WAHO CONFERENCE 2022

By Deirdre Hyde

poned WAHO Conference which was generously hosted by the Royal Jordanian Equestrian Federation with the support of HM King Abdullah II.

We were warmly welcomed by HRH Princess Alia bint Hussain, familiar to many as a long standing ECAHO judge and a champion of animal welfare. To appreciate some of her work on welfare, check out the Al Ma’wa Centre for Nature and Wildlife, (www. almawajordan.org) to see the rescued bears and lions, which was such a highlight of the Conference tours.

For some people, WAHO is of little interest and others even question its validity, but this is failing to appreciate the work that has been done to bring together the world’s stud books and the almost impossible task of reaching an agreement for a definition for the Arabian horse: “A Purebred Arabian horse is one which appears in any purebred Arabian Stud Book or Register listed by WAHO as acceptable.” This enables all breeders in member countries to register, import and export one another’s horses with ease no matter what bloodlines they believe in.

WAHO holds a biennial Conference, where its main business is to meet with and receive the Registrars’ reports and update all members on WAHO business since the last Conference. It also invites expert speakers who make presentations on a variety of topics while special doors are opened to view private studs and places of interest in the host country. Members have enjoyed some remarkable experiences over the years in such countries as Oman, Syria, Bahrain, Australia and Poland. The opportunity to meet people and experience Arabian horse culture from all over the world make each WAHO Conference unique and well worth attending for anyone with a serious interest in the Arabian horse.

Founded in 1970, the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO) is a registered charity with its headquarters in the United Kingdom. There are now 82 countries affiliated to WAHO as Registering Authority Members, either in their own right or in the care of a neighbouring studbook authority, together with two applying member countries. WAHO has the responsibility of ensuring that standards acceptable to all Registering Authority Members are established and maintained in the matters of regulations, methods of registration and production of Stud Books.

Members Gather in Jordan

In October 2022, members of WAHO touched down at the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, the capital of the Kingdom of Jordan. They were attending the long-anticipated COVID-post-

Topics of Discussion

One of the recurring topics for debate in the main meeting has been the use of various modern reproduction techniques and the narrowing effects they could have on the genetic material of our horses. WAHO as far as it can, takes a conservative view and such things as cloning are strictly forbidden. Limitations on embryo transfer numbers also frequently comes up, and France has taken the step of limiting registration to one embryo and one naturally carried foal per year. It remains to be seen what effect this can have other than the donor mare being moved to another country. However, the principle was largely supported by the floor, reflecting the concerns serious breeders have on over production and the heavy use of a very small number of stallions in a world where demand for Arabians is diminishing and welfare becomes an issue.

Guest speakers included Peter Upton talking about The Jordanian Royal Stables while Gudrun Waiditschka (In the Focus magazine), Astrid von Velsen-Zerweck (Marbach Stud, Germany) and I gave presentations on Royal, State and Government Studs and Stables, Their Past, Present and Future. Rather a large subject to be squeezed into the timeframe, but which provided much food for post talk discussion and possibly a more in-depth production at some future date. My presentation ranged through the fascinating history of Arabians in the 16th Century courts of the Moguls, the Safavids and the Ottomans to the Arabians used in remount stables after the two world wars to the present day in University Studs of Cal Poly and Michigan State.

Additional Experiences

In the Middle East, hospitality and food often provide enduring memories, and we experienced this to the full, with an evening parade of Jordanian Breeders’ horses and a ringside buffet, a night of Circassian folk dancing accompanied by their special cuisine and the final Gala dinner with another impressive Circassian dance troupe. Jordan provides sanctuary to many refugees from surrounding countries, and they have greatly enriched the color and culture of the country.

One of the most anticipated post-conference events was the visit to The Jordanian Royal Stables. It would be hard to come up with a better way of spending time; a fascinating parade of their mare family groups, followed by a wonderful lunch served under the shade of the trees around the arena in the company of the most distinguished and beautiful mares who were turned loose for us to admire as we dined.

The Jordan Conference with its hospitality and old-world charm fully lived up to expectations, and we thank our generous hosts. The next conference will be held in Abu Dhabi in February, 2025. I strongly recommend saving the pennies to attend as it is likely to be another never to be forgotten experience.