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DOHA, February 19, 2010/Salman Ahmed Salman
 The
Arabian horse is a breed that originated on the Arabian
peninsula. With a distinctive head shape, proud bearing, and
high tail carriage, the Arabian is one of the most easily
recognizable horse breeds in the world.
The Arabian is one of the oldest horse breeds, with
archaeological evidence of horses that resemble modern Arabians
dating back 4,500 years. Throughout history, Arabian horses
were spread around the world by both war and trade. They were
used to improve other breeds by adding refinement, speed,
endurance, and strong bone. Today, Arabian bloodlines are found
in almost every modern breed of riding horse.
The Arabian developed in a desert climate and was prized by
the nomadic Bedouin people, often being brought inside the
family tent for shelter and protection. This close relationship
with humans has created a horse breed that is good-natured,
quick to learn, and willing to please. But the Arabian also
developed the high spirit and alertness needed in a horse used
for raiding and war. This combination of willingness and
sensitivity requires modern Arabian horse owners to handle their
horses with competence and respect. The Arabian horse became
much appreciated by people in Europe, the USA, and around the
world. If anybody asked for names of famous breeders, the answer
will be Mrs. Judith Forbis, American author, international judge
and breeder of Arabian horses for over half a century. She is
known as the most famous breeder of Arabian horses in the early
twentieth century.
I met her during the activities on the Seminar of Arabian
Horse Sports, organized by Qatar Museum
Authority, Qatar Olympic Committee and Olympic Museum, and asked
her about her fondness of Arabian horses.
She stressed that her love for horses began when she was
only three years old. Her family encouraged her to ride and she
participated in American horse shows, winning both equitation
and jumping championships. She joined the ICA (Marshall Plan)
in 1957 and went to Turkey where she rode both Turkish Cavalry
horses and Arabian horses and won the Civilian Jumping
Championship as well as the coveted Governor’s Cup. She met and
married Don Forbis in Ankara, Turkey, and together they worked
Arabian horses in the Southeast regions of the country; Don
trained and Judi was the jockey. In time they bought Egyptian
Arabian horses, including the famous stallion Ansata Ibn Halima,
and established stud farms in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and
Kentucky.
In answer to my question about the books that she has
written about the Arabian horse, she mentioned there are many,
including: THE CLASSIC ARABIAN HORSE, ANSATA IBN HALIMA – THE
GIFT; AUTHENTIC ARABIAN BLOODSTOCK I; AUTHENTIC ARABIAN
BLOODSTOCK II; and THE ABBAS PASHA MANUSCRIPT.
 She
added that she is preparing a book about the history of Arabian
horses in Qatar entitled THE HERITAGE OF AL SHAQAB.
As for her impression on the seminar activities, she
reaffirmed that the seminar was successful and expressed her
appreciation to the state of Qatar and Organizing Committee for
the wonderful organization, as all lectures focused light on the
history of horses and sports related to them.
She lauded the development of the Qatari equestrians,
particularly the skill and courage of HH Sheikh Mohammad bin
Hamad Al Thani, who thrilled the audience with his breathtaking
ride up a long steep ramp to light the flame of the 15th Asian
Games in Doha in 2006. Mrs. Forbis highlighted that Qatari
equestrians have achieved positive results in international
championships in light of the great support of HH Sheikh Hamad
Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar. She said that
the level of Qatari horse breeding and racing is very high as
Qatar finished 1st and 2nd in the highly competitive Arc de
Triomphe Race in Paris, France, as well as winning the World
Championship Stallion title three times at the Salon du Cheval.
 Mrs.
Judith Forbis applauded the new facilities of Al Shaqab Stud and
said that Al Shaqab Center will be state of the art when the new
facility is complete.
As for Qatar, 2022 World Cup bid, she said that Qatar can
do anything, in light of the continual support of HH Emir
andHer Highness Sheikhah Mozah.
Mrs.
Forbis thanked Qatar Olympic Committee Organizing Committee for
this first seminar on horse sports and the QOC web site and
Qatar equestrian website for such an interview.
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