SpecialMOMENTS

BY SONIA SMALDONE

Since last two years, Malika Mohammed AlShraim has served as the KIAHF Organizing Committee’s New Media Department Manager and General Secretary. During the Festival, Miss Malika gave us a quick interview about her involvement in the show’s organization. Malika is a multi-talented girl with a charismatic persona. She is so vibrant and full of life and emo- ough the list is long, it needs lots of experience and exposure to take up such a role. But to name a few: Knowledge about the Arabian horse industry and a good understanding of the cultural environment. tions. She is a team player, a strategic thinker, and always there for her people. She has a set of priorities, someone who likes to plan things. She has a modern outlook and strongly believes in preserving the traditional heritage. In other words, you can say that Malika is full of Aspirations with a perfect balance of Intelligence, Emotions and Values.

What are the requirements for being the Media Department Manager and General Secretary of KIAHF 2023?

Vast experience in organising international events, planning, management, and coordination. Strong written and oral communication skills in English & Arabic are a must.

Knowledge about the best media houses in this domain and maintaining good relations with them. Leading a big team and e ectively working under pressure, maintaining tight deadlines, and handling multiple tasks simultaneously. e third edition of KIAHF (2023) di ers from the previous ones in many ways. From the Arabian Peninsula Show’s number of countries to the prestigious Title Show. Horses from 18 countries compete at KIAHF for top prizes. ere are nearly

How this year’s Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF) is di erent from last year?

Over 35 cultural events will accompany KIAHF-2023, including exhibitions, art workshops, artistic performances, and competitions. Among these is the exhibition - “ e Journey... e Tale of Arabian Horses” by Peter Upton, who is an international British painter, poet, historian, and author.

KIAHF has also introduced the “Interactive Mirrors” showcasing top horse paintings. is has been introduced at Katara. Eight artists are painting a artists is year several cultural activities have been organized at KIAHF that highlight the prestige and honour of Arabian horses in Qatar and the region. Among these is the “Collectibles” exhibition for Arabian horses, being held in cooperation with the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Museum, the Qatar National Library and the Arab Postage Stamps Museum. e exhibition contains a section on Arabian Horses section which includes many historical sources on horse pedigree and breeds and most notably the book “Attributes of Purebred Arabian Horses”. large mural which is divided into two parts of wood and glass. e execution of the entire KIAHF extravaganza at the Katara waterfront is also something that adds to the grace and beauty of KIAHF’s astonishing success. e nation remains a world hub for horses, especially purebred Arabians, and continues to play a leading role in preserving and protecting them. e mission of KIAHF is to promote this rich heritage worldwide and e Cultural Village Foundation – a

400 horses, many of which originate from the Arab region, Europe, or the United States. Apart from that, several champion horses will be for sale at e Auction.

In the “Symphony of Authenticity” exhibition by plastic artist Ali Al-Mimar, een distinguished paintings represent everything related to Arabian horses.

It is all these activities, along with the horse shows and the auction of magni cent purebred Arabian champions, that make KIAHF and this year’s edition so unique.

KIAHF, however, remains integral to its theme of enhancing and reviving Qatar’s rich culture and heritage, with Arabian horses playing an important part in this endeavour.

What makes KIAHF a big success is that it remains distinct and is one of its most federative events that attract international interest and global participation.

KIAHF is considered one of the most prestigious, luxurious, and prominent international festivals showcasing purebred Arabian horses and the Organizing Committee of the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara leaves no stone unturned by working hard at all levels for awless conduct of KIAHF with the highest standards of integrity and following of international rules set by the European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO.

What do you hope to accomplish at KIAHF 2023?

Qatar has a rich legacy of equestrian excellence with a passion and appreciation of the Arabian breed.

Katara along with Qatar Equestrian Federation and the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club are dedicated and committed towards this cause.

Soon, we shall also be hosting the World Championship for Purebred Arabian Horses in December 2023 – a result of an agreement signed by Katara with the National Centre for Agricultural Exhibitions and Competitions in France. Katara will host the 2023 and 2025 editions of the championship to be held for the rst time outside France in 40 years.

Could you give us a sneak peek at KIAHF 2024?

You can expect a much-grown and more established Festival with more participation – of both horse owners and breeders, their Arabian horses, and a greater number of equestrian enthusiasts for sure.

KIAHF shall also tional activities offering much more

KIAHF shall also continue to include more Arabian horse-related cultural and educational activities offering much more fun and entertainment for families.

Malika, as a Qata- e Empowerment of women means providing women with the tools and resources necessary to gain independence and control over their lives. is can include access to education, job opportunities, political representation, and resources for personal and professional development. Empowerment is about breaking down barriers preventing women from reaching their full potential and giving them the ability to make choices and decisions that positively impact their own lives and those of their communities!

Malika, as a Qatari woman, what does the Empowerment of women mean to you?

AN INTERVIEW BY SONIA SMALDONE

Hello Mr. Fadi Al Barmaki. Thank you very much for accepting the invitation! To provide some background to our readers, could you tell us a bit about yourself, your family, and your education, please? Hello everyone. I am delighted to be here today! I was born and raised in Jordan and have always been around Arabian horses. I started riding horses at age five and was surrounded by Arabian horses when my father bred them. Despite studying interior design, my passion for Arabian horses led me to where I am today: a handler at international horse shows and a consultant for breeders worldwide. Regarding my own family, I am married and have four children who are already interested in horses.

Is there a limit to what an Arabian horse can be taught through handling?

Arabian horses are intelligent creatures and can learn a lot. There’s absolutely no limit to what a handler can teach. It’s all about understanding the horse and understanding what ways suit them.

Among the international show-ring stallions of the moment, who do you think is the strongest? Do you have a favourite mare?

In my opinion, Excalibur E.A. is the strongest stallion. As for the mares, my favourite is Pianissima by Ghazal Al Shaqab.

What, in your opinion, really defines a good trainer/handler? What do you need to become a handler of character and a successful one?

I truly believe that the most crucial thing for trainers is to understand the horse and its needs. It’s not just about following rules.

Building a relation - ship with the horse is more important than just getting the desired results. As for being a handler, you must be able to improvise because all horses act differently as soon as they enter the arena, so you have to be able to control and comprehend what the horse needs.

What have been the best experiences at the shows most recently? Can you tell me about the horses you presented and which stud (s) they belonged to?

The number of people interested in Arabian horses and shows has grown significantly in recent years. This results in a larger audience, giving the show a livelier atmosphere!

I have handled thousands of horses in the past years from breeders around the world, but one of the most memorable ones was a stallion named Khalid Al Hamad by Al Hamad Stud from Kuwait.

The heads of contemporary Arabian horses are often particularly ‘extreme’ with prominent dishes. What do you think of this phenomenon? Are these the most critical beauty standards at shows today?

I think prominent dishes make extreme heads. But they are not the most distinctive feature. Much more crucial than this is to have the whole head correct. There are several factors to consider, including the eye position, the size of the forehead, the shape of the muzzle, and the shape of the ears. These factors all contribute to exotic heads.

What do you think about the show environment? Would it be better to have less/more of something? Do you have any thoughts on this?

As a handler, the horse is always my main focus. My attention is not particularly focused on all the show details, but an efficient show organization eases my mind and helps me feel settled before the event.

Fadi, have you been to the World Arabian Horse Championships in Paris? (or watching them?) What do you think about the 2022 edition? What do you think about moving the World Championships 2023 to Qatar?

Yes, I have been to the Championships in Paris and enjoyed them very much. It will be a big move for the World Championship 2023 to be in Qatar. Surely it will be an extraordinary event, allowing Arab breeders to compete as well.

What are your future goals as a handler? Where do you see yourself, say, in ten years?

My goal as a handler is to handle special horses and to be able to prove myself as one of the best handlers worldwide.

Do you feel like leaving a message for the readers of Arabian Horse Magazine?

I sincerely hope that all readers of the Arabian Horse Magazine, particularly breeders, will take good care of their horses and support one another so we can all reach even greater heights!