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| Racing and Equestrian Club general manager Sami Jassim al-Boenain (second from right) and other members of WAHO at the Executive Committee meeting held at the Ritz-Carlton yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim |
There are a host of activities lined up for the WAHO Conference being held in Doha for the first time.
WAHO President, Dr. Hans-Joachim Nagel, will make his opening address in the presence of various VIP guests.
During the opening day, Judith Forbis will speak on “The history of Arabian Horses in Qatar, from pre-Islamic times to the present day.”
The WAHO Conference is held under the patronage of the Special Adviser to the Emir, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (REC) is the host of this Conference which was held in Oman in 2009.
Ritz-Carlton Hotel is the venue for the Conference which runs till November 8. Over 400 delegates are set to attend the Conference.
There was a WAHO Executive Committee meeting and WAHO World Registrars Meeting held yesterday. The meeting was chaired by Kees Mol where Racing and Equestrian Club’s Head of Registry Abdulaziz al-Boenain was also present.
“This is my first trip to Qatar and I am amazed at this beautiful country. Doha is a beautiful city and I am glad that I came here for the conference. My passion is for the Arabian horses and I believe that they are the most intelligent horses that I have ever worked with, ”Florida based breeder Mary Lou Roulerson said.
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| Florida based breeder Mary Lou amazed with Qatar’s beauty |
They will also vote to allow Australia to register the Arabian horses in India, South Korea and Taiwan should the need arise, according to a report to be presented at this meeting.
Also today, with a race meeting scheduled to be held at REC’s New Rayyan track, the delegates from the Conference will be on hand to witness the races in Doha and the day will also see the contest for WAHO Cup.
On November 3, Thursday, the day will begin with Professor Matthew Binns talking on “Advances in Equine Genetic Research and how new information can help breeders.”
This will be followed by Michael Bowling’s presentation on “The Paradigm has Shifted, genetic testing as a positive tool for breeders.”
There will also be a special presentation on “A Tribute to Living Art” by the Qatar Museums Authority and Al Shaqab, Member of Qatar Foundation.
Karen Kasper will speak on “An artist’s perspective on portraying the Arabian horse from life-study, illustrating the ancient process of creating and casting bronze sculptures.”
Thursday will also witness the unveiling of bronze sculpture portraits of three World Champion Stallions bred and owned by Al Shaqab Stud.
Al Adeed Al Shaqab, Gazal Al Shaqab and Marwan Al Shaqab are the World Champion Stallions which will be unveiled in bronze.
There will be several subjects that will be discussed, which relate to scientific questions. The main topic would be more or less on the genetic issue. The scientists are keen to delve into this issue.
The delegates will be taken for a tour of Al Shaqab Stud, member of Qatar Foundation, tomorrow.
On Friday, the General Assembly will receive a report on the Executive Committee’s activities of the past two years and plans for the next two years.
Also on Friday, HRH Princess Alia Al Hussein Al Saleh will speak on “The Relationship between Humans and Equines in Today’s World.”
Frances Gillespie and Mark Strickson will throw light on “The Natural History of Qatar.”
Dr. Abdi Arif of Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, will speak on “The wildlife of Qatar, preservation of desert animals.”
On Saturday, November 5, the visitors will be taken to Arabian Oryx Farm, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, Al Samariyah Stud flowed by a lunch hosted by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani.
After witnessing camel race, the delegation will visit Al Maha Stud where a dinner will be hosted by Sheikh Saoud bin Mohammed bin Ali al-Thani.
On the day of Eid al-Adha on November 6, the visitors have a free morning with an option of a Dhow cruise. In the evening, Al Naif Stud will make a presentation that will be followed by dinner hosted by Sheikh Nasser bin Abdullah bin Nasser al-Thani.
On Monday, November 7 Al Shahania Stud makes a presentation and lunch hosted by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani. Later in the evening, the delegation will visit the Al Nasser Stud for a presentation and a dinner hosted by Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser al-Thani.
On the concluding day, an Arabian Horse Show will be held at the REC which will be followed by a visit to Umm Qarn Farm where a dinner will be hosted by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani on November 8.
About 48 countries will be participating in this week-long event. It is an opportunity for all members of WAHO to come and enjoy Qatar, which has got a rich tradition of Arabian horses.
WAHO was established in 1970. It is an umbrella organisation for all Arabian stud books. A WAHO Conference is a very special and unique meeting. It includes the Organisation’s business during the General Assembly sessions, but perhaps equally important are the social functions and tours. These have always been included ever since the first WAHO Conference in Seville, Spain, way back in 1972.