Erbil International Equestrian Club

BE READY FOR OUR BIG EVENT 17-12-2018
FLAG DAY EVENT: from 1:30 pm- 5:30 pm

كونوا على الاستعداد للحدث الكبير في ١٧-١٢-٢٠١٨ 
يوم العلم الساعة ١:٣٠ ظهراً لغاية ٥:٣٠ مساءً
 الدعوة للجميع

FLAG DAY CELEBRATION

THIRD RACE… THOROUGHBRED HORSES

السباق الثالث..سباق الخيول المستوردة

SECOND RACE… READY TO GO…

السباق الثاني على وشك الانطلاق

FIRST RACE

السباق الاول

HORSE RACES

The season is really going! Come to bet on your favorite horse at the track or from the comfort of our cafe. You'll see local, thoroughbred, and Arabian horses compete for big prizes.

Entrance is free and families are welcome. Call 0750 204 5555 for more information.

HORSE CLUB IN ERBIL KICKS OFF SEASON OF RACING, BETTING

Thanks to Kurdistan 24 for the nice coverage of our races!

Horse club in Erbil kicks off season of racing, betting

HORSE RACES

Come bet on a HORSE RACE!

Families are welcome, and admission is free.
Call 0750 204 5555 for more information.

STATUE UNVEILED

The installation of our new statue

KHALID AL RASHID

Our own Club Manager Khalid Al Rashid rides in the mountains of Kurdistan.

KURDISTAN YOUTH SUMMIG EVENT

EIEC was a proud sponsor of today's Kurdistan Youth Summit Event. Nice job organizers and participants!

A NEW STATUE

Watch for a new decoration to be unveiled near the main entrance!

A NEW STATUE

Watch for a new decoration to be unveiled near the main entrance!

CHILDREN ARE WELCOME

Bring your children down to the club to meet some of our pony friends. It's safe and a lot of fun!

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF KURDISTAN

Thanks, kids, for a great visit!

Thanks as well to the American International School of Kurdistan and Edwina Educational Centre.

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF KURDISTAN

Thanks, kids, for a great visit!

Thanks as well to the American International School of Kurdistan and Edwina Educational Centre.

JUMPING COMPETITIONS

Come join us for an exciting jumping competition, where several riders will compete for trophies. There will be four different courses, with ever-increasing difficulty.

Admission is free and children are welcome. Call 0750 204 5555 for more information.

To register as a rider, please stop by the administration office.

TAC SHOP

Need some new supplies, or maybe you've just reached the point where you want to start owning your own for the first time? Come by our tack shop, open whenever the club is. Just ask at the administration office, and we'll open it up, just for you.

GEOTEXTILE FIBER

Our grooms, spreading a new shipments of high-quality geotextile fiber from Europe along our outdoor arena.

EQUESTRIAN ART

If you're in our stables, come upstairs and take a look at our original Kurdish equestrian paintings.

OUR SPONSORS:

We thank Jibal Samsung for their continued partnership.

VISIT THEM IN ERBIL:
Main Showroom, 60m Road - Tel: 07505971818
Kotri Salam Showroom - Tel: 07505973131
Ainkawa Showroom - Tel: 07512196434

NEW CAFE

Our new cafe is open, in the main building near the entrance. At this point, it is only serving soft drinks and nargila, but in the coming weeks, there will be a full menu.

RIDING FOR CHILDREN

I'd you think your child might want to ride, but you're not sure about safety or if they'll be scared of horses and ponies, come by to see us. We will give you a free tour of the club and show you how we do everything.

RIDING SCHOOL

Come on down to our riding and jumping school. Before you know it, you'll be competing!

LEBANESE FRENCH UNIVERSITY

Thank you for the visit today from the Marketing Department of Lebanese French University - Erbil.

RUDAW: NEWROZ CUP

This is a beautiful video, produced by Rudaw, that advertises our NEWROZ CUP (March 20, 2pm-5pm). Be sure not to miss our biggest horse racing event of the year!

ISHIK SCHOOL VISIT

We had a nice visit from Ishik School. Thanks far coming!

NEW PHOTO FINISH SYSTEM

Our new Photo Finish system and monitors help us judge the race and announce the results with markedly increased accuracy. Thanks to the technicians and other workers for making it possible!

AND THEY'RE OFF! IRAQI KURDISTAN HOLDS FIRST CASH-BETTING HORSE RACE

We thank our friend Claire Thomas for writing this beautiful article about our racing events!

Iraqi Kurdistan holds first cash-betting horse race

HORSE TRAINING

Regular exercise and specific training with the proper equipment are a crucial part of our horses' daily schedule.

KURDISTAN HORSE OWNERS AND TRAINERS

EIEC hosted a meeting of area race horse owners and trainers, as part of a greater effort to develop and standardize racing in Kurdistan. Members of the meeting also contributed to planning the upcoming Newroz Racing Event. EIEC wishes to thank all of the participating individuals.

TROTTING POLES

Trotting poles are used to improve a horse’s technical skills, and improve cooperation between the horse and rider. Traditional trotting poles are heavy 3m-long rails not less than 10cm in diameter. During the first few jumps over the poles, they tend to exaggerate their response, lifting their hooves higher than necessary. With more practice, they learn that they do not have to exert so much effort, and they become very comfortable with them.

TONIGHT'S SUNSET AT EIEC:

Come join us for a ride!

EIEC THANKS ITS MEMBERS AND FRIENDS:

Here at the Erbil International Equestrian Club, we want to take the time to thank everyone for the part they play: from riders, to grooms, to trainers, to families of members, and many others.

In particular, we'd now like to thank photographer Claire Thomas, who recently made photos she took here available for us to use.

FLAG DAY RACES A SUCCESS!

Thank you, everyone, for being a part of today's event by celebrating Flag Day with us. Together, we'll take equestrian arts to a new level in Kurdistan.

FLAG DAY RACES

Please join us for Kurdistan Flag Day celebrations and the official opening of the Kurdistan Jockey Club. There will be multiple exciting race, featuring local breeds, Arabian horses, beginners, and thoroughbred Horses.

Now, our races include cash betting! Also, there is a chance to win prizes if you buy a ticket for only 5,000 dinars and choose a winning horse! Admission if absolutely free.

If you have any questions about the event, please call 0750 204 5555 or email us at info@erbilhorseclub.com for information.

MEMBER'S JUMPING COMPETITION

Enjoy friendly competition between EIEC members and regular riders, as they square off for trophies and cash prizes. Attendance is free and children are welcome. If you have any questions, please call 0750 204 5555 for information.

The event’s sponsors are Albit Group, Hemn Group, Pepsi, Heli-Excel International, Alshemal Holdings, Korek Telecom, Garden Capital, City Light Advertising and Media, Reni Water, SSHC-Reklam, and Rudaw, and the American International School of Kurdistan..

JALAL TALABANI

EIEC Sends Condolences to Family of Jalal Talabani,
Cancels Horse Race in Honor of the Death of the Former President.

EIEC ELECTS BOARD

On October 2, officials from the KRG Ministry for Sports and Youth held an electioyn among all EIEC employees to choose the club's new board. Such an election is mandatory of a sport club every four years.

Those elected are as follows...

President: Sheikh Sirwan Barzani
Vice-President: Khalid Al Rashid
Financial Manager: Godar Ibrahim
Secretary: Lamia Al Rashid
Board Members: Mohammed Alnaqeeb, Esraa Al Rashid, Daniel Smith

SHEX AHMAD BAZ EXCELLING IN JUMPING INSTRUCTION:

After only one year of instruction, he's already displaying the form and style of riders far more experienced than he. This is, in part, due to the able instruction of EIEC club manager Khalid Al Rashid, and also Shex Ahmed's award-winning horse, Shelby.

"I enjoy riding, both as a fun activity, and also as a useful and relaxing one," he said, adding that the relationship between him and the horse he's riding is important to him.

EIEC applauds his efforts and is proud to have him as a member!

MEET EIEC's EXPERT FARRIER:

If you've noticed the fine job of horseshoeing on our club horses, Sayeed Fathi Al-Zayat deserves the credit. He is constantly assessing the horses' hooves and the need for new horseshoes to keep them healthy, comfortable, and performing at an ideal level. His workmanship, attention to detail, and gentle treatment of our horses is admirable.

Background on his craft: A farrier is a specialist in equine hoof care, including the trimming and balancing of horses' hooves and the placing of shoes on their hooves, if necessary. A farrier combines some blacksmith's skills (fabricating, adapting, and adjusting metal shoes) with some veterinarian's skills (knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the lower limb) to care for horses' feet.

GET TO KNOW A BREED - THE ICELANDIC HORSE:

The Icelandic horse is a breed of horse developed in Iceland. Although the horses are small, at times pony-sized, most registries for the Icelandic refer to it as a horse. The Icelandic displays two gaits in addition to the typical walk, trot, and canter/gallop commonly displayed by other breeds. The only breed of horse in Iceland, they are also popular internationally, and sizable populations exist in Europe and North America. The breed is still used for traditional sheepherding work in its native country, as well as for leisure, showing, and racing.

Developed from ponies taken to Iceland by Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries, the breed is mentioned in literature and historical records throughout Icelandic history; the first reference to a named horse appears in the 12th century

ANCIENT HORSE CARVINGS LINE HILLS OF ENGLAND:

Many old carvings decorate the ground of English hillsides, including the "Uffington White Horse," shown here, which is thought to be 3,000 years old.

How the designs are constructed is that grass and dirt are removed to reveal natural materials like chalk below, creating a striking design from above. Horses are the most common design. To read more, click on the link.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_figure

KEEPING OUR HORSES COOL:

In this summer heat, you may wonder how EIEC keeps it's horses from getting too hot. From cooling them down with water, to giant air coolers in the stables (pictured), we make many efforts, and we are always be watching them for early signs of overheating.

HORSES USED IN MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES IN CANADA:

Horses are being made an important part of therapy, as well as art and “mindfulness” exercises in group therapy in Edmonton, Canada, and are helping to make up for the shortage in mental health professionals needed to deal with the large numbers of refugees

Some younger clients can also find themselves grooming a horse, in an equine therapy program first introduced last summer. “Horses usually mirror the emotion of whoever is in front of them,” said a leader of the program, "so if a kid stands in front of them and grooms them, then they would also mirror it so that it increases self-awareness and helps them to self-regulate."

To read more, click on the link.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/syrian-refugees-may-work-through-trauma-with-art-horses-and-mindfulness-1.3365387

Here is a helpful basic description of how to ride a “posting trot.”

HORSE SOUNDS AND WHAT THEY MEAN:

Do you know what it means when your horse is talking to you? Whether your equine friend is whinnying, nickering, snorting, or squealing, this article has some thoughts on how to interpret and respond to these common communications.

To read more, click on the link.

http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-keeping/a-glossary-of-equine-vocalizations.aspx

HORSE NEWS - WRONG HORSE WINS RACE IN ENGLAND:

According to the BBC, British horse racing's governing body is to investigate after the 'wrong horse' won a race at odds of 50-1. Two-year-old Mandarin Princess was declared winner of Thursday's 13:40 race at Great Yarmouth, but a scan afterwards identified the horse as three-year-old stablemate Millie's Kiss, who had been due to run in a later race at the same course.

"It's an honest error and no-one stood to gain anything by it," said McBride. Stewards referred the matter to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). To read more, click on the link.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/horse-racing/40740691

GET TO KNOW A BREED - THE GYPSY VANNER:

The Gypsy Vanner, also known as the Gypsy Horse or the Irish Cobb, is a type or breed of domestic horse from the British Isles. It is a small, solidly-built horse of cob conformation and is often, but not always, piebald or skewbald; it is particularly associated with the Pavee and Romani travelling peoples of Britain and Ireland. There was no stud-book or breed association for horses of this type until 1996, but they are now considered an official breed. From about 1850, travelling people in the British Isles, known as Romani, began to use a distinct type of horse to pull their caravans in which they had just begun to live and travel. The color and look of the breed were refined in the years after the Second World War.

AN EXCITING NIGHT AT THE RACETRACK:

It was a wonderful evening, as the sun set over three action-packed races. We wish to thank the jockeys, horse owners, trainers, judge, stable hands, audience, and everyone else who took part! Winners are listed below. (Abdulatif Al-Hiyali was also awarded an honorary trophy for outstanding performance as a trainer.)

RACE 1: Thoroughbred Class - Distance 1650 Meters

1st Prize: ABROUNO (Owner, EIEC)

2nd Prize: SANDRO (Owner, Kawa Abu-Bakr)

3rd Prize: ASAT KOJAQ (Owner, Mohammed Arshad)

RACE 2: Arabian Breed Class - Distance 1850 Meters

1st Prize: SAIF YEZEN (Owner, Al-Najaifi Stable)

2nd Prize: FARUTH (Owner, Al-Najaifi Stable)

3rd Prize: HUD-HUD (Owner, Asharouq Stable)

RACE 3: Local Breed Class - Distance 1650 Meters

1st Prize: ANIDA (Owner, Al-Najaifi Stable)

2nd Prize: QALA (Owner, Hoshyar al-Hameed)

3rd Prize: Alif Su (Owner, Yahya Hamid)

Now THAT'S how to load two horses onto a trailer!

JOIN US FOR EIEC’s THIRD PUBLIC HORSE RACE:

Come join us for the third public race of the Erbil International Equestrian Club’s racetrack. Jockeys riding horses, both from EIEC and those brought from area stables, compete in separate races for trophies and cash prizes.

If you have any questions about the event, please call 0750 204 5555 or email us at info@erbilhorseclub.com for information.

EIEC's racetrack is up to international equestrian standards, including exacting measurement and material specifications. It consists of two tracks; an inner Training Track with an area of 22,050 square meters and an outer Racing track, with an area of 31,790 square meters.

Watch Pro Tips for Jumpers, Part 2.

Watch Pro Tips for Jumpers, Part 1.

SCIENCE PROVES HORSES READ EACH OTHERS’ FACES:

Though scientists have studied how horses read and react to human facial expressions before, a new study demonstrates that horses also read the faces of other horses, instead of just body language or other cues. For those close to horses, this may not come as much of a surprise, but having at proven is certainly interesting.

“Although (we know) horses produce clear facial expressions, we’ve never proven, until now, that the other horses around them actually pay attention to those expressions and use them to inform their own behavior,” said Leanne Proops, PhD, of the University of Sussex Mammal Vocal Communication and Cognition Research group, in the United Kingdom.

MEET OUR NEWEST CLUB MEMBER!

On Thursday night, just before 10:00, our beloved Soraya gave birth to our youngest member. Everything went well, and both mother and child are healthy, happy, and regaining their strength by eating.

Congratulations to Saroya, and thanks to all our staff who helped make it go so smoothly.

MOVEMENT TO STOP TRIMMING HORSE WHISKERS GAINS SUPPORT IN EUROPE:

The secretary-general of the German Equestrian Federation recently sent a reminder to members that trimming whiskers and ears is against animal welfare and forbidden in Germany. The law has been in place for years, as it is in Switzerland, but it seems that it is closer to being enforced, and the issue is being discussed more than ever.

The practice of trimming whiskers is widespread in horse shows throughout the world, but many say that the whiskers provide valuable information to the horses, and can help them avoid injury to their faces.

Veterinarian Joyce Harmon, on the "Practical Horseman" website, wrote, "Equine eyes are positioned in such a way that objects immediately in front of or below horses' noses are beyond their range of vision. So their horse whiskers help them "see" these objects. For example, while grazing, horses constantly rely on their whiskers to guide their muzzles toward edible food and away from other objects. The long whiskers near their eyes also warn them when there's a risk of bumping into obstacles, such as branches poking up out of the grass." What do you think?

SCIENTISTS SAY ALMOST ALL HORSES DESCENDED FROM ORIENTAL STALLIONS:

New genetic tests on a large range of horse breeds show that all but a few breeds of North European horses have descended from stallions that were brought from the Orient to Europe by horse breeders over the last 700 years.

What this means is that, hundreds of years ago, certain popular stallions were used so often, and their descendants were used in future breeding, that almost all living horses, whether they are racing horses or work horses on a farm, share a common ancestor - these few stallions. To read more, click here.

HORSE JUMPS THROUGH DOWNTOWN PARIS IN BEAUTIFUL NEW AD:

In a new commercial for luxury goods store Hermès, French show jumper Simon Delestre rides a black horse on cobblestones, over benches, and up stairs. Horse enthusiasts are sure to love it, and wish they were the rider!

Some tips on setting up courses and jumping them.

Help with smoothly going from a trot to a canter.

EIEC RETURNS TO NORMAL HOURS:

After a successful Ramadan season and a few days off for Eid, the Erbil International Equestrian Club is now back to our normal hours, 9:00am – 12:00(noon) and 5:00pm – 10:00pm. We are open every day except Monday, which is our day off.

Everyone is welcome to visit and receive a tour of our professionally-run facility, a one-of-a-kind experience for those in Kurdistan and the rest of Iraq. Guests and members are always welcome to sit at our outdoor or arena cafés and enjoy food, soft drinks/fruit juices, or smoke a houka as you pass the time. Call or email us to make an appointment or for further information. +964 750 204 5555 info@erbilhorseclub.com

RAMADAN JUMPING COMPETITION!

After your evening meal, share the night with us, as EIEC members and regular riders compete for trophies and cash prizes on increasingly difficult jumping courses. It's an exciting way to spend the last Friday of Ramadan! Attendance is free. If you have any questions, please call 0750 204 5555 for information.

Blessings to all our members and friends, from the Erbil International Equestrian Club.

INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE SHOW ENDS TRIUMPHANTLY:

On April 27 and 28, the 3rd International Festival of the Beauty of Arabian Horses was held before huge crowds of cheering audience members, and all agreed it was a resounding success. The favored horse was clearly Khidaro, horse number 37(pictured above). This beautiful white Arabian stallion took the event’s grand prize, to enthusiastic cheers.

The Erbil International Equestrian Club wished to extend heartfelt thanks to all who worked on, performed in, supported, or attended this amazing spectacle.

International judges and equestrian experts participating in the event included Abdullah Albarmaki(announcer), Mateusz Leniewics-Kaworski(judge), Irina Stigler(judge), Abdul Aziz Al Marzouqi(judge), Shery Amir Aslani(judge), Maher Abdelaziz(scoring), Christine Keyser(disciplinary Committee), Jean Pierre Deroubaix(Organizing Committee), and Jessica Albrent(ringmaster). Artist Fawaz Ayoob also created an equestrian painting in front of the audience, and traditional Kurdish dance was performed during intermission.

The event’s sponsors were Albit Group, Hemn Group, Pepsi, Heli-Excel International, Alshemal Holdings, Korek Telecom, Garden Capital, City Light Advertising and Media, Reni Water, SSHC-Reklam, and Rudaw.

WATCH RUDAW’S COVERAGE OF EIEC ARABIAN HORSE EVENT:

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL HORSE-THEMED PAINTING CREATED IN FRONT OF EIEC AUDIENCE:

Famed Kurdish equestrian artist Fawaz Ayoob returned to Kurdistan to attend the Erbil International Equestrian Club’s 3rd International Festival of the Beauty of Arabian Horses, and to transform a blank canvas into a beautiful painting for the second time. During the two nights of the event, and in front of a live audience, he completed a painting of two white Arabian horses, pictured in front of Erbil’s ancient Citadel.

Mr. Ayoob has done this in dozens of regional equestrian arenas, and is the second time he has done this at EIEC. The first was in November of 2016, when his painting was of horses and a female in traditional Kurdish clothing. EIEC wishes to thank him for the unique and valuable artistic service he provided. The event was truly made a more truly cultural event by this talented artist.

Mr. Ayoob studied art in his native Mosul, and began painting professionally 28 years ago, and his work, much of which was horse-related, was soon in demand in Jordan and throughout the Gulf countries, as well as Europe and Southeast Asia. Much of his art is equestrian-themed, and it reflects his great love of horses and respect for their great importance in battles fought by Kurdish fighters throughout history.

Click HERE to see more examples of his work at his website.

English-language Rudaw article with video, featuring this weekend's successful event, The 3rd International Festival of the Beauty of Arabian Horses.

Kurdish-language Rudaw article with video, featuring this weekend's successful event, The 3rd International Festival of the Beauty of Arabian Horses.

A SUCCESSFUL FIRST NIGHT OF TWO DAY ARABIAN HORSE EVENT:

The 3rd International Festival of the Beauty of Arabian Horses began on the evening of April 27, and it was a terrific success. International judges and equestrian experts and Arabian horses from three countries gathered in front of hundreds of audience members, who cheered them on. The visual spectacle was greatly enhanced by recent additions of a giant video screen, light show, and extended floral arrangements. It’s not too late to join us for the exciting finale, on the evening of April 28! Attendance is free, and full food service at EIEC’s new VIP dining area will be available for a minimal charge. If you have any questions about the event, please call 0750 204 5555 for information.

International judges and equestrian experts participating in the event include Abdullah Albarmaki(announcer), Mateusz Leniewics-Kaworski(judge), Irina Stigler(judge), Abdul Aziz Al Marzouqi(judge), Shery Amir Aslani(judge), Maher Abdelaziz(scoring), Christine Keyser(disciplinary Committee), Jean Pierre Deroubaix(Organizing Committee), and Jessica Albrent(ringmaster). Artist Fawaz Ayoob also began creating an equestrian painting which will be completed in front of tonight's audience, and traditional Kurdish dance was performed during intermission.

EIEC THANKS SPONSORS FOR ARABIAN HORSE BEAUTY SHOW:

The Erbil International Equestrian Club would like to express its deepest appreciation to our sponsors, without whom we could not have such events as the 3rd International Festival of the Beauty of Arabian Horses, on April 27 and 28.

The esteemed sponsors are Albit Group, Hemn Group, Pepsi, Heli-Excel International, Alshemal Holdings, Korek Telecom, Garden Capital, City Light Advertising and Media, Reni Water, SSHC-Reklam, and Rudaw. Thank you all so much!

EIEC THANKS SPONSORS FOR ARABIAN HORSE BEAUTY SHOW EVENT

FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR ARABIAN BEAUTY SHOW:

On the day before the opening of the International Festival of the Beauty of Arabian Horses, EIEC staff is busy putting the final touches on the indoor arena, where the event is to take place.

Audiences will see a new and beautiful floral design, as well as lights and video not seen in previous shows. We look forward to seeing you on April 27 and 28.

Please join us for one or both nights of this exciting event. Attendance is free, and full food service at EIEC’s new VIP dining area will be available for a minimal charge. If you have any questions about the event, please call 0750 204 5555 or email us at info@erbilhorseclub.com for information.

PREPARATION CONTINUES FOR INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE BEAUTY SHOW

The entire staff of the Erbil International Equestrian Club is hard at work, preparing for The 3rd International Festival of the Beauty of Arabian Horses, which will take place at 7:00 pm on on April 27 and 28. At the event, award-winning Arabian horses, their owners, and international judges and will all come together to put on an impressive show, in the finest tradition of equestrian culture.

“We are all very excited about the tournament,” said EIEC club manager Khalid Al Rashid, who has been coordinating preparations with the international judges and also in consultation with the Emirates Arabian Horse Society. “We are expecting it to be very successful,” he said, and added that wished to show appreciation by Sheikh Masrour Barzani (pictured below, with Khalid Al Rashid) and Sheikh Sirwan Barzani for their continued support of EIEC events.

Unlike a normal jumping competition, where riders compete by completing jumping courses of varying difficulty levels, an Arabian horse beauty tournament instead focuses on the horses themselves. Handlers bring them into the center of the arena, first one by one, and then together, where international judges and experts choose finalists and then champions from among many Arabian horses, carefully grading their appearance (shape of head, body, legs), movement (such as trotting) and following multiple commands.

NICE WEATHER MAKES IT THE PERFECT TIME TO VISIT EIEC:

If you’ve been planning to return to EIEC, or to visit us for the very first time, you couldn’t choose a nicer time to do so. Whether you’re an experienced rider, a beginner, or want your children to learn the art of horse-riding, the current weather makes this the perfect time. It’s no longer cold, but the summer heat hasn’t yet arrived, so you can concentrate on what’s most important, riding.

Everyone is welcome to visit and receive a tour of our professionally-run facility, a one-of-a-kind experience for those in Kurdistan and the rest of Iraq. Guests and members are always welcome to sit at our outdoor café and enjoy food, soft drinks/fruit juices, or smoke a houka as you pass the time.

Hours of operation for our indoor arena are 9:00 am – 12:00(noon) and then 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, every day except Monday, our day off. Call or email us to make an appointment or for further information. +964 750 204 5555 info@erbilhorseclub.com

RECENT BROADCASTS ABOUT EIEC IN THE KURDISH MEDIA:

If you’re thinking of coming to our next public event on April 27 and 28, but aren’t sure what to expect, here are two news stories to watch and learn a little of what we are about, here at the Erbil International Equestrian Club.

Both news items (below) were filmed at our last event, a Newroz jumping competition in late March, which was widely covered by local and national media. It was an international event with riders, judges, and equestrian experts from nince countries participating in several different categories and different levels of difficulty.

Click here to see coverage of the event by Rudaw.

And here for coverage by Kurdistan 24.

UPCOMING ARABIAN HORSE BEAUTY SHOW TOURNAMENT ON APRIL 27 & 28:

On April 27 and 28, award-winning Arabian horses, their owners, and international judges and will all gather to put on another impressive two-day EIEC tournament, entitled, “The “3rd International Festival of the Beauty of Arabian Horses.”

On the first night of the event, finalists will be chosen from dozens of Arabian horses in several different classes after being judged on appearance (shape of head, body, legs), movement (such as trotting) and following commands. On the second night, thousands of dollars in cash prizes will be given out to the winners.

VETERINARY STUDENTS FROM UNIVERSITY OF KIRKUK VISIT EIEC:

As part of the Erbil International Equestrian Club’s community and educational outreach program, EIEC hosted students in the Department of Veterinary Medicine program at Kirkuk University for an afternoon visit.

The visiting veterinary students told EIEC that they were very happy to have the chance to observe a working horse club, and were impressed by the animal care and facilities.

The University of Kirkuk was established in 2003. Aside from the Department of Veterinary Medicine, the university also offers programs including Engineering, Medicine, Law, Management & Economics, Science, Education, Nursing, Agriculture, Qur'anic Sciences, Geography, Physical Education, and Languages.

INTERNATIONAL NEWROZ JUMPING COMPETITION ON MARCH 17 & 18:

As Newroz approaches, preparations for EIEC’s March jumping competition are being completed, as shown above in Kurdistan 24’s coverage. International judges and riders from nine countries have arrived, and have been going over the course and ironing out logistics of the two day competition.

Visiting judges and other equestrian experts include Ibrahim Bisharat, Atef Shawki, Abdulkareem Sabri, Ali Dulaimi, Khalil Murad, Ali Farouk Noori, Lemia Nema, Nisreen Yehya, Rana Essa, Nabil Alali, Dr. Ashraf Elkella, Ayad Al-Janabi, Dr. Ali Al-Abdullah, and Riyad Ayad.

Riders for the competition are riding for Kurdistan(Walid Alrashed, Esraa Alrashed, Ghaida Alrashed Luay S. Al-Mufty, Sidar Selivani, Nivar Mahmoud, and Mohammed Arshed Akrem), Iraq(Mazead Mohammed, Ali Abdulkareem Hasan, and Almukhtar Saad), Great Britian(Odai Abu-Hamdan and Hala Dahi), Lebanon(Tony Assaf), Syria(Maiass Jalanbou), Jordan(Hani Bsharat and Hashem Zaghloul), Canada(Nadya Nadhin), and France(Coline Dubaux).

The competition is being held at EIEC’s indoor arena on March 17 and 18, beginning both days at 5:00 pm. Duration of each day’s events will be approximately three hours.

EIEC’s FIRST PUBLIC RACE A SUCCESS:

On the afternoon of March 9, spectators watched the debut of the Erbil International Equestrian Club’s racetrack. Jockeys riding horses, both from EIEC and those brought from area stables, competed in two separate races for trophies and cash prizes.

Local media was on hand to witness the spectacle, something unheard of until now, a racetrack that is up to all international equestrian standards, including exacting measurement and material specifications. It consists of two tracks; an inner Training Track with an area of 22,050 square meters and an outer Racing track, with an area of 31,790 square meters. Races can be viewed from outdoor auditorium-style seating, as well as an indoor restaurant, VIP rooms, and viewing areas for horse owners.

In coming races, expect to see photo-finish cameras, full-service weighing and changing rooms, well-equipped staging stables, state-of-the-art veterinarian services, and much effort to make sure audience and VIP services are second to none.

EIEC REACHES NEW LEVEL WITH ARABIAN HORSE BEAUTY SHOW TOURNAMENT

On the evenings of November 3rd and 4th, audience members, Arabian horse owners/trainers and international judges and equestrian experts were present, all to make for a spectacular two evenings.

On Thursday night, finalists were chosen from dozens of Arabian horses in several different classes after being judged on appearance (shape of head, body, legs), movement (such as trotting) and following commands. On Friday, the stakes were raised, and thousands of dollars in cash prizes were given out, with the grand prize, a new Land Rover Discovery SUV, being won by Khidaro, a stunning horse owned by Sheikh Masrour Barzani, who was in attendance at the event.

Participating international equestrian judges and experts included Mateusz Leniewicz-Kaworski, Abdullah Albarmaki, Irina Stigler, Koenraad Detailleur, Pierluigi Rota and Maher Abdelaziz. EIEC’s own Khalid Al Rashid acted as tournament manager, Lamia Al Rashed was coordinator, Walid al Rashid the manager, and both Ali Alqaralosi and Mohammed Ayad were discipline coordinators, and Jessica Albrent assisted the judges. Also, artist Fawaz Ayoob impressed the audience and participants by creating an entire work of art (see full article below) before their eyes.

It would be impossible to thank all of the owners, trainers, handlers, grooms, food service workers, maintenance workers, patient family members and all others by name for their tireless support, but EIEC extends its most heartfelt thanks for all the effort that made this event such a success.

Of course, we thank our generous sponsors; Land Rover, RT Bank, Empire, Hemn Group, Heli-Excel International, Pepsi, Majidi Mall/Majidi Land, Abdul Samad al Qurashi, Albit Group and Garden Capital for their continued support.

KURDISH ARTIST CREATED PAINTING IN FRONT OF EIEC AUDIENCE:

For audience members attending EIEC’s Arabian Horse Beauty Show on November 3rd and 4th, an unusual sight was unfolding behind the action. At first, many did not know who this man was, on his platform stacked with tubes and bottles, or what the large white rectangular object was in front of him. As he picked up brushes, started mixing colors, and began the outline of two horses and a woman in tradishional Kurdish dress, it became clear.

This was world-renown artist Fawaz Ayoob working on a large canvas, creating an entire work of art, as horses, trainers and international judges paraded, ran and galloped directly behind him. He has done this in dozens of regional equestrian arenas, but this event was special for him, he said, as this was the first time it has been done in his native Kurdistan.

Click HERE to see more examples of his work at his website.

YOU ARE COORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND…

The Erbil International Equestrian Club’s

ARABIAN HORSE
BEAUTY SHOW TOURNAMENT

November 3rd and 4th, 2016 at 17:00

Please join us for one or both nights of an exciting
competition Arabian horses. Cash prizes and a new car will
be awarded after an esteemed panel of international judges
rate the horses on beauty, trotting, and following
commands.

OCTOBER HOURS: 4:00 – 9:00PM

For the cooler month of October, our evening hours have changed to be just a bit earlier, so they are now 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm, every night but Mondays. After riding, you and your friends or family are welcome to sit at our comfortable outdoor café and enjoy beverages or a snack.

Riding lessons for any age, gender or experience level are available, as always, and our staff will help to choose the horse from almost thirty that is best suited to your needs.

Schedule for October:

Tuesday - Sunday: 4 pm – 9 pm

Monday: Closed

Rates for Riding (any skill level):

Per half hour:

$40 Adult / $20 Child

* Discount for Club Members - Individual and Family membership available *

Call or email us to make an appointment or for further information.

+964 750 204 5555 info@erbilhorseclub.com

MISS KURDISTAN 2016 CONTESTANTS VISIT EIEC:

Finalists in this year’s Miss Kurdistan contest visited EIEC to ride horses and learn about some of Kurdistan’s strong equestrian traditions. There are 11 finalists in all, chosen from over 100 original contestants. The pageant began in 2012, but was cancelled in the past few years, out of respect for the Peshmerga’s fight against ISIS. This year, it returns. Participants are from all over the world, including, Sweden, Finland, Turkey, Iran, Greece, and of course, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, but all must have Kurdish parents, and must speak Kurdish.

On October 6, the 2016 Miss Kurdistan pageant will take place at the new nearly 3,000 square kilometer venue, Babylon Hall in Ankawa. and this year’s winner will be crowned. Contact Babylon Media for tickets, on sale September 29, at 0750 303 9494.

WE’RE GROWING!

If you have been to EIEC in the past month, you’ve noticed some construction alongside our main stables in the parking lot. It is an extension to the stables being erected, plus additional offices, since more and more people have rented the existing offices.

Anyone interested in speaking to us about renting an office at an affordable price should call +964 750 204 5555 or email us at info@erbilhorseclub.com to set up an appointment.

IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN OUR TACK SHOP YET, PLEASE VISIT:

For a great supply of high-quality equestrian supplies, please visit our full-service tack shop. Whether you need riding equipment, riding apparel, training equipment, boots, or even if you have a specialty request, our knowledgeable staff will make sure you get what you need.

Any time we are open, the tack shop is accessible to you. All you need to do is ask any of our staff, and we will open up the shop, just for you, for as long as you want. Even if you don’t purchase something, please come to familiarize yourself with our large selection of high-quality products.

AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE EIEC FAMILY, OUR GROOMS:

You’ve seen them in their signature brown uniforms everywhere at EIEC, busy doing everything that is needed for your access to and enjoyment of our horses and facility. They are a very capable and cooperative team who we trust with the safety and health all the horses, and of you, the rider.

Anything you see happening at EIEC would obviously not be possible without them, and there are many things they tirelessly do that you’d never see. They keep everything running, so please take the time to thank them or get to know them a little.

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST RETURNS TO HIS KURDISH ROOTS AT EIEC:

“The beauty and shape of the horse is perfect for an artist,“ explains artist Fawaz Ayoob, pointing at one of his paintings. “However the horse moves his muscles, it changes the style. The white horse is especially good to paint because it takes on the colors of the land, reflecting it on the body and in the shape of the muscles.” (see photo below)

Mr. Ayoob studied art in his native Mosul, and began painting professionally 28 years ago, and his work, much of which was horse-related, was soon in demand in Jordan and throughout the Gulf countries. For years, he was based in Dubai, where he did several equestrian murals for large horse clubs, sometimes painting them as a performance, in front of a live audience.

Since then, he has shown his work at many exhibitions and live painting performances in Paris, Belgium, Doha, Dubai, Sharjah, and throughout Malaysia and Jordan. “I have one special studio in Dubai, and another studio for art in the farm for Sheikh Sultan,’ said Ayoob, “but I am very happy to return, with my work, to Kurdistan. This is very important to me, and everyone is very supportive of my return at the EIEC, and of my work.”

He continues, “Ancient Kurdish people used horses for warfare because the horse is very strong, and traveling up into the mountains is very easy for the horse. The Kurdish people needed to take all of their food, weapons and everything else to the mountains, and this is how horses helped Kurds survive.”

“This is very important, historically. Many horses died in war for Kurdish people, and for this, we must not forget the horse,” says Ayoob, with obvious emotion. “I want to respect them and give them back something.”

Look forward to upcoming EIEC events involving Mr. Ayoub’s art. Click HERE to see more examples of his work at his website.

BEST WISHES FROM EIEC AS WE CLOSE FOR EID:

Everyone at the Erbil International Equestrian Club wishes you all a happy Eid, and we thank you for all of your support and participation.

We will be open again after the end of Eid, and we look forward to seeing you then!

WATCH KURDISTAN 24’s BEAUTIFUL NEW VIDEO ABOUT EIEC:

EIEC thanks our neighbor, Kurdistan 24, for taking the time to film, edit and add a soundtrack to their new featurette, which shows off our horses, people and facility. If you’ve never visited us, this gives an idea of what it is like.

MEET EIEC’S HEAD TRAINER, ALI ALQARALOSI

If you have spent any time at the EIEC indoor arena, you’re sure to have seen Ali Alqaralosi. He’s always there, speaking with everyone, but always keeping his eye on multiple horses and their riders. Mid-sentence, he’ll notice some small problem with a rider’s technique, and call out a way to improve it in a direct, but friendly can constructive or even humorous way.

Today, he spoke to us after working with a regular rider at EIEC, teenager Kavin Awara, who said, “He’s a very good teacher – so kind and smart.” She went on to speak about how much she’d improved in the nine months that she’d been taking lessons with Ali, and that he gave her the confidence to become comfortable with jumping.

Ali began riding at an equestrian club at age 14. He’d always like animals, but had no experience with horses, so he just kept at it. While other riders, came once or twice a week, he was there, two or three times a day. “I spent more time there than I did at school. I would always either by riding my horse, walking with it or giving it a shower,” he said. The horse he first made a strong connection with was named Boubi. “He was a young horse, so we learned to ride and grew up together.”

As Ali got better and better at riding and jumping, and some people at the club started asking him for help, and so he began teaching. Immediately, he knew was the job for him. As the years passed, he got more and more specialized, and moved from Kurdistan to work at a larger club in Baghdad. He made a positive reputation for himself, and after a short time, found himself working at two different clubs in Jordan.

As the first planning for EIEC began, Deputy Manager Khaled Al Rashid and others knew they wanted to recruit Ali, and asked him to join the team before construction even started. Happy with the idea of being a part of the first international equestrian club in Kurdistan, he was proud to accept. He’s been involved since the beginning, and it shows. His relationships with staff and customers are very good, as are his relationships with EIEC’s horses, though he admits that his favorite is a ten year old gray Oldenburg named Calido Son, who he always teams up with for jumping competitions.

While we asked more questions about Ali’s own life, he kept changing the subject to horses and instruction. Sharing the world of horses with all kinds of people is clearly his passion. “Everyone can ride. Kids and adults, boys and girls, thin and fat, old and young. Some people say that they are 35 or 55 years old, and it is too late to start. It is never too late to learn to ride.”

HORSES IN THE NEWS: MAJOR INTERNATIONAL HORSE ART EXHIBITION IN AMERICA, ONE OF THE LARGEST COLLECTIONS OF HISTORICAL EQUESTRIAN PAINTINGS EVER.

An equine art extravaganza opens this week in the state of Virginia with a major sampling of 46 American, British, and European oil paintings, watercolors, and sculptures on show. Pictured above is one of the featured works, entitled, “Shark With His Trainer Price,” painted in 1794 by artist George Stubbs.

The exhibition, “The Chronicle of the Horse in Art,” is at the National Sporting Library & Museum in Middleburg, Virginia now, and through the month of March.

To read more, click HERE for more information and images from the show.

RIDER FROM HUNGARY WHO COMPETED AT EIEC TALKS ABOUT TIME IN KURDISTAN

Patricia Fekete, 23, (pictured above, left) recently spoke to us about her experiences competing at this summer’s international competition. She spoke to us just as she returned home from an afternoon of riding in her native Hungary, where she has just completed a pharmacy degree at Budapest’s Semmelweis University. She is an enthusiastic rider.

EIEC: How did you first get involved in the EIEC, and hear about the international competition?

PATRICIA: We heard about it from one of our rider friends, who used to live in Kurdistan. After we let her use a horse for a competition in Europe, she was very thankful, and invited me for this competition, in her home.

EIEC: And what did you think of the facility, after you arrived?

PATRICIA: I liked the place very much. I think there are many possibilities to make a bigger international competition there. The jumping area was in very good condition, also the fences and the warm up area. For us, it was very interesting that the competition was at night, like a party

EIEC: Tell us something about yourself. What is your background in riding?

PATRICIA: I started to ride when I was 6 years old. At first, I started to compete in jumping and eventing, and after a few years, I started also competing in endurance competitions. I like jumping much more than endurance, but in endurance, I get much better results, because there are much more people to compete with in jumping competitions. My parents ride also, and they prefer endurance as well.

EIEC: What was your first impression of your time spent at EIEC?

PATRICIA: The first impression was surprise that I got a Hungarian horse to ride for the competition. Anyway, I liked the whole place, it was very well prepared, the stalls and the horses too. I really hope that we will be invited to Kurdistan again, since I loved the place so much

EIEC CONGRATULATIONS EQUESTRIAN WINNERS OF 2016 OLYMPICS

It was an eventful year for the equestrian teams in the 2016 Olympics, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As closing ceremonies were held on August 21, equestrian fans have some memorable moments to look back on.

There were some unfortunate incidents, including New Zealand horse Clifton Lush suffering a severe cut to his face (he’s making a full recovery), a groom for the German team being injured during a dressage event and some disqualifications due to excessive use of spurs or whips.

Still, the positive events took the day, with German riders being the most noteworthy. Michael Jung and horse Sam won back-to-back gold medals, and Isabell Werth becomes the most decorated equestrian athlete in Olympic history by winning her 10th gold in the Dressage Team event. Final results are below.

Gold Medal Winners of 2016 Equestrian Olympic Events:

Eventing Individual: Michael Jung, Germany

Eventing Team: France

Dressage Individual: Charlotte Dujardin, Great Britain

Dressage Team: Germany

Jumping Individual: Nick Skelton, Great Britain

Jumping Team: France

GENERAL PUBLIC WELCOME TO VISIT EIEC INDOOR ARENA

Remember, as the hot day cools off, our 5:00 PM – 10 PM evening hours are open not only to our members, but the public is welcome come and see how our club works. If you think you or someone in your family might be interested in riding, but are just not sure, why not visit us and see the grounds? We’re here every day except for Monday.

You’ll see how we work with our members, guests, and our beloved horses – there are almost 30 of them! We will be happy to show you around and explain everything to you.

Afterwards, sit at our outdoor café and cool down with soft drinks and fruit juices, and perhaps get something to eat or have a houka (narghila) brought to your table. We’ll see you there!

Call or email us to make an appointment or for further information.

+964 750 204 5555 info@erbilhorseclub.com

EIEC WISHES QUICK RECOVERY FOR HORSE WOUNDED AT RIO OLYMPICS

After New Zealand eventing team horse Clifton Lush cut his face badly on a pipe located near his stable, he received an emergency two-hour treatment from an Olympic surgeon, receiving over 100 stitches. Co-owner Lucy Allison told ‘Horse and Hound’ online equestrian magazine, “Everyone attending gave him gave him due care and attention,” and said that, a headcollar with reins (pictured above) was needed to walk him to another location, because the injury was close to his mouth, and so a bit could not be used.

Though he was withdrawn from competing, Lush’s operation was judged a success and he is expected to make a full recovery. To read more, click HERE

EIEC’s PROFESSIONAL RACING TRACK NEARS COMPLETION

As the summer begins to come to an end, watch for events to start at our racing track in the coming season. It has taken a tremendous amount of planning and work to bring the very first professional racing track to Kurdistan, and it is nearly done.

EIEC’s engineers and managers have worked hand-in-hand with several equestrian racing experts from around the world to make sure the track is up to all international equestrian standards, including exacting measurement and material specifications, thousands of kilos of costly imported track sand, exacting placement of photo-finish cameras, full-service weighing and changing rooms, well-equipped staging stables, state-of-the-art veterinarian services, and much effort to make sure audience and VIP services are second to none.

It consists of two tracks; an inner Training Track with an area of 22,050 square meters and an outer Racing track, with an area of 31,790 square meters. Races can be viewed from outdoor auditorium-style seating, as well as an indoor restaurant, VIP rooms, and viewing areas for horse owners (pictured above).

SUMMER HOURS UNTIL END OF AUGUST: 5:00 – 10:00PM

Whether you’ve been riding for years, or it’s something you’ve always wanted to try, August is a great time to join us. There are no competitions for the rest of the month, so come and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with individual attention from our skilled and patient staff, including head trainer Ali Alqaralosi, pictured above. After riding, you and your friends or family are welcome to sit at our comfortable outdoor café and enjoy beverages or a snack.

Riding lessons for any age, gender or experience level are available, as always, and our staff will help to choose the horse from almost thirty that is best suited to your needs.

Schedule until the end of August:

Tuesday - Sunday: 5pm - 10pm

Monday: Closed

Rates for Riding (any skill level):

Per half hour:

$40 Adult / $20 Child

* Discount for Club Members - Individual and Family membership available *

Call or email us to make an appointment or for further information.

+964 750 204 5555 info@erbilhorseclub.com

EIEC SALUTES EQUESTRIAN RIDERS AT 2016 RIO OLYMPICS:

ENGLAND, GERMANY MAKE EARLY WINS

On August 6, the first two equestrian events of the 2016 Summer Olympics were held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The first event was Individual Dressage, in which a rider from England, with horse Chilli Morning, placed first, followed by Australia second and Germany third. In Team Dressage, Germany so far has placed first.

Equestrian dressage, jumping and cross-country events will be ongoing through August 19. Click HERE for the official Equestrian schedule and results page for the 2016 Olympics.

According to the official Olympics website, the venue where all equestrian events are being held is the Olympic Equestrian Centre, which “was originally built for the 2007 Pan American Games,” and then “modernised and expanded for Rio 2016. The one-million-square-metre facility hosts the jumping and dressage arena, cross-country course and horse and trainer accommodation.”

TOURISM BUSINESSES TOUR EIEC AS PART OF DELEGATION

As part of the effort to increase tourism to the Kurdistan Region by familiarizing tourism companies with what the region offers, a delegation of business owners from all over Iraq visited the Erbil International Equestrian Club July 28, an event coordinated by Abdulrahda Dawood Salman (pictured center-left) tourism coordinator for the Association of Travel, Tourism, Hajj and Umrah Companies in the Kurdistan Region.

Among the members of the delegation was the owner of a company in Hilla who expressed great interest in the EIEC’s Arabian horses and the general manager of a company from downtown Baghdad who received an opportunity to ride a horse in our indoor arena.

AMERICAN COMPETITIVE HORSE JUMPER DESCRIBES EIEC EXPERIENCES

24 year old Bonnie Sarigianis (pictured above-center) placed first in the 1 meter class of jumping at Kurdistan’s first ever international jumping competition, the final event of EIEC’s 2016 Ramadan season. $20,000 in prizes were given out to riders from England, Germany, Turkey, Hungary, Jordan, Kurdistan, Iraq and Miss Sarigianis’ own country of the United States. We caught up with her in Amman, Jordan, where she works as a teacher to ask her about her recent time in Kurdistan.

EIEC: Tell us something about yourself. What is your background in riding?

BONNIE: I began riding when I was 8 years old. I lived in a small town in the country, outside of Washington, DC. It was very casual, the people at the farm just put you on a pony in a field. My parents aren’t riders, so they didn’t know to take me to a proper stable, but I continued to be interested, and at age 14 or 15, I started leasing a horse and learning dressage. I have been riding ever since.

EIEC: How did you first get involved in the EIEC, and hear about the international competition?

BONNIE: Years ago, I was studying Arabic in Jordan and I met Walid al Rachid (son of EIEC Assistant Manager Khalid Al Rachid), and took some lessons from him. We stayed in touch, and when I moved to Amman, he told me that, if my level was high enough, I could compete. Before he invited me, I saw that his family were in Kurdistan. I’d wanted to go to Kurdistan for a long time. I’m a traveler, so when I got the chance, I didn’t hesitate for a second.

EIEC: And what did you think of the facility, after you arrived?

BONNIE: I was just blown away by the stables. I’ve ridden in a lot of countries; in Russia, dressage in Germany, and many other places. The stables and arena are very nice. They were very easy to jump. Horses that are well trained do things automatically, and make it easier to ride an unfamiliar horse. The horses here in Amman are not in the same league. I feel like I’ve seen a lot of stables and a lot of training, and this was clearly at the top.

EIEC: What is your main impression of your time spent at EIEC?

BONNIE: I want to thank everyone at the Erbil International Equestrian Club. It was a great experience, and I hope to compete there again.

TRADITIONAL KURDISH DANCE INCORPORATES WAR AGAINST ISIS
INTO PERFORMANCE AT INTERNATIONAL HORSE COMPETITION

As part of the Erbil International Equestrian Club’s 2016 Ramadan Season, members of the Dohuk Folk Arts Ensemble began a two-night international horse jumping competition with a dance performance in the tradition of Kurdish folks dance, but with a new twist. Male and female dancers, dressed in military uniforms of the Peshmerga forces, clearly evoked battle in the original choreography, including representations of machine gun and artillery fire.

INTERNATIONAL HORSE EXPERT AT EIEC COMPETITION: “THIS WAS A GREAT EVENT FOR ME.”

ERBIL - Abdullah Al Barmaki, who has been judging and announcing at equestrian competitions for over 25 years came in June to Erbil for the first time, from his native Jordan to take part in the 2016 Ramadan season at the EIEC. He acted as a judge in the first ever Arabian horse show in Kurdistan. As such, he was expecting it to be a good experience, but that new horse clubs usually have some progress to go before reaching international standards.

“This was a great event for me,” he said, “and I felt like I was at a competition in club that had been around for 15 years. Everything went smoothly. I am very impressed.”

Known for their endurance, characteristic appearance and their long and well-documented history, Arabian horses are a prized breed the world over. Standards for such competitions, where the horses are judged on physical attributes and various aspects of performance and command-following, are famously strict.

“We plan to have more shows like this and we will continue to train the grooms to be more and more professional handlers for Arabian horses,” Al Barmaki continued. “I want to thank Karwan Barzani for his support, which made a first-rate event. He made sure the horses, the breeders and everyone was taken care of. I also want to thank club manager Khalid Al Rachid and the entire staff at the club for their spirit of teamwork. I look forward to the next competition I judge at the Erbil International Equestrian Club.”

RUDAW: Kurdistan's first show jumping in Erbil

http://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/300620162

SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL JUMPING COMPETITION ENDS 2016 RAMADAN SEASON

ERBIL - A full audience and multiple media outlets packed in to watch as riders from England, the United States, Germany, Turkey, Hungary, Jordan, Iraq and of course Kurdistan competed for $20,000 in prizes at our final weekly event of this year’s Ramadan season. Previous events this month included several Arabian horses being judged on appearance and performance, plus a friendly competition between riders from Erbil and Baghdad.

Each of the four events were exciting and enthusiastically received by the audiences, participating riders, judges and other equestrian professionals. As a whole, this series firmly establishes Kurdistan as an important regional and international force in the world of competitive horse competitions.

These events were generously sponsored by Darin Group, Korek Telecom, Land Rover, Heli-Excel, Hemn Group, Albit Group, Gulan Park and Sardar Trading Agencies.

In the coming year, watch for different kinds of events, which will continue with the cooperation of the Iraqi Equestrian Federation.

Erbil International Equestrian Club

ERBIL
INTERNATIONAL
EQUESTRIAN
CLUB

SUMMER HOURS:

Erbil International Equestrian Club

ERBIL INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CLUB

ERBIL
INTERNATIONAL
EQUESTRIAN
CLUB