THE FINEST HORSE IN THE WORLD

In this chapter, Sheikh Mohammed talks about greatest horse he has ever owned and how he would look at it with love and admiration for hours.

AWestern friend once asked me while we were having dinner after a horse race in the UK: “You are one of the most successful racehorse owners in the world, what does owning such magnificent horses mean to you?”

I was puzzled for a few moments by his question, not because I did not know how to answer it, but because the answer could not be summarised in just a few sentences. Horses, for the Arabs, are linked to honour, social status and magnanimity. The connection that Arabs have with horses stretches back more than nine millennia to the time when horses were first domesticated in the Arabian Peninsula.

The Arabs discovered that a horse can be one of man’s best friends. They found out how intelligent, loyal and patient they were, so they forged close bonds with them. An Arab treats his horses in the same way he treats his children, caring for them day and night, talking and listening to them. In return, the horse gives him devotion, protection, care, and will not Iet him down in times of need, conflict or adversity.

I owned a horse. He was named Yaazer and was the finest horse I have ever owned. From the moment I set eyes on Yaazer as a foal, I knew he would be a great horse.

He had wide eyes that overflowed with grandness and pride. He had strong, powerful eyes, which were kind and gentle at the same time. He was large and arrogant, with a dominant bearing. He could intimidate any inexperienced rider.

I would visit him in my stables in Al Qouz. I would sit there and look at this beautiful creature with awe. He would slide his head under my arm, and put out his tongue so I could give him some carrots, which I always kept hidden on me. Whenever l stroked his neck, he was very happy. I would sit beside him and we would stare at each other.

What pleasure I used to feel when that great giant of a horse shared these moments with me. I was happy just to sit with him there, and look at him with love and admiration, for hours.