“By the steeds that run with panting breath and strike sparks of fire, and push home the charge in the morning, and raise the dust in clouds the while, and penetrate the forthwith into the midst of the foe.” - (Adiyat)

Quran: sura 'adiyat (the Chargers) no.100 (verses 1-11)

 

The Arabian horse is famous throughout the world and is closely associated with the history of Riyadh. The breed was first developed almost 3,500 years ago by nomadic tribes of the Najd Plateau. They are highly adapted to desert conditions, and possess many qualities revered by the Bedouin; beauty, endurance, intelligence, speed, courage in battle and loyalty. Arabian horse endurance races leave every spectator with a sense of respect and awe.

 

King Abdulaziz Arabian Horse Center, (Dirab - 35km from Riyadh) and Al Janadriyah Farm are two world famous horse studs dedicated to breeding Arabian horses of the highest quality.

 

"For centuries" explains HRH Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, "our people have considered the Arabian horse one of our greatest treasures". True to the spirit of his countrymen, HRH Crown Prince Abdullah has steadfastly supported the Kingdom's unique role as guardian of this ancient breed.

 

Through his efforts as President of the Riyadh Equestrian Club, founder of the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation, and patron of the King Abdulaziz Arabian Horse Center, King Abdullah has ensured that the honored traditions of horsemanship and horse breeding are thriving in the Kingdom. Home to over 200 purebred Arabian horses, the center serves as the world's official authority for registration of Arabian horses and remains at the forefront of breeding, research and accreditation programmes for pure bloodlines.

 

Each year, riders from all over The Kingdom vie for the prize money of the King's Cup and Crown Prince's Cup at the annual Jenadriyah National Festival. Additionally, the Arabian Horses Festival held over ten days in Riyadh in the cooler winter months has a variety of activities that include a 75km endurance race, an awareness program for women and children, a horse beauty contest and show jumping.

 

The endurance race at Thumama Park lasts over seven hours, and attracts entrants of all ages. The race is divided into three stages of 25km with a rest time of 30 minutes between each stage.

 

Called "the sport of a million steps," it takes on the added challenge of the hot, dry terrain of the desert. Unlike the brief cavalry charge of a thoroughbred race, an endurance race has a series of stages, each varying in length and difficulty. From the haven of the endurance compound, the competitors venture out each day for four different forays into the sands of Seyh al-Salam, returning after each stage of the race for a veterinary inspection of the horses and a chance to rest and rehydrate.

 

 

 

Laila and Qais: 96BH (530)

Early in the morning, while the birds were still nesting, I mounted my steed‚

Well-bred was he, long-bodied, outstripping the wild beasts in speed,

Swift to attack, to flee, to turn, yet firm as a rock swept down by the torrent,

Bay-colored, and so smooth the saddle slips from him, as the rain from a smooth stone,

Thin but full of life, fire boils within him like the snorting of a boiling kettle;

He continues at full gallop when other horses are dragging their feet in the dust for weariness‚

A boy would be blown from his back, and even the strong rider loses his garments‚

Fast is my steed as a top when a child has spun it well‚

He has the flanks of a buck, the legs of an ostrich, and the gallop of a wolf,

From behind, his thick tail hides the space between his thighs, and almost sweeps the ground,

When he stands before the house, his back looks like the huge grinding-stone there,

The blood of many leaders of herds is in him, thick as the juice of henna in combed white hair.

 

By Imru al Qays: 96 BH (530)