Arabian horse breeders ready for challenges

Khaleejtimes.com - Full Article

Hisham Al Gizouli


16 June 2011,
Leading UAE Arabian horse breeders said they don’t see any good reasons to shift their operations outside the UAE despite unfovourable and tough weather conditions.

“It’s a challenge, and we are determined to take it,” said Khalid Al Naboodah told during the opening session of the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference at the Hilton Hotel here on Thursday morning.

The conference is held as part of the Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival. It was officially inaugurated by the UAE ambassador to Netherlands, Ali Thani Al Suwaidi.

“We have no plans to breed our horses away from home. There’s no doubt that the weather conditions and surroundings in some neighbouring countries like Syria and Lebanon are more promising, but the tight rules and regulations coupled with the non-availability of flat races there make our job very difficult.

“This in addition to the fact that the home-bred Arabians have made their mark and with the exception of the Dubai Kahayla Classic, the UAE-bred horses have won all the other major races beating French, American and British-bred horses,” Al Naboodah said.

Faisal Al Rahmani, a prominent UAE Arabian horse breeder and owner, echoed the same opinion adding that they understand that the hot and humid weather conditions as well as the water shortage represent a real obstacle, but they are working hard to conquer the impossible.

American Arabian horse breeders’ representative Deborah Mihaloff didn’t hide her intentions that she’s breeding the Arabian horses for their beauty, agility and stamina...

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