The event featured 10 categories, including fillies, mares, foals, as well as the championship for purebred Arabian horses of Saudi origin, and the stallion championship.
Horse beauty contests are becoming increasingly popular in the Kingdom, although they still need further development, stable owners told Arab News.
According to the head of the organizing committee, Wafi Al-Qahtani, the event, in which 511 horses from different countries competed, drew more than 8,000 spectators.
And he said the 10-day event went off without a hitch.
«The concept of this competition was inspired by the capsule of Kahila, the horse of the founder of the Third Saudi State, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman,» he said.
The championship was held under the patronage of Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al-Faisal, chairman of the Equestrian Authority and the Racing Club. The event was attended by world experts and ambassadors from countries around the world.
The competitions, in particular, are dedicated to the horses of King Abdulaziz and those that the king gifted to world leaders.
One of the most famous horses gifted by King Abdulaziz was Turfa, an Arabian mare given to King George VI during his coronation as King of the United Kingdom. King Abdulaziz also gave Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands two horses: Kahila Jalabi and Kahila Sabilia.
This week the registration period lasted 11 days, giving horse owners time to prepare. Some participants were nominated by the European Conference of Arabian Horse Organizations.
The competition, according to Al-Qahtani, reflects «pride in the history and heritage of purebred Arabian horses, and also highlights this ancient sport and the Kingdom's efforts to promote it at local and international events.».
Hail Al-Enezi, owner of Al-Hawail Stables, who took part in the championship, said the popularity of horse beauty contests in the Kingdom has increased.
Bandar bin Ghadir, a partner at MBO Stables, said that although horse beauty contests in Saudi Arabia have gained prominence, «they require more development.».
He described the competitions as «extremely difficult.».
Winners: Shaman Al-Arib became the Gold Champion KSA Desert Bred Fillies; Nabil Alsakab, owned by Alsakab Stables, won the Gold Champion Senior Stallions; Hazna II, owned by Almasan Stables, won the Gold Champion KSA Desert Bred Mares; and Muhanad RH, owned by Baqeeq Stables, won the Gold Champion KSA Desert Bred Stallions.