Ever since I opened my eyes to the world, the love of the
Arabian horse has been an indispensible part of me. My late
grandfather, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, had a mare
called Al Anood. A beautiful white mare who was his favorite
and a most accomplished racehorse in the Arabian races. She
captured my heart as a child; she is my first memory of the
beauty of an Arabian horse and character. She was a family
pet and loved by the entire family. She was ridden after her
retirement and was a part of our family. Shortly after learning
basic riding on ponies with my father, he then got me my first
Arabian mare called Layla who taught me how to really ride a
horse. My first experience of real riding was on her, and at the
age of 11, she gave me so much confidence that I’d gallop in
the open desert with her. I enjoyed and loved her very much.
The Arabian horse has enhanced my life in many ways.
I can’t imagine my life without them. All I can remember
is growing up with them in our backyard. They give me so
much happiness and joy just being around them, even just
watching them parade themselves in the paddock with all their
confidence and beauty. No matter how bad a day has been,
they have always been the key to my happiness.
THOUGHTS ABOUT
E
RALDA,
AND THE ARABIANS IN MY LIFE
“
The love for
horses runs through
my family’s blood,
like blood runs
through our veins, and
oxygen in our lungs.
”
by HH Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan
AL SHIRAA > 3 < WORLD
sharon
(sharon)
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