SPRUCEWOODS
- Thana Dharmarajah BRANDONSUN Friday, July 31 2004
Young Arab rider has horse racing in his blood
Armed with a
23-member crew of security personnel, horse trainers, a physiotherapist, a
veterinarian and a physician, His Highness Sheikh Khalid Al Nahyan is set to
deal with any surprises as he rides his horse through rough terrain.
"It's something traditional," said the 17-year-old from the United Arab
Emirates about riding horses. "You know, when your dad and your grandparents own
horses, it is natural."
In the history of the Arab world, horses have
been bred for centuries and used for hunting and fighting.
Al Nahyan was
one of 100 riders from across North America to saddle up his horse for the
four-day Canadian/Arabian Horse Association National Endurance Championships at
Sprucewoods Provincial Park, located 80 kilometres southeast of Brandon.
