Finest Arabians horses on show at International Arabian Horse Festival

The first edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF), held under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani recently concluded in Katara.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Feb 2021, 10:00 BST

Some of the finest purebred Arabian show horses competed in the championships of the prestigious title show.

Stallions, mares, colts, fillies, and yearling, finalists in their respective classes, graced the arena, impressing judges and spectators with their graceful trot and absolutely gorgeous looks. Noft Alnayfat, a senior mare, and Sundown K A, a senior stallion, Arabians owned by Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa H A AL-Thani, proudly strutted off with the championship titles in their respective categories.

HE Professor Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, general manager, Katara, and chairman of the organising committee, Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, welcomed a number of Their Excellencies led by His Excellency Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports and heads of diplomatic missions to Qatar.

They included HE the Minister Plenipotentiary Mr Ali bin Saad Al-Naghmoush Al-Qahtani, Acting Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and His Excellency the Minister Plenipotentiary Mr Nasser Saqr Al-Ghanim - Deputy Ambassador of the State of Kuwait.

He pointed out that the highest standards of integrity and fairness were upheld during the title show, as the entire proceedings were held in accordance with the standards and rules set by European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO).

He also thanked all the sponsors, partners, officials, artists, and exhibitors at the festival for their valuable contribution. The officials, judges, and members of the disciplinary committee were also honoured by the general manager.

Besides the impressive title show, spectators were treated to a taste of Qatari heritage.

They were introduced to Hariri Al Shaqab, the poster-child for KIAHF and a world-famous stallion that has won numerous international awards and championships.

Audiences were also presented with a remarkable light and sound laser show accompanied by a parade of Arabians and their riders dressed in traditional costume.

Spectacular fireworks display and illuminated drones featured horse and rider along Katara’s waterfront, against the backdrop of traditional dhows.

A brightly-lit message welcoming people back to the next edition of KIAHF next year, brought the festival to a fitting finish.

The festival was held by Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, in cooperation with the Qatar Equestrian Federation, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, and Qatar Foundation.

Class 13 - Yearling Fillies

Gold: Jalyla AT, owned by Al-Dana Al-Meslemani - Al-Thumamah Stud.

Silver: Namah Al Shahania, owned by Al-Shahania Stud.

Bronze: Rafeef Al Shaqab, owned by Al Shaqab (member of Qatar Foundation).

Class 14 - Yearling Colts

Gold: AG Nobel Rafee, owned by Kaheel Stud.

Silver: Areeb Al Nasser, owned by Al Nasser Stud - Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani.

Bronze: Ghaith Al Shaqab, owned by Al Shaqab - Member of QF.

Class 15 – Junior Fillies

Gold: Maria Magdalena NWA, owned by Al Dana Al Meslemani - Al Thumama Stud

Silver: Sultanah Al Shahania, owned by H.E Sheikha Reem bint Mohammed A Al-Thani

Bronze: Al Wazna Al Shaqab, owned by Al Shaqab - Member of QF

Class 16 – Junior Colts

Gold: Muranas Nader, owned by Guy Jamar

Silver: Hader Al Shaqab, owned by Al Shaqab - Member of QF

Bronze: Wadee AlJassimya, owned by Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa H A Al-Thani

Class 17 – Senior Mares

Gold: Noft Alnayfat, owned by Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa H A AL-Thani

Silver: Rihab Al Nasser, owned by Al Nasser Stud - Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani

Bronze: Baviera HVP, owned by Sheikh Al Qaqa bin Hamad Kh H Al Thani

Class 18 – Senior Stallions

Gold: Sundown K.A., owned by Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa H A AL-Thani

Silver: EKS Mansour, owned by Al Shahania Stud

Bronze: Fadi Al Shaqab, owned by Al Shaqab - Member of QF