All photography Saheel Horse
As we head into winter, the temperatures have reduced sufficiently in Qatar to permit horse shows to be held outdoors. This was the first Arabian horse show of the season to avail the mild climate in the Longines Outdoor Arena at Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre, held 17-18 November. There was an electric atmosphere that was tangible when I approached the arena. With restaurant and VIP areas flanking three sides of the ring, the huge grandstand stood dominant, overlooking the whole event. It was welcoming to see that even at the start of the show there were many spectators and as the show progressed, the grandstand would fill almost to capacity; such is the popularity of the Arabian horse in Qatar. The entry numbers were huge, with 272 horses entered to compete over the following two days. The exponential growth of the Arabian horse in the Middle East is promising to see. I sincerely hope the popularity for the breed recovers in Europe and the US where there has always been a raw talent for breeding outstanding horses.
Opening the show!
The judges for this show were Christine Valette (France), Helen Hennekens-Van Nes (Belgium), Kosy Everars (Belgium), Marek Trela (Poland) Renata Schibler (Switzerland), Robbie Den Hartog (Netherlands), Soheil Sanati (Iran), and Terry Holmes (USA).
D Rayah
The show commenced with yearling fillies with the class split into two sections. The first had 24 entries, 18 forward and the quality would be indicative of what the show would deliver. There were good scores across the class and the winner was utterly charming, a very pretty filly with good structure, who showed well. This was Farida Mudhar (Farid al Hawajer x ALR Aseela), bred and owned by Sheikh Hamad Ali A Th Al-Thani. She scored 91.5 points, including three 20s for head and neck. Second was the elegant and refined D Rayah (FA El Rasheeam x D Reyadah), bred by Dubai Arabian Stud and owned by Hamad Bin Muhamed Al Rajhi of Al Rajhiah Stud, with 90.9 points. Third went to Jood al Yacoub (RFI Farid x Abigail Aurora), who tied with Noor Muhdar on 90.2 points. The pair were also tied on type, however Jood al Yacoub scored higher movement marks to take third place for breeder and owner Al Yacoub Stud.
Rahaf Mudhar
The second section of yearling fillies also had 24 entered and forward, with a tie for first place with a score of 90.9 points. This was between two very different fillies, Rahaf Mudhar (Wadee al Shaqab x Matina TRF) and Hariryah al Nasser (RFI Farid x Salsabil al Nasser) – the former, a very typey, good moving filly with a deep body, the latter a more refined and elegant filly ,with a very beautiful head set on a fabulous front scoring one 20 from the judges. Both horses were tied on type marks, however Rahaf Mudhar clinched the win with higher movement marks, and is bred and owned by Sheikh Hamad Ali A Th Al-Thani. Hariryah al Nasser is bred and owned by Al Nasser Stud. Third went to the impressive Sabh al Khor (Halul al Khor x Rayyanat al Khor), bred and owned by Al Khor Stud, fresh from her Gold Championship win from the recent Qatar Show for Local Bred.
Mzoon al Diriyah
The two-year-old fillies were also divided into two sections, with 19 forward in the first. The winner oozed type and scored well on head and neck, securing one 20 to score 91.8 points. This was Mzoon al Diriyah (Kanz Albidayer x Kadi al Enaya), bred by Sultan Bin Mohammad Bin Abdullah Ghoshean of Al Diriyah Stud, and owned by Mesfer Mohammed M A Al Hajri. There was another tie for second, this time between Sab’ah al Shahania (Marwan al Shaqab x Assilah al Shahania) and Joud al Hamad (Nebras al Hamad x Joumina KA), both on 91.1. Sab’ah al Shahania, a quality filly with a strong body, fabulous movement, and exquisite head, secured higher type marks with one 20 to take the win. Bred by Al Shahania Stud, she is owned by HE Sheikha Iman Mohamed K H Al Thani. Joud al Hamad gave a superb presentation but had to settle for third. Bred by Al Hamad Stud, she is owned by HE Sheikh Hamad Khaled Hamad Al-Sabah.
Sa’bah al Shahania
Jamellat Nudrah
The second section was a very pleasing class with some very strong movers forward. There were 16 fillies competing and, again, a tie for the win between Jamellat Nudrah (EKS Farraj x CR Jameelah) and Al Jadaa al Ammar (Ammar al Nasser x Sohod al Shaqab), both on 90.9 points. Jamellat Nudrah achieving the higher type marks to secure the win. She is a very classic looking filly, balanced, beautiful with great conformation and is bred and owned by Al Tamer Stud. Al Jadaa al Ammar was very charismatic, snorting throughout her presentation, with fabulous movement which saw her secure three 20s. I could hear her snorting outside the arena – I do love a female with attitude! She is bred and owned by Al Ammar Stud. There was another tie for third on 90.7 points, but with stronger movement marks, Dana al Yameen (Validoro x Shomokh al Enaya) secured the place. Bred by Tarig Bin Mohammed E Enaya, she is owned by Ayman-Aljuhani of Al Yameen-Stud.
Maaly
The three-year-old fillies had 20 forward and was a class full of quality with the lowest score of the class being an impressive 89 points, while the top three were extraordinary. Shmooa al Enaya (Sultan al Enaya x Malika al Enaya) took the win with a score of 92.5 points. She is of exceptional quality and type, with a beautiful head, good body and excellent movement. She scored four 20s for type and another three for head and neck. Bred by Tarig Bin Mohammed E Enaya, she is owned by Majed Mohammed A Al Nukhaysh. Second, with 91.4 points, was Maaly (SMA Magic One x MB Doha), a compact filly with plenty of beauty, scoring two 20s. Bred by Abdulla Hamad H A Al Attiya, she is owned by Ebrahim Yusuf E S Al Romaihi. Third was Afrodite MJ (D Ibn Rasheem x Lei My Star), a delightful and feminine filly who tied with Bahiya SBM (FA el Rasheem x Muranas Je Taime) on 91.3 points but took the place with higher type marks. Bred by Arabian Stars Di Massimiliano Rocchino, she is owned by Al Jumail Stud.
Hamza al Shahania
Onto the colts, with the yearlings split. The first class, somewhat unusually, saw six horses disqualified for lameness, taking the class numbers to 12. The winner was a very special colt, Hamza al Shahania (EKS Mansour x Miss Marwan PA). He possesses plenty of presence and an unmistakable compact Arabian silhouette with a very good head and neck. Bred and owned by HE Sheikha Reem M K Al Thani, he scored 91.7 points. Magnums Ramses SH (RFI Unique x Magnums Tulip) took second with 91.5 points. He has plenty of refinement, with a fabulous front, scoring one 20 for head and neck. Bred by Sea Horse BVBA, he is owned by Al Thamer Stud. Third place went to Jaleel al Khor (Magic Magnifique x Halima al Khor) a very pretty and elegant colt, scoring one 20 for head and neck. Bred by Al Khor Stud, he is owned by Ebrahim Bin Yusuf Al Romaihi.
Magnums Ramses
Baheer al Shaqab
The second section had a further five disqualifications for lameness, resulting in 15 being judged. The winner, Baheer al Shaqab (Wadee al Shaqab x Dana al Shaqab), was an interesting colt who scored 90.9 points. Bred by Al Shaqab Stud, Member of Qatar Foundation, he is owned by Simsima Stud. Second place with a score of 90.7 points was Gazwan al Athba (Luigi x Ghizwa al Shaqab), a smooth and elegant colt bred by Al Athba Stud and owned by Al Asalah Stud. The very mature Jazzim al Naif (Qutuz Aljassimya x Tuque al Naif) scored 90.3 to claim third for his owners/breeders Al Naif Stud.
Gazwan al Athba
The day’s showing then ended. After seeing such quality across the classes, there was much anticipation for the second and final day.
Bahi al Jaham
The two-year-old colts began the second day, and it was clear this was also to be a day full of quality horses. The winner, Bahi al Jaham (Badiea al Nasser x Brea EA) was superb and full of type. He scored 91.1 points, being bred by Ebrahim Yusuf E S Al Romaihi and owned by Al Jaham Stud. Second was Zeyad al Ghanayim (Jakhal Alfabia x Ghizlan al Entissar). Bred by Ayad Abdulmohsen Faisal Althuwaini and owned by Hamad Alajmi and Abdulrahman Alshammari, he scored 90.7 points. Habab al Shaqab (Wadee al Shaqab x Haifa al Shaqab) bred by Al Shaqab Stud – Member of Qatar Foundation and owned by Sheikh Hamad Ali A Th Al Thani, took third with 90.4 points.
Al Sultan RJ
The three-year-old colts was an exciting class, and the winner certainly possessed the attitude of his sire. This was Al Sultan RJ (EKS Alihandro x Oleandra KA), a very distinctive colt, who scored 91.1 points. Bred by Hamad Bin Muhamed Al Rajhi, he is owned by Hamad Bin Muhamed Al Rajhi of Al Rajhi Stud. Second went to Dawood al Muawd (SMA Magic One x Jumana al Muawd), a compact and typey colt with a good head and enough masculinity, who scored 90.6 points. Bred by Mohammed Abdullah Al Sobaie, he is owned by Alkhawolid Stud. Third with 90.5 points was Jasar al Bustan (D Seraj x BS Naries) who, once he settled, moved very well. Bred by Al Bustan Stables, he owned by Fahad Meqbil Al Qahtani.
Jasar al Bustan
EM Queen Desert
With the junior sections completed, the show moved onto the seniors, starting with mares aged four-to-six-years. There were 17 forward and we saw some very close scores. The winner, EM Desert Queen (Fadi al Shaqab x Wajd al Shaqab), possessed a very impressive stand up and scored well across all sections totalling 91.8 points. Bred by. Abdulla Hamad M A Al-Hajri, she is owned by Al Hamad Stud. Second was AJ Sara (Marwan al Shaqab x Siberia SA) a little more refined that the first mare, with a score of 91.5 points, Bred by Ajman Stud, she is owned by Al Thamer Stud. Third went to a charming mare Minerva SBA (Artemas GA x SF Marwhambra), who was a more elegant type of mare but did not show as well as the first two. Bred by Stella Bella Arabians, she owned by Ahmed Eid Al Rashed, and she scored 90.1 points.
Minerva SBA
D Fala
The seven-to-ten-year-old mare class had some seasoned show mares forward. The winner, D Fala (Emerald J x Fer Fiera Blanca), was a pleasing mare with classic type and a very impressive stand up. With a score of 91.9 points, she is bred by Dubai Stud and owned by Al Salem Stud. The enigmatic Bint Sultan (Sultan al Shaqab x AS Michel) claimed second with 91.6 points. This mare electrifies the ring and shows enthusiastically – she is a pleasure to watch. Bred by Khaled Bin Ali Bin Abdulla Al Obaidly, she is owned by Al Adeed Stud. Third with 91.4 points was Arwa al Nasser (Fadi al Shaqab x Anood al Nasser) who carried herself well. This is a very beautiful mare, bred and owned by Al Nasser Stud.
Bint Sultan
DA Magic Moment
The mares aged 11 years and over was extraordinary. With 10 grey mares forward, the walk around was a feast for the eyes. The class was a joy from start to finish and credit to the top three – it was a tough class. The winner, DA Magic Moment (WH Justice x DA Enfidha), was of exceptional type, pure white with big dark eyes set in a beautiful head, with good neck, body and movement, and she deserved the win. She scored four 20s for type and a further three for head and neck to finish with a total of 92.5 points. Bred by Cornelia Kolnberger, she is owned by Nasser Mohammed M A Al Hajri. Second was claimed by HS Miesque (WN Star of Antigua x Parys Mist) with 91.3 points. A powerful moving mare who was very balanced, clearly exhibiting her Monogramm heritage and scoring one 20 for movement. Bred by Shirley Watts, she is owned by Al Joham Stud. Lamana (Laman HVP x Miriam II) claimed third with 90.9 points. She looked fantastic – at nearly 20 years old, her body defied her age, and she effortlessly trotted the arena, claiming a 20 for movement. Bred by Reinhard Sax, she is owned by Fahad Meqbil F F Al Qahtani.
HS Miesque
Lamana
Bashir al Bashir
After the beauty and elegance of the mares, it was time for the stallions, and it was very heartening to see so many horses forward. The first class, for four-to-six-year-olds, had 16 entries and it was an exceptionally typey stallion who secured the win with 92.4 points. This was Bashir al Bashir (Gallardo J x Nastya OS), who was certainly the crowd’s favourite too. A more compact type of horse who moved freely, he was bred by Ajman Stud and is owned by Abdullateef Basheer Rena Alrasheedi. Second with 91.9 points was the masculine Karim al Khaled (Alexxanderr x Carmine al Khaled), bred by Al Khaled Farm and owned by Alsayqal Rayan Abdulrahman B. Close behind with 91.8 points was Muhab BHM (SMA Magic One x Mademoiselle). This stallion caught my eye, being very balanced and typey with excellent movement scoring one 20. Bred by Bin Hamila Arabian Horse Stud, he is owned by Talal Humad Mohammed Almaskar.
Falah al Shaqab
The seven and over stallion class had 18 stallions parade around the ring and they were exceptionally well behaved, too, I have to say. The winner, Falah al Shaqab (Fadi al Shaqab x Joseph Just Emotion) was very impressive – masculine, with good structure and head and neck. I would have liked to have seen him settle a little more and move more fluidly. He scored two 20s for type and another two for head and neck to score 91.8 points. Second saw a tie between D Jaleel (Emerald J x D Myasah) and Lammah al Naif, both scoring 90.2 points. D Jaleel took second place with his stronger type marks; bred by Dubai Stud, he is owned by Al Salem Stud. Lammah al Naif, bred by Al Naif Stud and owned by Al Atbhba Stud, settled for third.
Farid Muhdar
The Championships followed with the Yearling Filly Championship first. There were some excellent presentations for the judges, with the exceptional Farida Mudhar claiming the Gold. A reversal of the result in class two saw Hariryah Al Nasser take Silver from Rahaf Mudhar who claimed Bronze.
Hariryah al Nasser
Baher al Shaqab
The Yearling Colt Championship was very interesting looking at the colts on a comparison basis. Gold was awarded to Hamza al Shahania who was faultless in the stand up, with Magnums Ramses taking Silver. Baher al Shaqab claimed the Bronze.
Shmooa al Enaya
The Junior Female Championship was delightful, and many of the fillies were worthy champions. Gold was claimed by the extraordinary Shmooa al Enaya, with Silver awarded to Mzoon al Diriyah and Sab’ah al Shahania the Bronze.
Mzoon al Diriya
Sab’ah al Shahamia
Bahi al Jaham
The Junior Male Championship saw the two-year-old Bahi al Jaham take Gold from Al Sultan RJ, who claimed Silver. Dawood Al Muawd took the Bronze.
AJ Sultan BJ
Damood al Muawd
DA Magic Moment
The Senior Female Championship was incredible, and it was not an easy task for the judges to decide upon the champions. In the end, it was the utterly fabulous DA Magic Moment who claimed Gold. AJ Sara reversed her class result by taking Silver from EM Desert Queen who was awarded Bronze.
AJ Sara
EM Desert Queen
Bashir al Bashir
The Senior Male Championship saw Bashir al Bashir claim Gold, with Badi Athba Silver and Falah al Shaqab Bronze.
Badi Athba
Falah al Shaqab
All in all, the show was extraordinary. With so many spectators, the atmosphere was incredible. The Arabian Essence live streaming is an excellent opportunity for the rest of the world to follow these Qatar shows or revisit them later on. Mention must go to the Saheel Horse team on their creative videoing of the show. I sat with them for the duration of the show and the team worked tirelessly, shooting footage to the formulate snapshot videos, really capturing the horses, the atmosphere, and the joy of the owners proudly watching their horses.
Lead photo: Hader al Shaqab (Enotri EEA x Hayam al Shaqab)
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