Thiyab and Mohammed Al-Khamees

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 24: The Kuwait Purebred Arabian Horse Beauty Festival wrapped up after five days of competition, held from November 19 to 23 at the Arabian Horse Center “Bait Al Arab.” The event featured a total of 430 participating horses. It included the Open Strain Championship, which saw 293 entries over three days, and the Egyptian Strain Championship, held over the weekend with 136 horses. Several top studs battled fiercely for the podium places and the gold, silver, and bronze medals.

Festival Director General Thiyab Al-Khamees noted that the competition was strong across all categories — fillies, colts, mares, and stallions — and took place under the supervision of the European Conference of Arab Horse Organisations (ECAHO). The festival welcomed horses bred and born in Kuwait as well as those born abroad, provided their breeder is Kuwaiti.

Al-Khamees explained that judging was based on five criteria: Arabian type, head and neck, body, legs, and movement. He emphasised that the festival has been held for many years to support Kuwaiti breeders, especially local production championships, which he described as the country’s true equine asset. He also highlighted the deep passion associated with horse breeding, noting that once someone enters the field, it becomes impossible to leave despite the significant financial challenges breeders often face. He praised the guidance and knowledge veteran breeders continue to offer to the younger generation.