ADIHEX organizes the Arabian Horse Auction – Speed Races
Abu Dhabi
Horses have played an important role throughout human history all over the world. Equestrian is an essential and pivotal sector in Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian since its establishment in 2003, which represents the big efforts of UAE in preserving heritage sports and authentic traditions and introducing the importance of the purebred Arabian horses to people around the world.
The next edition (ADIHEX 2022) witnesses the participation of a wide range of regional companies specialized in the manufacture of riding supplies, trailers, horse boxes, horseshoes, saddles, horse bridles, nutritional supplements and feed, horse riding clothes and shoes, as well as equestrian skills schools. This is in addition to special features that attract horse lovers of all age groups.
The Emirates Arabian Horse Association (EAHS) participates annually in ADIHEX, and it is considered a major and active partner in the features and activities of this important sector. In cooperation with the Emirates Falconers Club, the Emirates Arabian Horse Association will participate this year in organizing “the ADIHEX 2022 Arabian Horses Auction – Speed Races”, where about 20 to 30 horses will be auctioned by Arabian horse breeders and owners in addition to those interested in acquiring elite flat race horses.
During the exhibition, the Emirates Arabian Horse Association will organize several educational lectures on the equestrian sector platform revolving around the Association’s registration services, the horse feeding system, the conditions for registering the Arabian horses, and the characteristics of the Desert Arabian horses.
The Association’s pavilion at ADIHEX will showcase the chronology of its history and origins, the first Arabian Horses Electronic Studbook in the Middle East, the Association’s services, a small museum of its most prominent collection, statistics for breeders, owners and stables of Arab horses registered in the UAE, photo gallery of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, a chronological photo gallery of the Arabian horse beauty contests, and rare heritage articles on the Arabian horses, in addition to a display screen of the Arabian horse beauty contests organized and supervised by the Association over the past seasons, small platforms for displaying horse saddles, and a corner for live drawing sessions of the Arabian horses.
The 19th edition of ADIHEX is organized by Emirates Falconers’ Club from 26 September to 2 October 2022. Its official sponsors are the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, International Fund for Houbara Conservation, and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre where the event is being held. Moreover, the sponsor of “Hunting Guns” sector is Caracal International LLC, the visitor experience partner is POLARIS-Specialized Sports Equipment, the features sponsors are Smart Design and the Royal Tent Company, the official Automotive partner is ARB Emirates, while the supportive partner is the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The upcoming edition of ADIHEX will witness a wide regional and international participation in the equestrian sector. As thousands of horse-riding enthusiasts are waiting for companies and brands to showcase the latest products, the finest clothes and equipment that help develop their skills and teach their children to practice this heritage sport, as well as their eagerness to participate in the specialized workshops and attend the live performances.
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, had a great and remarkable role in breeding and acquiring purebred Arabian horses, and launching their races and championships inside the UAE and around the world. As adherence to and interest in purebred Arabian horses is one of the most important pillars of the Arab heritage and values, he was keen, may God have mercy on him, to organize, attend and encourage these races, and today they remain strongly present in the history, present and future of sports and heritage festivals.
A cultural /historical overview
Horses have been linked with the authentic Arab values since ancient times. They are a symbol of chivalry, courage in life, poetry, and pride in the Arabian Peninsula. The Arabian horse is characterized by strength, beauty, speed, and tremendous patience, as well as enduring hunger and thirst, and adapting to hot weather. With obedience, familiarity, loyalty, and due to its features and the purity of its breed, it was used to impart good and desirable qualities to most of the horse breeds in the world.
For decades, the people of the Emirates have been known for their interest in horses as one of the most prominent elements of connection with the Arab values. Over ages, this interest has developed to be linked to the national identity and authenticity of belonging by knowing the ancient breeds that, in their lineage, returned to Arab origins.
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, was interested in acquiring the best breeds of purebred Arabian horses. Based on his extensive experience and knowledge, he believed that it was a cause of goodness, optimism, and serenity of soul.
He, may God have mercy on him, encouraged holding and organizing horse races in the Emirates and other countries around the world, he stipulated that the participant in those races must present a certificate proving the Arabism and authenticity of the horse to preserve the purity of its origin.
To this day, French owners of horses still owe thanks to Sheikh Zayed for the entry of purebred Arabian horses into the French tracks since 1994, specifically the city of “Chantilly”, and from there, it moved to other racetracks in all Europe.
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