Arabian horses, renowned for their grace and beauty, are not only admired for their striking appearance but also celebrated in the competitive world of equestrian sports.
They garnered widespread popularity for a lot of reasons. Their unparalleled beauty, characterized by their distinctive head shape and arched neck, has captivated horse enthusiasts worldwide.
The Global Champions Arabians Tour is a prestigious championship gracing some of the world's most iconic destinations while boasting unparalleled prize money, marking a historic milestone in sport. Under the guiding motto of "Respecting Beauty with Integrity," GCAT aims to promote the uniqueness of purebred Arabian horses through an international platform, fostering a legacy of excellence, transparency, fairness, and integrity. With Muscat chosen as the host city for its third leg of the tour, the stage is set for an extraordinary display of equestrian prowess and cultural exchange.
As Faleh Al Nasr, Chairman of GCAT, said, "The tour is a celebration of the Arabian horse's majestic beauty and rich heritage, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange."
Al Nasr also added that the tour is guided by its fundamental values of integrity, honesty, and excellence, ultimately serving as a platform to showcase the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions from the participating nations to a global audience.
GCAT continues to expand its global reach. For the 2024 season, the tour kicked off in Doha in February and was followed by the Abu Dhabi leg. From March 30 to April 1, the tour stopped in Muscat transforming the grounds of the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel into a stage show fit for the luxurious appeal of the prestigious event. For the rest of the season, it will travel to Cannes in France, to Valkenswaard in the Netherlands, to Rome in Italy, and eventually to Paris, France by December with a tentative show happening in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement, Al Nasr expressed enthusiasm for Muscat's selection, highlighting the city's rich heritage, vibrant culture, and dedication to preserving tradition. "Muscat embodies the spirit of inclusiveness and respect, making it the perfect destination for this prestigious event," said Al-Nasr.
GCAT raises the stakes with an unprecedented prize pool of £17,000,000, setting a new standard for excellence in the Arabian horse world. As participants vie for glory, the allure of victory and prestige propels the competition to new heights.
As for this year's venue, Sarah Khaled, Marketing Communications Director at Al Bustan Palace shared, "We are honoured and delighted to host the prestigious Global Championships Arabians Tour at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel by bringing together distinguished guests and dignitaries from around the world to witness the glory of Arabians in the beautiful city of Muscat."
She added, "With our rich history, stunning landscape, and unmatched views of the Sea of Oman, Al Bustan Palace remains a cherished icon of Oman's cultural heritage and natural beauty. It's the perfect setting to uphold the values of "Respecting Beauty with Integrity" for The Global Championships Arabians Tour."
Expanding what more can be found on the venue, Sarah shared that the GCAT teamed meticulously looked into every detail including setting up a Heritage Village right beside the arena where the public can interact with some of Oman's treasured heritage and culture. The village is a microcosm of what Oman has to offer not just from the clothings and crafts but even food and other important heritage.
A Tale of Elegance and Competition
Competitions serve as a stage for breeders to showcase their finest specimens, spotlighting the fruits of their labour and dedication to preserving the breed's integrity. Winning prestigious titles not only elevates the reputation of breeding programs but also fosters a sense of community among enthusiasts. Moreover, competitions play a crucial role in driving improvement within the breed, as breeders strive for excellence, guided by the standards set forth by judges and seasoned experts.
When it comes to judging Arabian horses, experts carefully evaluate their physical structure, looking for balanced proportions, correct leg placement, and overall bone structure. The fluidity and grace of their movements are scrutinized as they trot, canter, and walk, demonstrating their athleticism and agility. Additionally, judges pay close attention to their temperament, expecting nothing less than the trademark intelligence and friendliness that Arabian horses are known for. Moreover, the horse's presence in the show ring, its charisma, confidence, and overall aura, play a significant role in the judging process.
At GCAT Events, a distinguished panel of 20 judges ensures thorough evaluation, utilizing an electronic scoring system encompassing five key criteria: type, head & neck, body, legs, and movement. Final scores are derived by excluding extremes and summing the remaining scores, thereby determining the ranking of horses. The overall GCAT ranking considers accumulated points throughout the season, with precedence given to horses with more placements in case of tiebreakers.
Handlers are also duly acknowledged in the GCAT circuit, with points allocated based on their horses' achievements in each event, considering only their top three results. This acknowledgement underscores the symbiotic relationship between horse and handler, highlighting the crucial role handlers play in showcasing the potential of their equine partners.
Oman Horses Making a Stride
The first two days of GCAT in Muscat were a great look into the inner workings of the competition. On Day 1 which saw Yearling and Junior Fillies and Colts competing, seven horses represented Oman in different classes and a few ranked in the top 5.
On the second day, the continuation of the events for Junior and Senior Mares and Colts eventually built the excitement and Muscat celebrated when Alexandra RC by the Royal Cavalry Oman took the top spot in her class.
Alexandra was a class act in her category trotting like she owned the competition ground. Perhaps it was the Cavalry Training that showcased her beautiful trot but for the watchers of the competition, it was easy to tell right away that she was in a league of her own.
Witnessing Arabian horses in a competition like GCAT is crucial for understanding the breed's grace, athleticism, and cultural significance. These events uphold breed standards, promote responsible breeding, and celebrate the enduring human-horse connection, enriching global equestrian culture.
On the evening of April 1, the winners will be given their much-deserved laurels. For those who have missed the show, there is a reason to look forward to it in the years to come.
Without a doubt, the Muscat leg of the tour was a true exchange of culture. Accolades had to be given not just to the organisers but also to the smart people working behind the scenes to make it possible and bring the tour to Oman. The Heritage Village, built specifically to serve as a sideshow to the competition, was an amazing avenue to showcase the best of Oman's heritage and culture. Overall, it's exciting to see how the Arabian horses of Oman will rank globally.
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