- Title: Riyadh show kicks off season of Arabian horse beauty contests
- Date: 9th January 2017
- Summary: VARIOUS OF SHOW VISITORS WATCHING SHOW
- Embargoed: 24th January 2017 11:56
- Keywords: Arabian Horse beauty contest Saudi Arabia Arabian horses horse show horse show Riyadh
- Location: RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
- City: RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
- Country: Saudi Arabia
- Topics: Human Interest/Brights/Odd News,Society/Social Issues
- Reuters ID: LVA0045YCXH05
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:The season for beauty contests for Arabian horses kicked off with the Riyadh Arabian Horse Show.
More than 350 horses took part in the beauty contest in the Saudi capital on Saturday (January 7) at the King Abdul Aziz Centre.
The tournament has been gaining importance due to its venue in Diriyah, which is on the outskirts of Riyadh and is the place where King Abdelaziz al-Saud, the founder the Saudi state, unified the kingdom on horseback.
This year, the tournament attracted many women, both participants and fans.
"Today there are women in attendance and there are Saudi women knights who have made great strides. There are also foals and mares, all of them of Saudi origin, entered in this tournament for the first time, with more than 350 horses in total. This shows the interest of all parts of Saudi society, male and female, of equestrian sports," said Mansour al-Ameer, media adviser of the horse show.
Hundreds of Arabian horses were judged in various categories, including for their form and movement.
The winning owners expressed pride in their relationship with the horses.
"There is harmony between us and this horse, a strong relationship between him and us, the Arabian horses understands the Arabian man and he understands them. He (the winning horse) know that he is superior," said one winner.
The judges came from Hungary, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Poland.
"I am judging these classes in order, so we try to have good ranking and to put the best horse first," said Belgian judge Jose.
The event itself attracts horse traders, trainers and tourists who come to enjoy the spectacle.
"I'm a horse enthusiast and have been riding them for a long time. I have a love story with Arabian horses specifically, I came with my daughter to enjoy the beauty of the horse," said Emad al Jundi.
Saudi Arabia is known for breeding Arab horses, which are carefully trained.
The Arabian horse is deeply ingrained in Arab culture, with a history dating 5,000 years. It is considered one of the purest equine breeds and is known for its beauty as well as endurance, courage, strength and loyalty.
Since the 16th century, European royal families and aristocracy have sent emissaries to the deserts of Saudi Arabia to bring back the thoroughbreds to breed in their stables. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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