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PEOPLE Photo: Andre Shiwa

An Inteview with ... ( ) © artwork created by www.filcoart.com $O6XODLWL 0RKDPHG0

The Manager & Head of the Breeding & Show Department of the famous Al Shaqab stud, in the Gulf emirate and State of Qatar

Interview by Tutto Arabi redazione Photos by Irina Filsinger, Andre Shiwa, Stuart Vesty, Suzanne Sturgill, Luiz Rocco

Q: Mr. Al Sulaiti, you are the Manager and Head of the and am willing to explore all the new opportunities Al Shaqab Breeding & Show Department. When did you presented to me in such a role. This year has only been start this responsibility and head position, and what was a small beginning with the ideas and growth I have your challenge to accept this leading role of such a famous, planned for Al Shaqab. worldwide known stud? Q: We meanwhile read regularly ‚Al Shaqab – Member MS: I started at Al Shaqab in August of 2009, and of Qatar Foundation‘. What does this mean, can you was named the Breeding & Show manager later that explain this to us? year. There are obviously many challenges for such a prominent role at such a prestigious farm, but I rather MS: When Al Shaqab was established in 1992 saw it more as an abundance of opportunities. I feel by His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin very fortunate being part of such an elite establishment Khalifa Al Thani, to preserve the passion of the Ara- bian horse, it was his own private stud. Al Shaqab Mohamed M. Al Sulaiti during a TV interview rapidly grew as the flagship farm for the country and lead to a renaissance for the Arabian horse in the Gulf region. In 1995, under his decree, Qatar Foundation was founded to enhance the people of Qatar with quality education, science & research and community development. In 2004, His Highness gifted Al Shaqab to the Qatar Foundation. In the following years, Qatar Foundati- on built an area called Education City to house all of its various educational centers and universities around the stables of Al Shaqab, so the farm is actually located within a college-campus setting in present day. Being a part of Qatar Foundation, Al Shaqab is now available for the people of Qatar to take part

...... and experience this important link in their heritage.

www.tuttoarabi.com TUTTO ARABI 81

7$BSB,QWHUYLHZB0RKG$O6XODLWLLQGG 7$BSB,QWHUYLHZB0RKG$O6XODLWLLQGG Photo: Irina Filsinger 82 TUTTO PEOPL ARABI E Mohamed M.trophies Sulaitiwith hisfirstQatar Al International show Photo: Irina Filsinger Cornell University, Georgetown Northwes- University, University, tern Mellon Carnegie A&M, Texasas such campuses branch have institutions te eli- City,numerous Education research.Inside and education innovative in world leader a Qatar make to and ever-changing an of challenges the meet to region the and Qatar of people the prepare to is on Foundation’smissi- Qatar skills. horsemanship and properriding develop and experience horse total the embrace to community the allows which Academy, Riding our through Foundation Qatar in role ment develop - community our fulfill also We ge nerations. future to horse Arabian the of passion the on passing and community the serving truly Al is region, Shaqab the to breed Arabian native this prove im continually to how children our educating By www.tuttoarabi.com - -

...... showing. The breeding is actually what is improving is what actually is breeding showing.The MS: I feel that the breeding is more important than the in2010? programme andshowing breeding Shaqab to input important most your and Al ideas the intentionsyour for some us give you Can activity? showing or the breeding the important, more feel you do What Q: world.the aroundbreeders other to on pass to hope I knowledge, my develop me helped and influenced which and followed its progression. Many people in my life have greatArabians, I naturally have always studied the breed family and living in region that is equine so vastly populated with an from Qatar.Coming in years 15 last the for I have hours. owned and operated my own breeding farm Arabian horses ever of since. I can sit agility and watch them for and pride, grace, intelligence, beauty, the many throughout owned my childhood. I wehave been fascinated with and horse Arabian the in interest MS: My family and I have always had great passion and Q: What is your own history and life with the Arab horse? thepeople ofQatar. for opportunities of the region and providing so many quality educational a prestigious foundation that is truly changing the face people. such of member honoreda is be to Shaqab Al Commonwealth that a nation‘sprinciple greatest resource natural is its Virginia and University. All of Qatar Foundation is dedicated to the College Medical The young straight Egyptian stallion Dinary Al Shaqab The stallion Dinary young straight Egyptian e ee ey ucsfl n civn get success. great achieving in successful very were we which world the to offspring Adeed Al off on showing focused really I year, this Event Egyptian S.U. Egyptian U.S.Event,the U.S.at Lexington Paris. In and Nationals Aachen, Cup Khalediah Nations Al All International, Festival, Qatar as such the around world shows important most the on centrate Egpytian Dinary Al Shaqab (Anaza straight El Nizr x Imperial Sharah). young the and Ali, Ruminaja brother to full Alidaar, Egyptian straight the as such stallions, valuable older our of some using to return to able been also have Wegreatness. with evolve to continue will breed this how is and exciting always is and stallion a from crop first Shaqab.the Al Seeing Amir Shaqab Al Kahil Shaqab, Al Fadi Shaqab, Al them to the breedingArabian world, as such Farhoud introduce to stallions young emerging our of some try to my stallion With focus, we have also had the opportunity Shaqab, Marwan Al Shaqab and Al Adeed Al Shaqab. Al Gazal on concentrating stallions, our to attention more paid have I season direction.This right the in ves us validation that our breeding decisions are going gi- Basically,showing program. breeding your with had have you success and progress the world the of rest the with share to outlet that you gives it because quality bloodlines. The showing is important, but only develop and on carry we as breed the continuing and s o or hwn porm I ae re t con to tried have I program, showing our for As Photo: Andre Shiwa -

Photo: Andre Shiwa

...... championships around the world in2010.championships around theworld captured have delighted am I which all Shaqab, Al with Farhoud Al Shaqab, Amir Al along Shaqab and Kahil Shaqab, new Al Fadi our as see such stallions, world emerging the let to is aim current Championship. Our International Khalediah Al the in Gold captured already had he after Menton in Shaqab,Al stallion,Fadiyoung our with pionship Furthermore, I was really proud of our Gold Cham Al KhalediahInternationalShow,Al Arabia inSaudi The Gold ChampionColt Al Shaqab, Fadi winninghisfirstGold medalatthe2010 The straight Egyptian senior stallion of Al Shaqab, seniorstallion of The straightAlidaar Egyptian -

Photo: Irina Filsinger

Photo: Irina Filsinger 7$BSB,QWHUYLHZB0RKG$O6XODLWLLQGG Photo: Irina Filsinger Mohamed M.trophies Sulaitiwith hisfirstQatar Al International show Photo: Irina Filsinger Cornell University, Georgetown Northwes- University, University, tern Mellon Carnegie A&M, Texasas such campuses branch have institutions te eli- City,numerous Education research.Inside and education innovative in world leader a Qatar make to and ever-changing an of challenges the meet to region the and Qatar of people the prepare to is on Foundation’smissi- Qatar skills. horsemanship and properriding develop and experience horse total the embrace to community the allows which Academy, Riding our through Foundation Qatar in role ment develop - community our fulfill also We ge nerations. future to horse Arabian the of passion the on passing and community the serving truly Al is region, Shaqab the to breed Arabian native this prove im continually to how children our educating By - -

...... showing. The breeding is actually what is improving is what actually is breeding showing.The MS: I feel that the breeding is more important than the in2010? programme andshowing breeding Shaqab to input important most your and Al ideas the intentionsyour for some us give you Can activity? showing or the breeding the important, more feel you do What Q: world.the aroundbreeders other to on pass to hope I knowledge, my develop me helped and influenced which and followed its progression. Many people in my life have greatArabians, I naturally have always studied the breed family and living in region that is equine so vastly populated with an from Qatar.Coming in years 15 last the for I have hours. owned and operated my own breeding farm Arabian horses ever of since. I can sit agility and watch them for and pride, grace, intelligence, beauty, the many throughout owned my childhood. I wehave been fascinated with and horse Arabian the in interest MS: My family and I have always had great passion and Q: What is your own history and life with the Arab horse? thepeople ofQatar. for opportunities of the region and providing so many quality educational a prestigious foundation that is truly changing the face people. such of member honoreda is be to Shaqab Al Commonwealth that a nation‘sprinciple greatest resource natural is its Virginia and University. All of Qatar Foundation is dedicated to the College Medical The young straight Egyptian stallion Dinary Al Shaqab The stallion Dinary young straight Egyptian e ee ey ucsfl n civn get success. great achieving in successful very were we which world the to offspring Adeed Al off on showing focused really I year, this Event Egyptian S.U. Egyptian U.S.Event,the U.S.at Lexington Paris. In and Nationals Aachen, Cup Khalediah Nations Al All International, Festival, Qatar as such the around world shows important most con the to on tried centrate have I program, showing our for As Egpytian Dinary Al Shaqab (Anaza straight El Nizr x Imperial Sharah). young the and Ali, Ruminaja brother to full Alidaar, Egyptian straight the as such stallions, valuable older our of some using to return to able been also have Wegreatness. with evolve to continue will breed this how is and exciting always is and stallion a from crop first Shaqab.the Al Seeing Amir Shaqab Al Kahil Shaqab, Al Fadi Shaqab, Al them to the breedingArabian world, as such Farhoud introduce to stallions young emerging our of some try to my stallion With focus, we have also had the opportunity Shaqab, Marwan Al Shaqab and Al Adeed Al Shaqab. Al Gazal on concentrating stallions, our to attention more paid have I season direction.This right the in ves us validation that our breeding decisions are going gi- Basically,showing program. breeding your with had have you success and progress the world the of rest the with share to outlet that you gives it because quality bloodlines. The showing is important, but only develop and on carry we as breed the continuing and Photo: Andre Shiwa www.tuttoarabi.com -

Photo: Andre Shiwa

Photo: Irina Filsinger EOPLE ARABI 83

Photo: Irina Filsinger PEOPLE

Q: What are the most important values for you in an Arabian horse breeding programme and in regard to the

international Arab horse industry? Photo: Luiz Rocco

MS: I believe the most important values in an Ara- bian horse breeding program is to preserve value and perpetuate the best qualities in each generation. I also Pictured this page: think a strong value in a good breeding programme is helping other breeders around the world. We are The Al Shaqabstud team in Qatar all part of the same team of wanting to continually improve this breed, so sharing ideas and resources is of the upmost importance. In Al Shaqab’s breeding and showing program, I put a lot of value on concen-

trating on homebred Al Shaqab horses. The mares and Mohamed M. Al Sulaiti (2nd from right) and Abdulla Al Kuwari (left) at the 2010 stallions we acquire outside our program are purely to International Championship in Wels when Amir Al Shaqab won Gold Champion Colt strengthen and bring in new features, which continue the improvements of our homebred traits. The two-year-old The complex will be spread over an area of nine hund- Q: Did you change anything in the Al Shaqab breeding red and eighty thousand square meters, and is being Kahil Al Shaqab, and/or showing programme since taking over the ma- created to connect the Qatari people to their tradition a Marwan Al Shaqab son nagement? of the Arabian horse and equestrian heritage. This will out of a Gazal Al Shaqab daughter. be a wonderful facility to further develop and show- A most successful young Al Shaqab colt, MS: Any good progressive breeding and showing case our cultural treasure — the Arabian horse. The programme should always be changing if you want to gigantic elliptical covered arena is unique in the world winning already several times, among, continue improvement, so yes; I have made changes since and is the signature statement of the entire facility Bronze Champion 2009 Elran Cup International, becoming Al Shaqab’s Breeding and Show Manager. that is also comprised of HH the Emir‘s stables, a Bronze Champion 2009 All Nations Cup Aachen, The changes were to concentrate back on our old breeding and show centre, veterinarian clinic, riding champion stallions and introduce their young progeny academy, endurance facilities, equestrian club, admi- Gold Champion 2010 Qatar International Show stallions for the first time to the breeding world. We nistration centre, visitors centre, atelier for artists, and have also tried to acquire some new mares to incor- equine library. We will be moving into the facility in porate new bloodlines in both our straight Egyptian phases; each of the Al Shaqab equine and equestrian programme and our International programme. units will eventually be located in the new complex.

Q: Al Shaqab was founded in 1992 by HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifah Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar – and progressed through some important and major steps since. We heard that there are more big plans, can you tell us about those changes? The three-year-old Amir Al Shaqab, MS: Al Shaqab is being built and when comple- a Gazal Al Shaqab son, ted will serve as the region’s first state-of-the-art equestrian facilities and a center for equine excellence...... shown successfully and until, recording in 2010 as Winner at the Al Khalediah International A-Show, Gold Champion at the Wels International A-Show Mohamed M. Al Sulaiti at the 2010 Menton International Show when winning with the two-year-old Fadi Al Sbaqab the Championship Colts, Fadi‘s second Gold medal in 2010 All Photos: Irina Filsinger Photo: Irina Filsinger

84 TUTTO ARABI www.tuttoarabi.com

7$BSB,QWHUYLHZB0RKG$O6XODLWLLQGG PEOPLE

Q: What are the most important values for you in an Arabian horse breeding programme and in regard to the

international Arab horse industry? Photo: Luiz Rocco

www.tuttoarabi.com TUTTO ARABI 85

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Q: We all know the three famous Al Shaqab stallions our International programme. Their upcoming sons, who achieved a huge impact on Arab horse breeding Amir Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Amira Madro-

worldwide – Gazal Al Shaqab, his son Marwan Al Photo: Stuart Vesty na) and Faraa Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x GW Shaqab, and the straight Egyptian Al Adeed Al Shaqab Natorious Star) will have their first offspring born in Photo: Irina Filsinger – all three homebred, all three national, international 2011, which we are highly anticipating. and World Champions, all three sires of international champions. How do you use their influence and impor- Q: Since you took over the management at the end of last tance in your own Al Shaqab breeding programme? year, Al Shaqab has recorded great success in all major shows you participated until – all with Al Shaqab home MS: This year especially, we are promoting their bred horses. In each show competing, Al Shaqab took one influence very seriously in our programme. This is one or more titles and medals. At the U.S. Egyptian Event in of the main changes I have implemented. We have Lexington, you even achieved a unique success in history emphasized their importance and traits more than - four homebred horses entered, all four ending up as class The story of the Polish mare Pilar and her purchase winners, with two being champion, one reserve, and at at the 2010 Pride of Poland auction: ever and have bred most of the mares this season to one The multiple national and international Champion, and World Champion Stallion, (left-to-right) of these three stallions. We are hoping their amazing Sire of many national and international champions worldwide, the end, Al Shaqab had also bred and owned the two The Al Shaqab team with Abdulla Al Kuwari, bloodlines will continue to perpetuate and grow, and the straight Egyptian Al Adeed Al Shaqab, homebred in Qatar Supreme Champions, male and female. Did you expect Mohamed M. Al Sulaiti, and Ali Al Misnad, aquired the top seller of the ‚Pride of Poland‘ auction 2010, in August. their legacies will continue on in such high esteem with this success when you started your 2010 show programme Pilar is a 14-year-old Fawor daughter out of the famous Banat their new progeny. and open. These three stallions are available to breed to, in January and with the Al Khalediah A-show? daughter Pipi. Pilar is a Polish National Champion Filly, but always on limited quality booking to select mares. several times successfully shown in Mares, and proved as broodmare to be a Dam of Distinction. Until now, she has Q: These stallions are based outside Qatar for the last For the U.S. Egyptian Event, I had planned earlier for produced eight fillies and two colts, among them the two well few years, in the U.S. and in Europe. Are you using them Q: Al Shaqab has two major breeding programmes, one these horses based in Qatar to be sent and showcased known and most successful Gazal Al Shaqab daughters, intensely also for the Al Shaqab broodmares? Are you with different bloodlines, and one for the straight Egypti- there to represent their sire Al Aadeed Al Shaqab. I Pieta and Pinga. „We really hoped that we can get her“, planning to bring them back to Qatar? Are they ans. Can you tell us more about, and what your breeding had full intentions for them all to show at the Event Mohamed Al Sulaiti said after the auction. „She is a magnificent mare and will contribute her qualities available also for outside mares? ideas are for the future? along with our beloved mare Negma Al Shaqab. We and Polish lines to our breeding programme. Eventually, wanted to show we had not only quality progeny from we expected her to go much higher in price, so we are really MS: Yes, we are using them for Al Shaqab this year MS: Al Shaqab has two distinct breeding groups Al Adeed, but quality homebred stock in Qatar from lucky, but also grateful to the Polish studs that we can have now this prestigious mare back home in Qatar with us at more than ever. All three stallions are planned to - the straight Egyptian programme, and the Interna- him. With each of these young horses winning their Al Shaqab to breed her to our stallions.“ return to Al Shaqab when the new facility is complete tional Arabian programme, which incorporates many individual classes, my goal was surpassed with great Arabian bloodlines. Our straight Egyptian program delight. We wanted to bring Negma Al Shaqab back is comprised of choice Egyptian female lines and is to show the world that she is just as amazing and headed by Al Adeed Al Shaqab (Ansata Halim Shah beautiful as ever, and we proudly achieved Supreme x Sundar Alisayyah), the 2003 World Champion Champion with her. Stallion, whose get are proving him a splendid sire. We now look forward to breeding his promising son, Farhoud Al Shaqab, whose dam is Johara Al Shaqab

(by Imperial Mahzeer), one of our premier broodmares. Photo: Irina Filsinger Abdulla Bin Khalifa Al Kuwari is in charge of our straight Egyptian programme. I look to him with complete confidence as I consider him the leading expert and specialist in Qatar on straight Egyptians. The father-and-son World Champion team, Gazal Al Shaqab (Anaza El Farid x Kajora) and Marwan Al

...... Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Little Liza Fame) head up ......

The 2010 U.S. Egyptian Event Junior Champion Stallion & The Egyptian related mare Negma Al Shaqab, Champion Mare and Supreme Champion Male, Farhoud Al Shaqab. Supreme Champion Female at the 2010 U.S. Egyptian Event He is a 3-year-old straight Egyptian Al Adeed Al Shaqab son, in Lexington, a daughter of the famous matriarch Kajora, bred and owned by Al Shaqab,and one of the young future stallions in attention. by so, a maternal half sister to Gazal Al Shaqab Photo: Stuart Vesty Photo: Suzanne Sturgill

86 TUTTO ARABI www.tuttoarabi.com

7$BSB,QWHUYLHZB0RKG$O6XODLWLLQGG PEOPLE

Q: We all know the three famous Al Shaqab stallions our International programme. Their upcoming sons, who achieved a huge impact on Arab horse breeding Amir Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Amira Madro-

...... Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Little Liza Fame) head up ......

www.tuttoarabi.com TUTTO ARABI 87

7$BSB,QWHUYLHZB0RKG$O6XODLWLLQGG 7$BSB,QWHUYLHZB0RKG$O6XODLWLLQGG 88 TUTTO South America along with many others in the works. the in others many with along America South in son, Shaqab Al Marwan three-year-old Shaqab,a Al Faraa and America in Shaqab, Al Adeed Al our to brother half maternal Shaqab,a Al Hadban are ly world the current horses of of program.examples this Some with parts all in bloodlines different hout that we can help perpetuate this great breed throug honour an it findWe America. South to and rica we have horses being in leasing to Europe, to Ame Currently,breeders. other to horses select of leasing improve with the Arabian rest is the of the world to ability the share to do we that things the of One rative effort. collabo a as this achieve to breedersother worldwide help to opportunity and outlet the having and way in this the roleArabian horse in the is best preserving MS: I believe my personal biggest achievement so far see stated in10years? Shaqab about andAl yourwork to want you far,do thus what reached achievementsand biggest the worldwide.are personallythink you do What and influence in theArab horse and community breeding importance success, of lot a achieved has Shaqab Al Q: industry. the in breeders renown successful other to compare decisions breeding the our in how and right programs, breeding doing are we what of indication some me gives success Personally, show MS: personally? you to mean success show does Q: What PEOPL ARABI E - - - -

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Photo: Irina Filsinger Photo: Irina Filsinger