SHORT PRESENTATION Written by Sonia Smaldone & Gianluca Martino Photography by Ahmed Taha The 17th Abu Dhabi International Arabian Horse Championship was remarkable. For the second consecutive year, under the patronage of His Highness The Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of EAHS, its venerable members organised it from February 21 to 23, 2025, at the breathtaking Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi International Arabian Horse Championship is one of only seven ECAHO title shows worldwide, making it a premier international Arabian horse circuit event. This prestigious championship drew 338 entries from some of the most stunning and celebrated Arabian horses, elite breeders, and owners from within and outside the UAE, beautifully fusing tradition with luxury, ensuring an inspiring experience for all participants and mind-blowing total prize money set at €4 million. The 17th edition was attended by multiple notable figures, including HE Mohamed Ahmed Al Harbi, Director General of the Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, Dr Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Government’s Cyber Security Council, Rashid Mubarak bin Markhan Al Ketbi, Secretary General of the UAE Falconry Federation and the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing (IFFSR) to mention a few. OFFICIALS & SHOW STAFF Speaking of judge selection for the 17th Abu Dhabi International Arabian Horse Championship, the EAHS’s commitment to ensuring the highest levels of integrity and transparency was confirmed by fairly selecting judges from around the globe, with 14 notable appointed breed experts: Mr Abdel Raouf Abbas (Egypt), Dr Abderrazak Hmidani (Morocco), Mr Cedes Bakker (Netherlands), Mrs Christine Jamar (Belgium), Mrs Claudia Darius (Germany), Mr Christian Moschini (Italy), Mr Eric Gear (France), Mrs Helen Hennekensvan Nes (Belgium), Mr Klaus G. Beste (Germany) Mr Lucas Gozdzialski (Poland) Mr Marek Trela (Poland), Mrs Maria Annaratone Ferraroni (Italy), Mr Scott Benjamin (Australia), and Mr Soheil Sanati (Iran). This year’s edition witnessed the judges using iPad devices to ensure further accuracy and transparency in results and speed up their transmission. This digital system has been developed under the latest technology and the highest global standards for security and safety. Disciplinary Commissioners Mr Hamed Al Harthi (United Arab Emirates), Mr Salem Al Katheeri (United Arab Emirates), Mr Bart Beckers (Belgium), Mr Gianpaolo Teobaldelli (Italy), Mr Bassem Bader (Saudi Arabia), and Ms Jacqueline Vandyke (United Kingdom) ensured a fair play upholding the ECAHO rules and regulations of the show. In their roles of Ringmasters Peter Hegemann (Germany), and Ms Lizette Svensson (Sweden). Besides several local media partners, Arabian Horse Magazine (Italy) and Tutto Arabi (Italy) attended for coverage, along with ArabianEssence (Italy), which livestreamed the competition and brought it inside the homes of countless enthusiasts! THE SHOW The show started at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 21, with the highly anticipated Yearling Fillies category featuring three competitive sections (A, B, C). Following this, the Fillies Two-Year-Old category showcased the talent of young contenders across two sections (A, B), leading into the thrilling Fillies Three-Year-Old category, also divided into two sections (A, B). The first day’s championship culminated with section A of the Mares 4+ Years Old category, setting the stage for fierce competition. On Saturday, February 22, the championship continued to build momentum, starting with sections B and C of the Mares 4+ Years Old category before shifting focus to the male competitors. The Yearling Colts (A, B) brought the crowd to its feet, followed by the impressive Colts Two-Year-Old category (A, B), and wrapping up with the Colts Three-Year-Old category (A, B), ensuring an action-packed day. Day three, Sunday, February 23, launched the glorious 4+ Years Old Stallions category and its three sections (A, B, C). The grand finale on Sunday, February 23, featured the six championship events: Yearlings, Fillies, Mares, Yearlings, Colts, and Stallions, celebrating the new champion winners and leaving onlookers eager for more! In the YEARLING FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP, Ajeebah Albidayer (Exagon Os x Afnan Al Bidayer) emerged as the deserving gold medal winner, proudly bred and owned by Sheikh Mohammed Saoud Sultan S. Al Qassimi. The elegance and grace of Aj Ghaydaa (Aj Redan x Ghadeer Am), bred by Ajman Stud under HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi and owned by Amara Stables, earned her the silver medal. Meanwhile, the bronze medal was claimed by Qanasha Al Shaqab (Eks Mansour x Al Wazna Al Shaqab), a testament to the excellence in breeding and ownership by Al Shaqab, a Member of Qatar Foundation. Shining in the JUNIOR FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP, D Aserah (Aj Nofan x D Shihihanah) proudly claimed the gold medal, demonstrating outstanding attributes. She is bred and owned by the prestigious Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. The silver medallist was Shaen Yaser (Aj Radman x Yara Yaned by Naila Hayek, representing a remarkable collaboration in the Arabian horse community. The bronze medal was awarded to Al Aryam Harbah (Sma Magic One x Al Aryam Hamra), bred and owned by the esteemed Sheikh Khalifa Bin Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan. In the SENIOR MARES CHAMPIONSHIP, Aj Alula (Aj Marzan x Ayat Almuawd) stood out as the gold medal winner, a proud creation of Ajman Stud, reflecting the dedication of HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. The silver medal was secured by D Judi (Aj Azzam x Elle Flamenca), bred and owned by the acclaimed Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, further testament to their commitment to raising exceptional horses. Finally, the bronze medal went to Irvinna Al Shiraa (Aj Elaf x Nesj El Miss Kanzi), bred by Ganaderia Al Shira’aa Stables and owned by Al Shira’aa Stables, showcasing yet another example of the quality and passion that drives the Arabian horse industry. In the YEARLING COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP, the gold medal was expertly claimed by Adnan Mudhar (Farid Al Hawajer x Soufiya Al Shaqab), an exceptional specimen bred and owned by Sheikh Hamad Ali A. TH. Al-Thani. The silver medallist, Fam Vortex (D Shahhar x D Hamsah), showcases impressive quality, bred and owned by Federico Jose Morales Jordan. Meanwhile, the bronze medal was awarded to S.s. Misk (D Seraj x Manar Al Hawajer), bred and owned by Sultan Mohamed Khalifa Hamad Alyahyaee, highlighting the competitiveness of this category. In the JUNIOR COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP, Aj Sayer (Aj Yas x Sama Am) took the gold, proudly bred and owned by Ajman Stud under the esteemed HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. The silver medal was deservedly awarded to Aj Rabdan (Aj Nawash x Aj Amandari), also bred and owned by Ajman Stud, demonstrating their commitment to excellence. Meanwhile, the bronze went to the distinguished Mishref Al Shaqab (Eks Farajj x Basjirah Al Shaqab), bred and owned by Al Shaqab, a Member of the Qatar Foundation. Lastly, in the SENIOR STALLIONS CHAMPIONSHIP, the gold medal was earned by the extraordinary E.s. Harir (Aj Dinar x Tf Magnums Magic), bred by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Majid Al Qassemi and owned by Al Saqran Arabian Horse Stud, a true testament to breeding. The silver medal went to the remarkable D Sharar (D Seraj x Ft Shaella), bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, while the bronze medal was awarded to Hl El Ganador (Hp Shakir Te x Lonco Baby Marya), bred by Familia Duch Matthei-Recardo Duch M. and owned by Naila Hayek. A FEW ENDING COMMENTS These remarkable champions reflected the pinnacle of Arabian horse breeding and dedication to excellence at the 17th Abu Dhabi International Arabian Horse Championship. Once again the King of Type E.s. Harir conquered a prestigious ring. Gold medal Champion Senior Stallion and Highest Score, he was indeed the star of the show for Al Saqran Stud with handler Tom Oben. Arabian Horse Magazine was honoured to cover this competition in Abu Dhabi, overwhelmed by an exciting atmosphere and warm Arabian hospitality. We thank the esteemed EAHS and their media office for inviting us to participate in the 2025 celebration. A special thank you to the officials who travelled from all corners of the globe, the handlers for their graceful performances, and everyone involved in the event’s success. Through the stunning images captured by our talented photographers, Mr Ahmed Taha from Egypt, we aim to convey the vibrant moments that made this championship unforgettable. Let us continue to celebrate the spirit and beauty of Arabian horses!