King Abdul Aziz
King Abdul Aziz
Khaleel Dirab (Rezaiq x Khuzamah), Champion Desertbred Stallion.
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he Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is rich in its history and heritage, a place where the Arabian horse is viewed as a cultural treasure. Ancient history has left a trail of evidence recording the development and refinement of the distinctive breed in many different forms of art,
literature, and poetry. To say that the Arabian horse is everything to the people of the Kingdom is an understatement. With the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz recognized the essential responsibility in preserving the long-standing Arabian horse heritage of the Kingdom. He created the King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Center to take care of pure Arabian horses in the Kingdom. Like a mirage rising as an oasis in the desert sand, this sanctuary for the Arabian horse is located in the beautiful, green valley of Dirab, 35 kilometers southwest of the Saudi Arabian capital city 2 â–Ş KAAHC â–Ş WORLD
of Riyadh. Established on two million square meters (750 acres) with more than 200 stalls, the Center has a state-ofthe-art veterinary lab, turn-out paddocks, and a show arena. There is also a library and art gallery, not to mention the offices that house the Arabian Registry of Saudi Arabia. All of this comes together due in part to the vision shared by current director Sami Suliman Al Nohait, who watches over the lush landscaping, beautiful green pastures, and airy barns. The Center is truly an idyllic setting in which to preserve the Arabian horse in Saudi Arabia. Though the Center was initially established by King Saud in 1961 to preserve the horses owned by the Royal family, over the years it has grown to include a number of other functions essential to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its horses. It serves and is recognized as the official authority for the registration of Arabians in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and is a member of the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO), the world’s regulatory authority for the Arabian horse. The registration process at the Center ensures that all internally regulated procedures are followed, including blood typing, DNA parentage testing, electronic tagging, pedigree recording, and ultimately issuing Registration Certificates and (as required) International Passports.
The horses of KAAHC are ridden regularly. Pictured here are four stallions heading out for their daily excercise. 3 â–Ş KAAHC â–Ş WORLD
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a member of the European Conference of Arabian Horse Organizations (ECAHO) and all horse shows held in the Kingdom are administered by the Center to ensure that they comply with all international rules and regulations. The Center also provides valuable resources for Arabian horse breeders in the Kingdom. Technical support and advice are made available with the assistance of the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization Equine Technical Team. It is significant to note that this partnership also produces a variety of educational material in both Arabic and English to serve its audience and encourage interest in the Arabian horse. As part of its mission to maintain and protect the heritage of the pure desertbred Arabian horse, the Center has bred and acquired stallions and a herd of broodmares whose lineage can be traced back to five of the original strains: Hamdani, Obayan, Sowaiti, Kuhailan, and Seglawi. Each mare chosen for the Center’s breeding program is carefully selected for its strong natural characteristics, which can be enhanced not only using the stallions owned by the Center, but with the advantage of frozen semen can also be crossed with some of the finest stallions worldwide. Each year the Center hosts visitors who come from around the world, ranging from tourists to foreign officials, diplomats, and various cultural organizations. Among other pleasures of visiting and touring the Center, guests are treated to private presentations of some of the finest Arabian horses. The Center is home to two specific herds of Arabian horses, each of which represents significant lineage to Saudi Arabia. The first is a herd of pure Saudi desertbred horses whose genealogy can be traced back to the original horses owned by the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, King Abdul Aziz Al Saud. The second herd is perhaps representative of the world’s finest Arabian
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show and racehorses, some of whom have been imported from Europe and the U.S. Each horse, be it a stallion or a mare, is a valuable asset in KAAHC and its mission to preserve and enhance the heritage of the true Arabian horse. Three of the key influences in the heritage breeding program at the Center are Al Taj (Al Wadah x Khuzamah); Khaleel Dirab (Rezaiq x Khuzamah); and Rezaiq (Haleem x Zhuriya). These magnificent stallions are direct descendants of the Kuhailan family strain. One of the founding desertbred stallions at the Center is Nadar (Eidan x Nadra), whose lineage
Left: One of the archways leading into the impressive show arena at KAAHC. Below: A beautiful view of KAAHC and the Dirab Valley which is located 35 kilometers southwest of the Saudi Arabian capital city of Riyadh.
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traces through a different family strain of Hamdani. These stallions reign supreme at the core of the Center’s missions, though there are others who have also been carefully selected and bred to begin making their genetic contribution to preserve the heritage and treasure of Saudi desertbred Arabian horses. The stallions at the Center who do not trace directly back to the desert breeding program are representative of the best of Egyptian Spanish, Russian, Crabbet, and Polish bloodlines from all around the world. To stroll the stables and see great after great, such as Wadim Ibn Sharkassow (Sharkassow x Walowska), Cue The Sun (Padrons Psyche x TC Kharieta), and Attar Dirab (Khidar x Masa Al Shaqab) is the stuff dreams are made of, and only a partial list of some of the great KAAHC owned stallions.
Ezz Dirab (Rezaiq x Barqat Dirab), left, and Khaleel Dirab (Rezaiq x Khuzamah), right, both champion desertbred stallions.
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Broodmares, however, remain the cornerstone in the Center’s ability to preserve and maintain the heritage of Saudi Arabia’s desertbred Arabian horses, and they are among the most cherished residents at the Center. The leader and perhaps most dominant of the desertbred mares is Khuzamah (Nadar x Afaf ). She is the dam of many of the desertbred stallions who stand at the Center, and is a multiple winner of desertbred classes. Her daughters have also made their mark in the breeding program, with Barqat Dirab (Al Wadah x Khuzamah) and Bint Khuzamah (Rezaiq x Khuzamah). This invaluable herd also includes Asalat Dirab (Khaleel Dirab x Zahwa), Hassnaa Dirab (Rezaiq x Layan Dirab), and Hayfaa Dirab (Kayid Al Thani x Haybah).
Desertbred mares Barqat Dirab (Al Wadah x Khuzamah) and Meznah Al Thlitha (Haleem x Dukhnah) with their foals.
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The non-desertbred mares are equally prized. Two stunning black mares of Thee Desperado lineage are perfect examples: Bint Fawazah (BJ Thee Mustafa x Fawazah) and Sheikhat Al Aredh (Thee Desperado x Nagham Dirab). With her Russian and Polish bloodlines, Silvers Melody (Negasimyi x Silvers Surprise) has been one of the most well respected mares for years at the Center. The stallion Thee Makers Mark has been crossed on many of the Center mares to create the excellent broodmares of Bint Mark (x Silvers Melody), Noor Al Salaf Al Thaniya (x Corana) and Tarfah Al Thaniah (x Polynezia).
The desertbred mare Bint Khuzamah (Rezaiq x Khuzamah) with her foal.
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The breeding decisions at the Center are headed by Director Sami Al Nohait, who recognized and spearheaded the effort to bring new influence into the program by using some of the best Arabian breeding stock in today’s modern market: WH Justice, Psytadel, Marwan Al Shaqab, FS Bengali, Thee Desperado, and many more. The Center is very proud of three of their exquisite WH Justice daughters: Shareefat Dirab (x Tarfah Al Thaniah), Qaseedat Dirab (x Noor Al Salaf Al Thaniya), and Fadwa Dirab (x Corana). Right: Director Sami Al Nohait with the desertbred mare Khameesah (Haleem x Khunass). Below: A foundation desertbred mare Khuzamah (Nader x Afaf) with one of her foals. Khuzamah is the dam of Bint Khuzamah (by Rezaiq), pictured on the facing page.
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The Center's three WH Justice daughters, pictured from left to right: Shareefat Dirab (x Tarfah Al Thaniah), Qaseedat Dirab (x Noor Al Salaf Al Thaniya), and Fadwa Dirab (x Corana),
Of utmost importance to the Center’s mission is the promotion of the natural athletic ability of the Arabian horse. Breeding goals include channeling the Arabian characteristics of energy, intelligence, and gentle disposition to excel in
valued mares in the non-desertbred
many equine sports and activities. The Center also operates a
collection.
training facility, which focuses primarily on performance, and includes most of the stallions standing at stud. Morning group rides around the Center are routine for every performance prospect, and some of the stallions are also trained to jump or are conditioned for endurance. One of the very first superstars produced by the Center was their performance stallion African Sky. Now deceased, he was an International Champion and contributed greatly to the performance breeding program.
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It should come as no surprise that the 200-plus horses who live at the center are given the very best care available. The Center has a highly trained team of professionals who ensure that each horse is healthy and happy, and its every need is met. The horses are fed a combination of grass and alfalfa hay that is grown and harvested on-site, and grain from a local company has been researched and designed specifically for horses that live in the desert and the extreme summer heat of Saudi Arabia. Horses have access to water 24 hours a day; it comes from deep ground wells, ensuring that the water is fresh and cold. The stables, though bright and airy, do have air conditioning and fans that can be used in the summer heat, and a watchman is on duty throughout the night.
Sheikhat Al Aredh (Thee Desperado x Nagham Dirab) and Bint Fawazah (BJ Thee Mustafa x Fawazah) with their foals, non-desertbred.
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KAAHC provided a key beginning to the success of Saudi Arabian horse shows, which continue to grow in popularity throughout the nation. KAAHC was essential to the start of the first Saudi National Arabian Horse Championships that where held right at the Center in 1996. There is now a Championship show held at Al Mohammadia Stud, the Al Hassa National Arabian Horse Show and the “Title Show” Al Khalediah Arabian Horse Festival, recently renamed the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Arabian Horse Festival. In 2007 KAAHC made another huge advancement in its diversity, exhibiting its prized horses for the first time at the world-famous annual Al Janadriyah International Cultural Festival in Riyadh. That same year KAAHC participated in its first overseas show, attending the Festival of the Arabian Horse in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The enthusiasm and excitement about the horses is significant, and KAAHC continues to exhibit its horses on an annual basis. In 2010 the Saudi National Arabian Horse Championship Show was moved from the Center to Al Sawary Farm in Jeddah, and was held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Top right: Non-desertbred Junior Champion Stallion Attar Dirab (Khidar x Masa Al Shaqab). Right: Cue The Sun (Padrons Psyche x TC Kharieta), non-desertbred.
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Three nondesertbred mares, pictured from left to right: Silver Melody (Negasimyi x Silvers Surprise), Mira Nair (Kubinec x Qualified), and Silvesta (Bagdad x Padrons Desiree).
Significant Milestones in the Development of the King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Center 1961 - KAAHC was established. 1986 - Became a member of the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO), an essential step in the preservation of the Arabian horse. 1991 - First Saudi Arabian Stud Book (Volume I) was completed after several years of research and identification of 913 Arabian horses in the Kingdom. By 1998 the Stud Book included more than 2,000 registered Arabian horses. To date there are seven completed volumes, with an eighth volume in progress. 1992 - European Conference of Arabian Horse Organizations (ECAHO) accepted the Center as an Associate Member representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Between 1993 and 1994 – Introduction of blood typing of all Saudi Arabian horses by the Animal Health Trust (Newmarket, England) to ensure the correct parentage used for the registration purposes. Electronic microchip system established for all Arabian horses in the Kingdom.
1994 - Volume II of the Saudi Arabian Stud Book was published, adding 280 Arabian horses. Volume III — added 296 horses. 1995 - Library and museum opened to house important reference materials and articles of historical significance. 1995 - Specialized equine veterinary clinic and pharmacy established. This made it possible to utilize reproductive technology including artificial insemination and embryo transfers. By 1997 the use of frozen semen was introduced, expanding breeding to Arabian stallions around the world. 1998 - The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah, renamed the center the King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Center. 2000 - KAAHC participated in Arabian horse racing for the first time. 2005 - An annual auction was established at KAAHC to allow the Saudi breeders to have access to the desertbred bloodlines and non-desertbred lines from the finest Arabian horses throughout the world.
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Gift from the Desert KAAHC was an active participant in the Gift from the Desert museum exhibition, and the documentary movie about the Arabian horse and its history, which was held in Kentucky (U.S.A.) in conjunction with the World Equestrian Games in 2010. Exhibits included pieces and collections related to the heritage of the horse throughout history in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The documentary film highlighted the Kingdom’s culture and interest in the equestrian sports, activities, and its remarkable history.
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Truly an oasis in the desert sands, the King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Center is a paradise for the Arabian horse in Saudi Arabia, and perhaps the world. The vision that was created by His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and continues to flourish today under the guidance of Director Sami Suliman Al Nohait, promises that the heritage of the nationally cherished true desertbred Arabian horse will forever be preserved, while the enhancement of the modern Arabian horse continues in earnest. Visitors from around the world are welcome to visit this amazing place, that not only showcases the vitality and versatility of the Arabian breed, but does so with a dignity and pride that cannot be equaled.
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As a visitor to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia it was exciting to see the Arabian horse in his homeland. The value placed on the preservation of the desertbred Arabian demonstrates the reverence the Saudi people feel for the origins of the breed. At the same time, their vision for the future is expressed in the development of modern breeding programs utilizing some of today’s top bloodlines. Recent results at some of the major international shows confirm the quality of their programs. The people of Saudi Arabia have a true foresight for great Arabian horses, beginning with their treasured desertbreds and now with well established modern breeding programs that can compete with the best in the world.
King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Center PO Box 33840 Dirab, Riyadh, KSA 11458 www.kaahcfao.com kaahc@moa.gov.sa or kaahc@yahoo.com
King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Center PO Box 33840 Dirab, Riyadh, KSA 11458 www.kaahcfao.com kaahc@moa.gov.sa or kaahc@yahoo.com
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