Summary: Sharjah is a home to the majestic and graceful Arabian horse. The Sharjah horse is an exquisite breed that embodies beauty, strength, and stamina. This breed has been an integral part of Sharjah’s history, culture, and economy for centuries. In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of Sharjah horse, explore its unique characteristics, history, breeding techniques, role in Sharjah’s culture, and its contribution to the country’s economy.
1. History of Sharjah Horse
The Sharjah horse has a rich history that dates back to ancient Arabia. Bedouins used these horses for transportation, hunting, and even war. They were known for their speed, agility, and endurance, allowing them to travel long distances through the desert terrain. Over time, the Sharjah horse’s reputation spread beyond Arabia, and many rulers sought to acquire them due to their beauty and effectiveness in battle. This led to the exportation of the breed to different parts of the world, where it gained new admirers and breeders.
The horses have a special significance in Sharjah’s history and culture. They were an essential mode of transportation before the discovery of oil, and they played a significant role in Sharjah’s economy. In 1980, the Sharjah Ruler, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, established the Sharjah Equine Hospital to preserve and protect the Sharjah horse breed.
Today, Sharjah horse breeding is highly valued not only for its cultural significance but also for its potential in the equine industry. Breeders use modern breeding techniques to maintain the breed’s purity and improve its quality for competitions and shows.
2. Unique Characteristics of Sharjah Horse
The Sharjah horse is a small yet robust breed that stands between 14.2 and 15.2 hands high. It is known for its delicate head, arched neck, and short back. The breed has a smooth and graceful gait, making it ideal for riding and showing. Additionally, Sharjah horses have a thick coat that protects them from the harsh desert climate, with colors ranging from chestnut, grey, bay, and black.
These horses are often compared to the Arabian horse due to their similar features. However, Sharjah horses have a unique characteristic that sets them apart from other breeds. They have a distinct temperament and personality, which makes them ideal for interaction with humans.
The Sharjah horse’s intelligence and trainability have made them popular in equine sports such as showjumping, dressage, and endurance riding. Additionally, they are commonly used in movies and TV shows because of their photogenic nature and cooperative behavior on set.
3. Breeding Techniques for Sharjah Horse
For centuries, Sharjah breeders used traditional techniques to maintain the purity of the breed. They used the principles of line breeding, combining the best features of different horses to produce offspring with superior traits. Additionally, they practiced selective breeding to preserve the breed’s genetic makeup and prevent crossbreeding with other breeds.
In recent years, Sharjah horse breeders have adopted modern breeding techniques to enhance the breed’s quality and performance. They use artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and other advanced reproductive technologies to produce offspring of superior quality. Breeders also focus on breeding horses with good temperaments, trainability, and physical traits to ensure continued success in equine competitions and shows.
Despite the use of modern breeding techniques, Sharjah breeders remain committed to preserving the breed’s purity and cultural significance. They adhere to strict breeding guidelines to maintain the breed’s unique characteristics and protect it from crossbreeding with other breeds.
4. Sharjah Horse in Sharjah’s Culture
The Sharjah horse has a special place in Sharjah’s culture and society. It is an integral part of the country’s heritage, reflecting its Bedouin roots and desert environment. The Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club promotes and preserves the breed through various activities such as racing, showjumping, and dressage.
The Sharjah Grand Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in the world, has a magnificent bronze sculpture of a Sharjah horse at its entrance. The statue represents the significance of the breed in Sharjah’s culture and its connection to Islamic art and architecture.
Furthermore, many social and cultural events in Sharjah celebrate the Sharjah horse and its contribution to the country’s heritage. These events include traditional horse races, exhibitions, and shows that highlight the breed’s beauty, strength, and stamina.
5. Contribution of Sharjah Horse to the Economy
The Sharjah horse plays a significant role in the country’s economy, particularly in tourism and equine sports. The Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club organizes several equine events throughout the year, attracting tourists and horse enthusiasts from around the world. The club also offers opportunities for horse training, breeding, and sales, contributing to the country’s equine industry.
Sharjah horse breeding is another area that contributes significantly to the country’s economy. The sale of horses for competition, shows, and breeding purposes is a lucrative business that generates income for breeders and creates job opportunities in the equine industry. Additionally, international interest in the Sharjah horse breed has led to increased exports, further boosting the economy.
Conclusion:
The Sharjah horse is a beautiful and unique breed that embodies the country’s heritage and culture. Its history, unique characteristics, breeding techniques, cultural significance, and contribution to the economy make it a valuable asset for Sharjah. Through the efforts of dedicated breeders and organizations, the Sharjah horse remains an essential part of the country’s equine industry and cultural heritage.