A Gift from the Desert: The Art, History and Culture of the Arabian Horse

The International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park has announced that the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation has agreed to become the presenting sponsor of a major international exhibition and film entitled, A Gift from the Desert: The Art, History and Culture of the Arabian Horse. The exhibition will be produced by and held in the museum during the summer and fall of 2010 in conjunction with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. This will be the third major international exhibition developed by the museum this decade.

John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park noted, “Considering the inexpressible beauty of the Arabian horse and the rich and ancient culture surrounding the breed, it’s easy to understand why we are so excited to have received this magnanimous gift from the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation to assist in funding this project. In a world where differences between cultures are often the cause of fear and scorn, this exhibit and film will be a celebration of a common bond that unites people of widely divergent backgrounds: the mutual love and admiration we all share for the glorious Arabian horse.

A Gift from the Desert will be the first major exhibition to explore the dynamic impact of the horse on Near Eastern civilization, with particular emphasis on the Arabian horse. The exhibition will be a fascinating journey from the arrival of the first domesticated horses in the Near East to the renaissance of purebred Arabian horse breeding in the Near East today. It will also explore:

* the impact of the horse on the development of early Near Eastern civilizations

* the significance of the horse in chariot warfare and the development of early cavalry

* the origins of the proto-Arabian horse and its refinement by the Bedouins of the Arabian Peninsula into a true breed

* the role of the horse in the success of the conquering legions of Islam

* the dispersal of the Arabian horse throughout the world

* the impact of the Arabian horse on the creation and refinement of other breeds

* the modern Arabian horse and its resurgence in the Near East today.

As with all horse breeds, the story of the Arabian horse is dependant upon the cultures that created, nurtured and protected their purity. Strong emphasis will be placed upon these cultures, not only in relation to the horse, but also in their myriad contributions to human civilization.

The 9,000 square foot exhibition will contain between 300 to 350 artifacts and works of art. Material will be solicited from prominent Near Eastern museums, academic institutions and private collections, as well as from major American and European collections.

The one-hour film will mirror the exhibition’s cultural and equestrian themes and be produced and directed by Ms. Jo Franklin, President of Seacastle Films who is noted for her eight highly acclaimed productions on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Near East.

Based on attendance figures from the museum’s previous two international exhibitions, and the additional guests expected to attend the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010, A Gift from the Desert is anticipated to attract approximately 300,000 visitors.

Bill Cooke, museum director, stated: “There is no way that I can adequately express my gratitude to the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation, not only for their support financially, but also for their confidence in our museum to produce the definitive exhibition and film regarding the rich cultural and equestrian heritage of the Arabian Peninsula and the Near East. We are also excited about having the opportunity to work closely with both Saudi Arabian and other regional scholars as we develop this fascinating story. The fact that we will be presenting this to an international audience during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, only adds to the significance of the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation’s support.”

Cooke also extends his appreciation to The Pyramid Society, Judith Forbis, Christie Metz, Cynthia Culbertson, and the founding donors for their considerable contributions toward this project, which gives horse lovers around the world one more great reason to attend the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2010.