Qatar Museums has recently launched a new book titled “Al Shaqab, The Legacy of Arabian Horses” at the Doha International Book Fair. Written by acclaimed author Judith Forbis, the book features stunning photography of Arabian horses and tells the story of Qatar’s renowned Al Shaqab Stud. In less than a decade, Al Shaqab has become a dominant force in international competitions, with three champion stallions setting new world records.
Forbis’s book is a tribute to H H The Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the Arabian horses of Al Shaqab. She emphasizes the cultural significance of the Arabian horse breed in the region and Qatar’s role in revitalizing it. With the emergence of oil wealth, there was a renaissance of the Arabian horse in the Arab world, particularly in Qatar, as a way to honor the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Qatar has become a wellspring of superior horses and foundation bloodstock, inspiring breeders both locally and globally. The book is divided into three chapters – The Heritage, The Legend, and The Legacy – covering topics such as the history of the Arabian horse, the rise of the Al Thani Dynasty, the achievements of Al Shaqab, and new developments at the Al Shaqab Stud. Forbis, who has been connected to Qatar and Al Shaqab since the 1950s, aims to showcase the untold story of the Al Thani dynasty and their horses.
The book aims to educate readers about Qatar’s history, entertain them with stories of heroes and horses, inspire them with artistic images, and touch their hearts with the beauty of the Arabian horses of Al Shaqab. Forbis, an expert in Arabian horse breeding, has a deep personal connection with Qatar and Al Shaqab, making her book a valuable resource for anyone interested in Arabian horses.Visitors to the Doha International Book Fair can now purchase this book and learn more about the fascinating world of Arabian horses and the legacy of Al Shaqab.
