PRINCE SULTAN ARABIAN HORSE FESTIVAL

The staging of an Arabian Horse Festival has been a vision of His Royal Highness, Prince Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for some years and now, with its inaugural event took place in January 2008, the dream has come to fruition.

This Festival is a celebration of the Arabian horse and has been implemented to promote and develop the equestrian disciplines in which this extraordinary animal competes.

The Arabian horse had played a vital role in the history and development of the Arabian culture, and is held in high regard by all who chose to become part of this amazing animal´s equestrian world.

The Arabian, with a known history going back about five thousand years, is the oldest breed of horse in existence. The earliest records depict his ancestors as war horses in the green crescent of Mesopotamia, and along with the conquering armies, the Arabian horse´s fame spread throughout the known world. As the prized possession of the great kings and rulers, the Arabian horse became a symbol of power and wealth. They were the original source of quality and speed, and remain unsurpassed in the sphere of soundness and endurance. Their exquisite beauty, intelligence, stamina, and devotion to their owners has made Arabians one of the most popular breeds in the world.

The Festival is held under the patronage of His Royal Highness, Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin AbdulAziz Al Saud, and it opens it's doors every year on January for five consecutive days in Al Khalediah farm, the headquarters of His Highness's farms in Tebrak city, west of Riyadh.

This Festival encompass a various number of activities that aim to restore equestrian disciplines and the importance and significance of the Arabian Horse as part of the nation's history. There is an endurance ride of exceptional Purebred Arabian Horses on the first day; a racing display of Arabian racehorses on the second; while the final three days will showcase the pinnacle of the Festival, a three day International Arabian Horse Show displaying the true beauty and elegance of these majestic animals.

This event is considered the only one of its kind in the Arabian Peninsula and, more particularly, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It will be a quality event and a horse lovers paradise as it will be focusing on the heritage of the Arabian horse, its preservation and development throughout the ages, and of course and most importantly, its exceptional beauty.

The entire Festival is expected to be attended by Their Royal Highnesses, Crown Princes, Sheikhs, Ambassadors, Consul Generals, and key people in the business community across the Gulf Region. In addition to these guests, many owners, breeders, key association members, international media representatives, and personalities will be invited to attend.