Unique Columbian horse breed makes Middle East debut

As the finest Arabian horse specimens take centre stage at the Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF), a unique “Paso Fino” Colombian horse breed makes its debut in the Middle East. Colombian exhibitor AlphaOmega, which exports Paso Fino horses, have introduced prospective buyers, breeders and trade visitors to the breed and have reported keen interest shown by the regional equestrian industry. AlphaOmega manager Ricardo Avila Pineda said: “With a slightly convex profile of the head, an arched and muscular neck, slender and straight legs as well as small hooves, the Paso Fino is a widely sought after breed for smooth riding, endurance riding, horse shows, equestrian competitions and parade mounts. We have seen many interested buyers at the show who are eager to purchase this breed, which can sell from AED150,000 up to AED7 million for champion horses.” Pineda explained that the Paso Fino, meaning “Fine Step” in English, refers to the smoothness, elegance, and well-coordinated movement of the horse’s four hooves, which makes it so unique. With Paso Fino horses, each hoof moves independently from the other three hooves in a perfect succession, which translates into a rhythm of four by four. The 10th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and the 9th Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF), the Middle East’s largest equine exhibition, takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 21-23 March. Female Emirati equestrian entrepreneur Participating at DIHF is the women and children only Aayan Equestrian Club based in Al Warqa, Dubai. Owner and Managing Director Nada Hussain Al Mansoor, a UAE national, said the equestrian stable – the only of its kind in Dubai – which she established in 2011, has rapidly grown from 30 women members and one horse to more than 1,000 members and 42 horses. “This is the second year I have participated at the Dubai International Horse Fair and it has immensely helped to create awareness in the equestrian industry about the women and children only stable that we run. The Aayan Equestrian Club offers a safe and private location for women and children to take up horse riding – in fact we attract all nationalities to the stable who want to use our facilities,” said Al Mansoor. Innovations and technologies showcased Among the new technologies launched at the show is a sophisticated Andullation therapy Horse Blanket designed by leading Veterinarian Dr Bjorn Nolting. The blanket has many benefits including warming up the horse’s muscles, faster regeneration of the muscle metabolism, and stimulating the lymph system. The Andullation blanket is endorsed and used by Olympic and world champion Otto Becker as well as many other stables worldwide. Another technology introduced to the industry is an affordable, secure, web-based horse welfare and training tool offered by exhibitor EquinITy. The web-based training tool uses continuous heart rate monitoring, expertly integrated into a lightweight girth, to give an early indicator of potential health deterioration and improving fitness among horses. Speed, distance, split times, heart rate, recovery rate and altitude reporting gives trainers more information to optimise their training schedule. These reports are available 24/7, from anywhere in the world, on any web-enabled device. Youngest Arabian horse photographer At nine-years-old Mustafa Husam Ikermawi has already established himself as a well-respected Arabian horse photographer with a hobby spanning five years. Participating in the 2013 edition of the Dubai International Horse Fair, the Jordanian national is capturing the beauty and agility of the world’s finest Arabian horses. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, also met the young photographer who presented him with a photograph. “I like taking photos of Arabian horses and it’s also a good challenge to take beautiful horse pictures because they are fast moving objects. It takes a lot of skill to get the right position and perfect shot to show the muscles, the length of the neck and the ears pointing forward,” the young photographer said. Gold plated horse sculputures Exhibitor Goetz Kahl, owner and CEO of Fine Arts Wohnkultur from Gernamy, is displaying his one-of-a-kind bronze cast sculptures. He said: “We have a very special design by the famous artist Alberto Carlos, a pure Arabian rearing stallion that is three metres high, over 200kg and plated with almost one kilogram of 24-carat gold leaf. This horse is the first of a limited edition of 9 pieces worldwide and we are proud to have it displayed for the very first time at the Dubai International Horse Fair. The cast can last for more than 500 years and the gold surface lasts for over 100 years indoors. This horse sculpture, including design and casting, can take almost a year to finish and is priced at AED490,000.” Dubai International Horse Fair showcases the full range of international equine products, for horse owners, breeders, equine professionals and leisure riders in the Middle East. The three-day event comprises the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, a showcase and competition of the heritage, beauty and agility of the world’s finest Arabian horses, with USD4 million (AED15 million) in prize money and the Dubai International Horse Fair, the region’s leading equine exhibition with more than 200 exhibitors and brands. The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and Fair 2013 are held in Halls 5 – 8 at DTWC. The show opens from 11am – 8pm on 21 and 23 March (Thu and Sat) and from 2pm – 8pm on 22 March (Fri). Admission is free of charge and open to trade and consumers. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.