AANES organizes festival for purebred horses in NE Syria
DERIK, Syria (North Press) – Horse breeders in northeast Syria called, on Saturday, for support to preserve purebred horses that have been passed down through generations in the region.
The demand came at a festival organized by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) for purebred Arabian horses in the village of Hamoukar in the town of al-Ya’rubiyah (Tel Kocher), northeast Syria. The festival was attended by horse breeders from the governorates of Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor, and the countryside of Aleppo.
In mid-Sept., a festival for purebred Arabian horses was held in the village of Tel Ma’rouf, in the southern countryside of Qamishli, northeast Syria, under the supervision of the General Union of Farmers and Livestock, affiliated with the AANES.
Northeast Syria is an important area for breeding purebred Arabian horses, as most horse breeders and stables are located there. Hundreds of these horses have been registered with the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO).
Sarhan al-Khadaan, a horse breeder, stated that they need support for horses in the region, as horses suffer from a lack of feed and veterinary medications.
The competition consisted of 10 rounds, with each round 10 to 14 horsemen participate in. The winners of each round advanced to the final stage, where the top three places were honored with financial awards and trophies.
Maan al-Saadi, a member of al-Jazira Race Directorate, affiliated with the AANES, informed North Press that the race was part of the third season of 2023, which marks the sixth consecutive season.
More than 100 horses from various regions, including Aleppo countryside, participated in the festival. The event witnessed a significant turnout from racing enthusiasts and those interested in the sport.
Abdullah al-Afari, the stable owner, congratulated all participants and the winners of the top places in the festival.
In northeast Syria, three or four competitions are held each season by the al-Jazira Race Directorate with the support of individuals interested in breeding purebred Arabian horses.
The third-place winner, Haj Hamid al-Mekhlef, from Deir ez-Zor, expressed his gratitude to the directorate and the race sponsor, Abdulelah al-Jarba, for organizing the competition.