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| REC Chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh al-Thani addressing the World Arabian Horse Organisation (WAHO) Conference in Doha yesterday |
The WAHO Conference has come to Qatar for the first time and is being held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, Special Adviser to the Emir.
Making his opening speech in the presence of dignitaries from various member countries, Sheikh Mohammed appreciated the work done by WAHO and also paid tribute to the late Mr. Jay Stream who established WAHO.
“WAHO is a global organisation that transcends national, regional or even individual interests. Over the years, WAHO has been successful in preserving the Arabian horse breed and here we remember and pay tribute to the late Mr Jay Stream for establishing this organisation,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
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.
The REC Chairman welcomed all the delegates and thanked HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and also HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Special Adviser to the Emir.
“On behalf of HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, Special Adviser to the Emir, I take pleasure in welcoming you all to Qatar and I seize this opportunity to thank HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad al-Thani for their unlimited support to the equestrian sport in general and the Arabian breed in particular,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Sheikh Mohammed also spoke about WAHO’s tremendous work in promoting Arabian horse breed.
He explained: “The registration of Arabian horses is something that not many people outside WAHO may know much about, but it certainly involves a fair amount of regulations and the enforcement thereof. After all, to safeguard the purity of the Arabian horse breed and to guarantee its accurate documentation is no mean feats. For so many countries to work in such close harmony there must be a willingness to give and to compromise and to respect and obey rules.”
He continued: “As the Conference involves continued hard work and productive discussions, the organisers have been keen to provide the opportunity to explore Qatar and the thorough progress taking place in all fields through a diverse and fascinating programme, especially developed for you to see my country and its Arabian horses.”
He wished all those attending the Conference great success and also called upon the officials visiting Qatar to enjoy their start.
“For the coming days I wish you all the best in your efforts to enhance the future of the ancient breed of the Arabian horse, which is a great responsibility. It is in your hands. Mr President, members of the Executive Committee, ladies and gentlemen, thank you all very much for coming to Qatar. Enjoy your time here with us. And I officially announce the opening of the 20th WAHO Conference,” he concluded.
Today’s proceedings 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.”
Today 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.
The delegates will be taken for a tour of Al Shaqab Stud, member of Qatar Foundation, today. WAHO Conference will conclude on November 8.