We didn't have to wait long for the first new stamp issue in 2025, which, according to sources, will soon include quite a few new stamp issues.
The image below shows the stamps issued to coincide with the opening of the Katara International Arabia Horse Festival (now in its fifth re-iteration). This is the first time the festival includes the premier show, elevating the event even further on the world stage. The total prize money for this year's events is 13,000,000 Qatari Riyals (US $3,500,000).
More than 500 horses were on display, coming from eight countries in the region: Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
So what makes the Arabian Horse such a unique and loved animal?
The Arabian Horse is one of the oldest horse breeds in the world. It was domesticated by the Bedouins and used for all the functions one would attribute to horses worldwide, from transport to hunting and for military advantage to the sheer pleasure of riding a horse.
The Arabian Horse is elegant, compact, and strong, which bestows them a high endurance and, therefore, can travel long distances. They characteristically have a concave profile, broad foreheads and large nostrils (speculated to allow them to survive in desert conditions) and prominent eyes. They stand out quickly with their proud tails standing high. Both the tail and mane have abundant hair.
Surprisingly, today, the largest population of Arabian Horses in the world is America.
Qatar, with its long affiliation to horses from very early on in its history, yearly holds several equestrian events such as:
- Doha Tour 1 - 9-11 January;
- Doha Tour 2 - 16-18 January;
- Doha Tour 3 - 23-25 January;
- Al Shaqab Pony Club Fun Day - 1 February;
- H. H. The Amir's Sword International Equestrian Festival - 13-15 February;
- CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines - 20-22 February;
- Longines Global Champions Tour - 27 February - 1 March;
- Eid Al Adha Festival - 18-20 June;
- Al Shaqab Auction 12 July;
- Al Shaqab Training Show - 20 September;
- Al Shaqab Training Show - 4 October;
- Al Shaqab International Arabia Horse Show - 6-9 November.
