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Equestrian-Themed Art A Hit At Dubai International Horse Fair

Artists from France, Thailand, Argentina and the MENA region showcase stunning pieces across an array of media

Artists with a passion for horses have gathered at Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) to introduce their horse-themed pieces to the regional equestrian community and those who have a keen interest in art. The event, which draws to a close tomorrow (Saturday, March 17) has a total of 10 artists exhibiting their works of various media including bronze, acrylics, copper, fibreglass, leather, cloth and more. 

"Horses have played a central role in so many civilisations' history and it [equestrian art] has, over the years, become a fascination for me as an artist," said Paris-based artist Raghad who is exhibiting at the show. Born in Iraq, Raghad studied at the Institute of Fine Art in Baghdad and furthered her tertiary education in France at Paris-Sorbonne University, which included the morphology and anatomy of horses. As a sculptor, she discovered her love for equestrian art using iron, copper, fibreglass, resin, wood and bronze. At DIHF, Raghad has a variety of pieces available for sale and will produce commissioned pieces on request.

At the Bangkok-based Art to Art Gallery stand, paintings and sculptures of Thai artists, Niran Charoenpong and Chaturong Kittinithiphaisan, are receiving much interest from discerning art collectors at the show. The striking equestrian paintings by Charoenpong, who is also an art professor at the Suan Rajabhat University in Bangkok, are of acrylics on canvas using a knife palette. The artist specialises in horse-themed works, Thai temples, flowers and trees. Kittinithiphaisan specialises in solid bronze animal sculptures and is able to sculpt any creature, says said Art to Art spokesperson, Jean Michel Michel. "This is our first visit exhibition in Dubai because we thought the Horse Fair was a good opportunity to introduce the region's horse industry and art collectors to these artists," says Michel Michel.

Handmade silver and gold jewellery interwoven with real horse hair was displayed by Coda di Cavallo, a Riyadh-based company in Saudi Arabia. Coda di Cavallo, meaning "horsetail", was launched 30 years ago when the company owners, who are passionate about horses, wanted to provide the "possibility to keep your horse with you all the time," said Madiha Daba, Executive Director of Sales. "The feeling and love we [horse riders and owners] have for our horses is something you cannot describe. The reason for coming to the Horse Fair is that I want to put our products in front of people's eyes and meet our customers," said Daba explaining that their jewellery is truly appreciated when viewed in person. 

Bahraini horse accessory manufacturers First Choice showed off their one-of-a-kind bridles, breastplates and halters that are lavishly decorated for Arabian show horses that compete in beauty competitions such as the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship. "Our products are made to American standards and quality in Bahrain and the bridles, breastplates and halters are custom-made for each horse. The pieces are unique in design to make the horse special," says owner Huda Janahi. Our company is the only one at the Horse Fair that caters to those horses that are currently competing at the Championship. First Choice is currently offering a 50 percent discount on all their horse accessories during DIHF. 

Antique equestrian ornaments in silver can be found at the Argentinian Eguiguren stand where a variety of elaborate old-world knives, bits, bridles, reins and halters can be seen. The pieces are influenced by Andalusian and Arabic roots and were originally worn by nomadic Gauchos of the fertile South American lowlands. "These riders felt a real passion for adorning their horses and, in consequence, a fabulous explosion of equestrian silver originated from the 18th to 20th century," a spokesman at Eguiguren says. The works of Enrique Castro, who is recognised as a world expert in painting horses in the past 40 years, can also be viewed at DIHF. 

Elsewhere at the show, attractions include the popular Horse Auction where Arabian purebred horses from local studs will be available for viewing, bidding and buying. Held tomorrow (Saturday, March 17) from 11am onwards, the auction will have over 100 pureblood Arabian horse breeds on sale. Prospective buyers and members of the public can feel the thrill of a live auction with prices and stock to suit every budget.  

Adding to the excitement of the Dubai International Horse Fair is a line-up of family-friendly features that will delight young and old. Pony show jumping, and Spanish horse performances will also feature at the show where horse aficionados and the general public can experience riders' masterful routines. 

The Dubai International Horse Fair 2018 is held in Za'abeel Halls 5 and 6 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Opening hours are 2pm – 8pm on 16 March and 11 am – 8 pm on 17 March. Admission is free of charge and open to trade visitors and the general public. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Pre-registration is now open at the show's official website www.dihf.ae.

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