- Title: WEST BANK: Jericho holds competition to crown most beautiful stallion
- Date: 17th November 2009
- Summary: VARIOUS OF MAHMOUD MIRI FROM THE ARAB ISRAELI TOWN OF QALANSAWA SHOWCASING HIS HORSE
- Embargoed: 2nd December 2009 12:00
- Keywords:
- Topics: Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
- Reuters ID: LVA5SWO7MV1KM5MBDDQVG01TRPX
- Story Text: Palestinian horse owners from across the West Bank and Israel took part in a contest to crown the most beautiful Arab stallion.
Almost 128 horses took part in the Third Palestinian Horse Beauty Contest, held at the Jericho Equestrian Club in the West Bank city of Jericho on Saturday (November 14).
Arab horses, renown for their sharp looks, are also characterised by intelligence, grace and speed.
Horses were judged on their head and neck, eyes, upper body, legs and movement on the field.
The judge's scoring was based on a 100-point system, with horses receiving 20 points for each of the categories.
"This is the second time we have held this contest in Jericho, at the Jericho Equestrian Club. This is a championship to showcase authentic Arab stallions, to show their beauty, their types and their heritage. Of course, participation was not restricted to any one area as our brothers, the Arabs of '48 (Palestinian Arabs from Israel), largely participated in the event, (participation was also) from the areas of Hebron, Jerusalem, Jericho, Nablus, Tulkarem and Qalqilia -- so from all across the region," organiser of the contest, Nader Erekat, said.
"I did not know that it would be this huge. Inside [Israel] we never had such a huge contest. The field is perfect and God Willing, it will bring success to everyone," said participant Mahmoud Miri, a Palestinian from Israel.
Another participant Bisan al-Bazlamit said the contest was unique.
"The championship is unique and it's not something that often takes place. We can also say that having such events in Palestine is quite a rarity, especially with such organisation and planning. It is great to have such a showcase of beauty," she said.
The contest first took place in 1999 but was suspended during the Palestinian uprising which began in 2000. It was revived in 2008. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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