His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Vice Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club, today delivered a speech at the Arabian Horses Day event held at the Janow Podlaski Stud in Poland.
During his speech, which was given in the presence of Polish Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency Janusz Piechocinski, His Highness conveyed his greetings to the government and people of Poland on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad.
His Highness said that he was honoured to attend the event on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and to gift a stallion from the Kuheilan Afas strain to the Janow Podlaski Stud and the people of Poland. His Highness highlighted that this particular pure bred stallion was bred from the private Royal Arabian Stud of Bahrain.
During his speech, His Highness noted that Poland is famed for breeding and acquiring some of the most accomplished pure bred Arabian horses in the world, and for preserving some of the purest equine pedigrees of horse in Europe.
His Highness also highlighted the importance ascribed by His Majesty the King to the preservation of pure bred Arabian horses, a long standing Arab tradition which has been maintained in Bahrain since the Kingdom’s first stud was established in 1783.
He added that the Kuheilan Afas is one of the principal strains of Bahrain Arabian stallions, long bred for its strength, intelligence and temperament.
His Highness emphasised that the gift from His Majesty King Hamad reflects the values and bonds that exist between Bahrain and Poland in sharing a passion for the noble Arabian horse. He said that it also represents a step back into history, as more than 80 years ago, the then ruler of Bahrain Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa gifted a stallion of the same Kuheilan Afas strain to Poland. Since then, the legacy of Kuheilan Afas has lived on in Poland’s breeding programme.
Turning to Bahrain’s own tradition of breeding horses, His Highness noted that the Kingdom has taken great care to preserve the heritage of the Kuheilan Afas strain, passing down the responsibility from generation to generation. He added that he has been commissioned by His Majesty the King to oversee the administration of the Royal Arabian Stables, and that Bahrain’s breeding programme has ensured the preservation of several high quality desert-bred horse pedigrees, including the Kuheilan Afas.
His Highness highlighted that in his capacity as Vice Chairman of the High Committee of Bahrain’s Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, he is focused on supporting all equine-related activities in Bahrain, and ensuring continued development of high-level racing facilities in the Kingdom.
His Highness also noted that in his current role, he will seek to enhance Bahrain’s vibrant equestrian culture, and reinforce the Kingdom’s status as a preferred destination for equestrian activities in the region.
Concluding his speech, His Highness expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Piechocinski for the warm reception and hospitality that he has received during his visit to Poland.
An official ceremony was then held in the showground of the horse beauty competition in the
Janow Podlaski Stud. During the ceremony, His Highness formally gifted Kuheilan Afas to Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency Janusz Piechocinski, in the presence of Poland’s President of Agricultural Property Agency, Mr. Leszek Swietochowski, and a number of senior stud officials.
In response, His Excellency Piechocinski expressed his country’s deep appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad for the valuable gift which symbolises the long and enduring friendship between the two countries.
His Excellency Piechocinski also noted that this gesture by His Majesty the King reflects Bahrain’s respect and confidence in Poland’s management of purebred Arabian horses.
His Excellency further expressed his happiness for His Highness Shaikh Isa’s attendance at the event and his visit to Poland. He also highlighted Poland’s interest in further developing relations with Bahrain and praised the Kingdom for its openness.
Following the ceremony, His Highness observed some of the activities of the Arabian Horses Day event, which included participation of several Polish, Arabian and European stables that breed Arabian horses. The event is held over three days and focuses on the beauty of Arabian horses which are examined by international judges.
During the event, His Highness presented the award for the two year old foals beauty contest. He also conducted a tour of the Janow Podlaski Stud, accompanied by Dr. Marek Trela, the stud's director. The stables, which were founded in 1817, breed pure Arabian horses and are among the oldest stables run by the Polish government. It boasts magnificent engineered structures dating back to the 19th century.
His Highness also toured the horse barns, in addition to the stables’ expansive green pastures which are vital for the rearing of their polish Arabian horses. He also heard from stable officials who explained the significance of the historical stable buildings.
His Highness then expressed his delight in having visited one of the oldest stables in Poland, noting that Bahrain is currently planning to host World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO) conference in December 2016 and extended an open invitation to Poland and all Arabian horse enthusiasts from across the world to attend this conference.
His Highness noted that his visit provided an opportunity to witness the care that Poland provides its horses, highlighting its reputation as specialist in Europe for preserving Arabian horses. His Highness concluded that he is deeply proud to see that the Kuheilan Afas breed is part of Poland’s world class production programme.
Source: BNA