Culture & Education | Sunday 22 March, 2015 1:44 am |

Throughout the ages, horses have held a special place in the hearts of the Arabs who have pursued various pastimes and competed in events ranging from endurance riding to show jumping, polo, horse racing and dressage. Capturing these activities, as well as magnificent Arabian purebreds, are artists who are showcasing their works in the 11th Dubai International Horse Fair’s dedicated Art Gallery. Artists from far afield including Australia, France, Iran, United States and the United Kingdom are exhibiting at the show together with regional talent.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance the event runs until tomorrow (Saturday, 21 March) at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Passion for horses
Australia-based artist Lyn Beaumont loves horses and riding as much as she loves painting. “The reason I paint horses is simply because I love them. I own six – one of which is an Arabian breed – and ride daily. The love of horses inspires me and I see differences in every face when I paint,” said Beaumont who is showcasing her work to a keen Middle East audience at Dubai International Horse Fair.

Beaumont’s equine portraits have been keenly followed and commissioned with her works hanging in the private residences of British royalty and Australian clubs including the Victoria Racing Club, Moonee Valley
Racing Club, The Melbourne Racing Club, and Mornington Racing Club. The artist is one of Australia’s most experienced and prolific equine artists. Her work hangs in private collections around Australia, UK, USA, Ireland, New Zealand and Japan, and has exhibited in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and New York.

Equestrian Art International from the United Kingdom is exhibiting the works of one its best British equestrian artists, Vineta Sayer MA, at the dedicated Art Gallery. Lisa Drury, Middle East representative of Equestrian Art International, said: “This is the first time we have attended the event – with the Dubai International Horse Fair being our first exhibition the region - although we have many existing customers in the Middle East and are looking forward to engaging with art lovers here.”

The organisation is exhibiting the work of five top British equestrian artists: Vineta Sayer MA, Alasdair Banks (a 2012 Olympic artist), Terence Gilbert SEA, Sally Martin SEA (one of the world’s top dressage artists) and Martin Williams SEA. Their work covers the full spectrum of equestrianism including horse racing, polo and eventing/dressage, said Drury.

American artist Kenna Al-Sayed of Sorrel Studios is displaying her realistic equine works, mainly those highlighting her use of coloured pencils or watercolour as a medium. “I am also displaying expressive ink and mixed media drawings that I have developed recently and they have proved to be quite popular with my collectors – I will be creating them throughout the Dubai International Horse Fair at my stand,” said Al-Sayed.

Entertainment for the whole family
The general public will have the opportunity to witness the fast-paced and thrilling Horse Auction, which returns this year. More than 100 magnificent Arabian thoroughbreds from local studs will be available for viewing, bidding and buying tomorrow (Saturday, 21 March) at 12pm.

Dressage, pony show jumping, gymkhana and Spanish horse performances are also featured at the show where horse aficionados and the general public can experience riders’ masterful routines.

Dubai International Horse Fair offers a variety of international equine products, services, equipment and technology for horse owners, breeders and equine professionals in the Middle East. Companies and brands exhibiting a range of products and services to the expanding equine industry in the Middle East include: Ajman Stud, Al Hawajer Stud, Dubai Arabian Stud, Dubai Equine Hospital, Equivance, Jebel Ali Racecourse, Royal Cavalry and Shadwell Stud among others.

The event is held alongside the 12th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, which will see Purebred Arabian horses competing for top position and AED15 million (USD 4 million) in prize money. Aimed at purebred Arabian horses to judge their beauty, agility and heritage over three days, the event culminates in the Championship classes tomorrow (Saturday, 21 March) for the most exquisite horses.

The Dubai International Horse Fair 2015 will be held in Halls 5 and 6 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Opening hours are 2pm – 8pm on 20 March and 11am – 8pm on 21 March. Admission is free of charge and open to trade visitors and the general public. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Pre-registration is now open at the show’s official website www.dihf.ae.

About Dubai International Horse Fair:
www.dihf.ae
DIHF 2015 will be held from 19-21 March 2015 at DWTC. For the eleventh consecutive year, the exhibition will serve as a forum for international manufacturers, distributors, retailers and equestrian enthusiasts.
DIHF will be held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance. The exhibition will once again be held alongside the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, a world-class competition for purebred Arabian horses.
With the region's largest display of equestrian equipment, services, products and interactive horse experiences, the three-day exhibition is expected to attract thousands of visitors.

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of the Dubai International Horse Fair 2014, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) offers over 34 years experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 20 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region.
Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.