamaschi’s pictures of the show (simone_bergamaschi_photographer). q