Arabian horses are the pride of Qatar and a part of the rich heritage and traditions that belong to this part of the world. Today, you see them at endurance competitions or showcased in special horse shows and championships. The Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF) is a world-class event being held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani from 2 - 6 February. The highlight of the Festival is a Title Show featuring magnificent purebred Arabian horses from 3 - 6 February.
His Excellency Prof. Khalid Bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, General Manager, Katara and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, said: “The Katara International Arabian Horse Festival enhances Katara's position as an incubator for international championships, events, and sporting events of all kinds. Further, it establishes Katara’s role in preserving the country's rich heritage in equestrian sport and the related Qatari legacy. It also enhances the status of purebred Arabians locally, regionally, and internationally. The festival reinforces the vital and harmonising relationship between culture and sport, while upholding and enriching the fundamental legacy of Qatar’s rich history in equestrian sport."
Qatar has previously hosted 29 international shows and championships for purebred Arabians. This is the first time the premier show is being hosted at Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, which was established to uphold the heritage and traditions of Qatar.
As one of the world’s highest-ranked shows, only the finest horses will be eligible to participate in KIAHF. The event seeks to strengthen the bond between purebred Arabians and the local community. It is the first event of its kind being held by the waterfront. Access to the festival area is free.
Arabian horses originated and were bred in the deserts of Arabia. Their distinct beauty and endurance have made them prized possessions. Arabians are renowned for their endurance, strength, superior stamina and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Their dense, strong bones, sound hoof walls, and large lung capacity make them suitable for endurance racing.
The KIAHF has received a great response from horse owners and breeders. It will witness the participation of 12 countries. Registrations have been received from various countries across the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and South America.
The KIAHF Auction Show took place on 29 January as a pre-event to the festival. It featured only those purebred Arabian horses that have already qualified for the Title Show. The Auction Show was conducted at Katara’s beautiful esplanade and a total of 11 purebred Arabian show horses were auctioned off.
Do you know that over 300 horses had registered in KIAHF’s Title Show?
The Show is the high point of KIAHF and will be a four-day event with some distinct features: it is the first event of its kind that’s being held at a waterfront and the prize money is one of the highest for an event of this type.
The total prize money is QR 13,000,000.
Access to the Festival area is free for the public.
Festival Area by the Katara Esplanade
3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sources: Horsy Planet; KIAHF; KIAHF Twitter
Cover image credit: Katara Cultural Village
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