Al Shaqab’s breeding philosophy is to preserve the Arabian breed
His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir established Al Shaqab in 1992 to enjoy his passion for Arabian horses, to honor the courageous war horses ridden by victorious Qatari knights of the past, and to assure the Arabian horse would continue to play a leading role in the cultural heritage of the Qatari people. His vision was to increase the number of superior Arabian horses in Qatar, improve the quality of Arabian show horses, and to preserve the finest Arabian horse families of the past. His greatest hope was for Al Shaqab to make a valuable contribution to the Arabian breed, not only in Qatar, but around the world. Unquestionably, this has been accomplished.
Al Shaqab’s breeding philosophy is to preserve the Arabian breed and to produce horses that are beautiful, athletic, and have great moral character and kindness. They must be physically strong to carry their riders to faraway places – just as they did in the past.
The breeding program is divided into three categories: International Arabian horses, combining all Arabian bloodlines; Straight Egyptian Arabians, as defined by The Pyramid Society; and the traditional Qatari bloodlines of the past. The three World Champion Stallions are key to the program and are among the finest Arabian horses on the planet: Gazal Al Shaqab and his son, Marwan Al Shaqab head the International Arabian section and Al Adeed Al Shaqab leads the one for Straight Egyptians. Their worth as sires has been proven as their progeny continue winning the most important show championships throughout the world. While dedicated to using the valuable gene pool provided by these stallions and select mares, Al Shaqab is always searching for additional bloodstock that will complement the current program and allow the farm to remain vital, productive and relevant for the near and far term.
Al Shaqab’s place in history is already assured. However, it will never rest on laurels of the past. It will always strive to uphold the vision of His Highness The Emir – to breed the finest Arabian horses for Qatar and the world.
