The 3rd Iraq Sumer International Festival for Purebred Arabians, organized by the dedicated Thoroughbred and Arabian Horse Breeders Organization of Iraq (IOPAHB) under the inspiring leadership of Mr Abbas Alwakeel, took place on Monday, January 6th, at the distinguished Equestrian Iraqi Club in Jadiriah, Baghdad. Following the incredible success of the previous two festivals, this year’s event returned in 2025, highlighting exceptional Iraqi Arabian horses and renowned breeding programs from around the world. An esteemed panel of nine judges evaluated the exceptional specimens at the 3d edition, featuring Mr Hammad Alaa and Mr Khalil Muktar from Bahrain, Mrs Antonia Bautista Torrandell and Mr Carmelo Zaragoza Jimenez from Spain, Mrs Emma Maxwell from the United Kingdom, Dr Mahmoud Mohsen from Egypt, Mr Saed Wafaa from Libya, Mr Sufian Taha Al Husseini from Palestine, and Mr Thomas Tarczynski from Poland. The show kicked off on January 6th, 2025, at 10:00 Asia/Baghdad (08:00 Europe/Rome) and concluded at 23:00 Asia/Baghdad (21:00 Europe/Rome), featuring an extraordinary lineup of top winners categorized by sex and age: In the YEARLING FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP, the magnificent Nawarah Al Waseel (Ghaith Al Zobair x Ghaleah Al Waseel) proudly galloped away with the gold medal, showcasing the incredible breeding talent of Sultan Ahmed Mohammed Bin Ghaith and representing the esteemed owner Muftin Stud. Just a heartbeat behind, the silver medal was claimed by the impressive Rahaf (Rabdan x Ghayd Al Haitham), bred by Haider Hadi Shaheed and owned by Al Hadi Stud. Rounding out the podium, the captivating Canari MW (Abu Al Fouz NK x Carwana BHM) secured the bronze, enchanting the judges with her poise, bred by Morad Anwar and shining under the ownership of Al Watan Stud. In the spirited JUNIOR FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP, the radiant Lisaa (ALR Alrashed x D Maraksh) dazzled everyone as she took home the gold, bred by Khawah Ali Rashed Alazab and owned by Al Gawhara Stud. The fierce competitor Kamilya Al- bidayer (Wadee Al Shaqab x Khamilah Albidayer) earned the silver medal, representing breeder Al- bidayer Stud, and proud owner Al Rasheed Stud. Not to be overlooked, Faridat Al Hmoud (RFI Farid x Dhi Qar Al Mudwad) showcased her exceptional talent and clinched the bronze, a true standout bred by Thamer Hommoud and owned by Dijlah Stud. The SENIOR MARES CHAMPIONSHIP was equally thrilling, with the incredible Dishabilaa (Al Baher x Bella Regina) earning the gold, bred by Hank or Sandra De Shazer and owned by Aleiraqi Stud. The stunning silver medalist was La Baydaa Hbv Ox (Pharaoh Hbv x Muranas Nasheetah), bred by Germany and under the ownership of El Ezz Stud. Finally, the bronze went to Rashda (Shallal Al Zobair x Chourouke), a magnificent quality mare from Al Kareem Stud. In the thrilling atmosphere of the YEARLING COLàTS CHAMPIONSHIP, the spotlight shone brightly on the gorgeous Mansour Al Wakeel (Moez Ezzaman x Nelly Saqr), who proudly took home the gold medal. This extraordinary colt is bred by Al Wakeel Stud and owned by Al Iraqy Stud. Hot on his solid hooves, Shihab Dijlah (Shamah Al Shahania x Zantafee) secured the silver medal, displaying the remarkable efforts of Dijlah Stud in breeding and ownership. Meanwhile, the talented Qaswar Al Saadi (Faris Al Wakeel x Ayah Al Wakeel) clinched the bronze, proudly representing breeder and owner Al Saadi Stud. In the JUNIOR COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP, the sensational Al Baydaa (Shanghai EA x MY Vision AA) stood out with a striking performance, taking home the gold medal. Al Baydaa is proudly bred by Albaydaa Stud and owned by Al Samary Stud. The silver medal was awarded to the impressive Al Aghar (Nabhaan Al Shahania x Fascination Bhn), showcasing the passion and expertise of Muftin Stud in breeding and ownership. Lastly, the bronze was earned by Sultan Dijlah (AJ Afjan x Dhi Qar Al Mudwad), bred and owned by Dijlah Stud. In the SENIOR STALLIONS CHAMPIONSHIP, the prestigious gold medal graced the magnificent E.S. Salah (D Mshary x Laminka), a stunning horse bred by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Majid Alqassemi and proudly owned by Al Fahd Stud. A well-deserved silver medal went to Rabdan Alnawase (Laheb Al Zobara x Yasment Al Fares), underscoring the exceptional breeding talents of Hamed Mohsen Nasser Mubarak paired with Al Gawhara Stud’s dedicated ownership. The bronze medal rounded out the competition with Fares Al Wakeel (Wady al Saqab x Nasj Al Amalouna), bred and owned by Al Wakeel Stud. THE SPECIAL AWARDS The beautiful gold medal champion senior mare Dishabilaa (Al Baher x Bella Regina), bred by Hank Or Sandra De Shazer and owned by Aleiraqi Stud, won the Best Head Female title. Al Wakeel Stud, Iraq, secured the Best Breeder title. Al Iraqy Stud won the title of Best Stud Owner in Iraq. E.S. Salah (D Mshary x Laminka), bred by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Majid Al Qassemi and owned by Al Fahd Stud, won the Best Head/Neck Male title. CONCLUSION The 3rd Sumer Int. Arabian Horse Festival concluded in Baghdad on Monday, 6h January 2025, at the Iraqi Equestrian Federation grounds, showcasing a wealth of Arabian horse breeders and attracting regional participation from Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iran. During his speech, Mr Aqil Muften, President of the Iraqi Olympic Committee, expressed hope about lifting the international ban on Iraq’s participation in global equestrian events, a restriction since 1985. This prohibition stemmed from concerns over the spread of glanders—an infectious disease that hit horses, mules, and donkeys and was transmittable to humans. The outbreak of glanders in Iraq, coupled with regional instability following conflicts such as the Iran-Iraq War and the Gulf War, led to the imposition of these restrictions. As a result, while Iraq is allowed to import horses, it remains barred from exporting them for regional and international competitions. The Thoroughbred and Arabian Horse Breeders Organization in Iraq (IOPAHB) passionately advocates lifting the ban. They formed a dedicated committee featuring representatives from the Equestrian Federation, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine to move this initiative forward. The International Federation has made additional progress with the Sports and Regional Group VII, which serves countries across the Middle East and North Africa, including Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. This group plays a pivotal role in promoting and coordinating the growth of equestrian sports within the region. The AHM Team is thrilled to have participated in a remarkable festival celebrating pure-bred Arabian horses in Baghdad. Iraq boasts an incredible heritage of exceptional horses with noble lineages, and they deserve their moment in the international spotlight. Work together to lift the unjust restrictions, giving Iraqi breeders and horse owners a chance to shine in Arab tournaments. Together, we can enhance Iraq’s role and significance in the vibrant Arabian horse community and share our passion with the world!