Throughout the ages, horses have held a special place in the hearts of the Arabs who have pursued various pastimes and competed in events ranging from endurance riding to show jumping, polo, horse racing and dressage. Capturing these activities, as well as magnificent Arabian purebreds, are artists who are showcasing their works in the 11th Dubai International Horse Fair's dedicated Art Gallery. Artists from far afield including Australia, France, Iran, United States and the United Kingdom are exhibiting at the show together with regional talent.
Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, the event runs until tomorrow (Saturday, 21 March) at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Australia-based artist Lyn Beaumont loves horses and riding as much as she loves painting. "The reason I paint horses is simply because I love them. I own six – one of which is an Arabian breed – and ride daily. The love of horses inspires me and I see differences in every face when I paint," said Beaumont who is showcasing her work to a keen Middle East audience at Dubai International Horse Fair.' Beaumont's equine portraits have been keenly followed and commissioned with her works hanging in the private residences of British royalty and Australian clubs including the Victoria Racing Club, Moonee Valley Racing Club, The Melbourne Racing Club, and Mornington Racing Club. The artist is one of Australia's most experienced and prolific equine artists. Her work hangs in private collections around Australia, UK, USA, Ireland, New Zealand and Japan, and has exhibited in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and New York.
Equestrian Art International from the United Kingdom is exhibiting the works of one its best British equestrian artists, Vineta Sayer MA, at the dedicated Art Gallery. Lisa Drury, Middle East representative of Equestrian Art International, said: "This is the first time we have attended the event – with the Dubai International Horse Fair being our first exhibition the region - although we have many existing customers in the Middle East and are looking forward to engaging with art lovers here."
The organisation is exhibiting the work of five top British equestrian artists: Vineta Sayer MA, Alasdair Banks (a 2012 Olympic artist), Terence Gilbert SEA, Sally Martin SEA (one of the world's top dressage artists) and Martin Williams SEA. Their work covers the full spectrum of equestrianism including horse racing, polo and eventing/dressage, said Drury.
American artist Kenna Al-Sayed of Sorrel Studios is displaying her realistic equine works, mainly those highlighting her use of coloured pencils or watercolour as a medium. "I am also displaying expressive ink and mixed media drawings that I have developed recently and they have proved to be quite popular with my collectors – I will be creating them throughout the Dubai International Horse Fair at my stand," said Al-Sayed.
Dressage, pony show jumping, gymkhana and Spanish horse performances are also featured at the show where horse aficionados and the general public can experience riders' masterful routines.
Dubai International Horse Fair offers a variety of international equine products, services, equipment and technology for horse owners, breeders and equine professionals in the Middle East. Companies and brands exhibiting a range of products and services to the expanding equine industry in the Middle East include: Ajman Stud, Al Hawajer Stud, Dubai Arabian Stud, Dubai Equine Hospital, Equivance, Jebel Ali Racecourse, Royal Cavalry and Shadwell Stud among others.
The event is held alongside the 12th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, which will see Purebred Arabian horses competing for top position and Dh15 million (USD 4 million) in prize money. Aimed at purebred Arabian horses to judge their beauty, agility and heritage over three days, the event culminates in the Championship classes tomorrow (Saturday, 21 March) for the most exquisite horses.
Source: WAM