iddleEast M Championships
October 8-10, 2009 Amman, Jordan Story by Majid Alsayegh Photos by Reindert Jansen
UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THEIR MAJESTIES KING ABDULLAH AND QUEEN RANIA, the Royal Jordan Equestrian Federation held its show at the Royal Stables in Amman, Jordan. Her Royal Highness Princess Alia Al Hussein, President of the Royal Jordanian Equestrian Society and the Royal Jordanian Arabian Horse Association, presided over the annual show on October 8-10, 2009. The show has been held every year since 1989 and seems to improve year after year. The Executive Manager Ms. Galia Noorideen oversees every detail to ensure a smooth and well-functioning show. This year, Amman was blessed with rain two days before the show, which brought clear blue skies, bright sunshine, and vivid green show grounds. Beautiful centerpieces of colorful flowers and palm trees brought an extra air of festivity to the show. Gold Champion Senior Stallion MATRIX LL (Magnum Chall HVP x Estancia LL), owned by Nofal Kahook, Jordan. As many people involved in Arabian horse shows know, controversies abound worldwide about cruelty to show horses and the attempts by Abdel Hameed kept the show moving, accompanied by a variety certain competitors to win at any cost, regardless of the suffering of music, ranging from Dombuk solos to European Techno, of the horses. The show committee in Jordan made a priority to the voice of Andrea Bocelli. The voice and music of Johnny of letting handlers know that rules against any harsh handling Cash added another dimension from time to time. The lyrics of the horses would be strictly enforced and that cruelty would did remind a few spectators that cowboy life shared aspects of not be tolerated. The show seemed to demonstrate, with few the Bedu life; both have connections with horses, a nomadic life exceptions, happy and relaxed horses. The ambience of the show represented the best in Jordanian following the herds of cows and sheep, and the sadness of loves lost and days gone by. hospitality. Guests were treated to continuous servings of Special performances included a camel corps with camels delicious steaming Arabic tea and cold drinks as each day and riders exhibiting maneuvers in the ring with rhythm and progressed. The Bedu coffee maker, dressed in traditional garb, grace. While the camel seems to be a large, gangly animal, it made several rounds each day, serving guests with tiny cups carries its rider with care and agility, moving in harmony within of strong Arabic coffee, heavily flavored with cardamom ‌ the larger group of camels. a delightful complement to viewing classic Arabian horses! The equestrian team demonstrated exercises with the spear A combination of Western and Middle Eastern music set and sword. The spectators could see firsthand the athleticism, the mood for the show. Lively commentary by Mr. Abdullah dexterity, and nimbleness of both the Arabian horse and its 2 6 ARABIAN HORSE WORLD 6 JANUARY 2010