“Challenges” at the top of the opening of the “Twelfth Tribune”

Essam Al-Sayed (Abu Dhabi)

In implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, the headquarters of the Dusit Thani Hotel in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, witnessed the launch of the activities of the twelfth edition of the World Forum of Arabian Racehorses, as part of the activities of the fourteenth edition of the racing festival His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and as part of the celebration of the 51st anniversary of Union Day, with the participation of 300 people from all over the world, in all disciplines.
The first session of the forum titled “Challenges in Arabian Horse Racing” was chaired by Abdul Razzaq Mohammadi, with the participation of elite trainers.
Hilal Al-Alawi, Jean Dorwall, Ernst Oertel, Ibrahim Al-Hadrami and Thomas Forsey spoke at the session, and the discussion revolved around the common challenges faced by trainers, owners, horses and the stable work team.
The speakers unanimously agreed that the relationship between the trainer and the owner, the transportation of the horse, the short season, the horse training program in this hot climate in the Gulf region that lasts for 3 months, and the lack of a working team that leaves the stable after training are the biggest challenges, and the horses have described as “The sea that has no shores.”

The speakers recommended the need to regulate the relationship between the owner, trainer and working team, through the conclusion of a contract, guaranteeing the rights of the parties, so that there is trust and the protection of the rights of all, and forward the date of the big races, such as the “jewel in the crown”, to be in the month January, so that the horses from the Gulf are ready to face the horses. Coming from outside, whose weather is cold, helps her to be ready for the end of her racing season.
The second session of the global forum, titled “The Future of Arabian Horse Racing”, moderated by Masoud Saleh, witnessed a wide-ranging discussion on the challenges facing the renaissance of this important segment.
Faisal Al-Rahmani, Muhammad Saeed Al-Shehhi, Muhammad Essa Al-Azab, Salem bin Mahfouz, Mutaib Al-Shammari, Saleh Al-Mahrzi and Kim Elliot participated in the discussion.
Faisal Al-Rahmani, President of the International Federation of “Afhar”, said that the Arab races have witnessed significant growth and tangible development, at a rate of 3 times in the last four years, and are living their golden age with the unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyana.
Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Director General of the Emirates Equine Authority, confirmed that thoroughbred Arabian horse racing has experienced a great development, through the full program of participation in the Emirates, as the number of Arabian horses that participated exceeded the number of thoroughbred horses, reaching 2,712 horses, and 217 race.
The speakers concluded that the renaissance of Arabian horse racing requires a significant increase in racing and an increase in the number of owners and manufacturers, despite the development witnessed by many countries, with an increase in prizes and sponsors, cooperation between the Gulf States and other countries for the import and export of systems, and the exploration of new ideas to supplement the system.
The focus of the third session was “horse breeding” and the topic of improving the horse breed, and how to achieve success in that field. The session was moderated by Philip Brennan, with the participation of a group of owners, breeders and interested in the Arabian horse industry.
Sheikh Hamed Al Hamed, Khaled Al Naboodah, Dr. Haitham Babiker, Emmanuel Sys, Paul Buscan, Hassan Mousli and Patrick Lombrell spoke during the session.
Speakers agreed that it is necessary to build on what others have concluded, monitor nutrition and pay attention to the veterinary process, and clarify regulatory regulations, including artificial insemination to avoid exhausting the obstetric mare, educate owners and advance knowledge and learning, research in accordance with genetics, learning from mistakes and preserving the characteristics of the Arabian horse.
Regarding the challenges faced by breeders in the Arabian Gulf region, Khaled Al Naboodah said that the challenges are great because of the hot weather, so a distinctive breed of stallion and mare must be selected, and the water analyzed to find out the salinity percentage, and the increase in deficiencies in the “nutrition” of forage and the preparation of horses before sending them to the trainer and the participation of horses. four years instead of three.
The sessions will continue on the second day of the forum, starting tomorrow morning, “Thursday”, at ten o’clock, and the media and public relations will lead the fourth session.
The fifth session of the forum starts at 1:30 p.m. entitled “The role of women in the sport of Arabian horse racing.” Then the forum ends at 15:30 with the sixth session entitled “Social Media in Spreading the Sport of Arabian Horse Racing.”
The work of the World Arabian Horse Forum is broadcast live on the Yas Sports Channel and has a global audience by posting race and conference news on the festival’s social networks.
The festival is supported and sponsored by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Archives and National Library, Principal Partner, Mubadala, Official Partner, National Feed Strategic Partner, Emirates Airlines, Official Carrier, and Etisalat, Official Partner Yas, General Women’s Union, Viola Company, Emirates Association for Purebred Arabian Horses, Emirates International Village for Ability and Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.