Camels and horses and ruins and stuff, cont'd again

There are two things that Qataris are passionate about besides their camels. (Well, three things I guess if you count their Toyota Land Cruisers. But that is another story.) One of those things is their horses. The Emir owns Arabians, beautiful little delicate aristocratic Arabian horses. While Sheila and I were at work one day, Dave and Errol went to a horse show at the Equestrian Center. They brought back lots of stories of the beauties and whetted our curiosity about what was behind the large ornate gates that we pass each day on the way to school.

Last Thursday night we went to investigate, thinking that we were going to take in a couple of races. As luck would have it, we stumbled onto an international show jumping competition and slid into the stadium to watch a couple of rounds. Riders and horses from around the Gulf States strutted their stuff for the judges, circling the course with great speed and agility. I sat entranced by their strength and skill.

Later we walked to the race track and took in two races from a stadium packed with people. The race track is far too huge to be able to see the horses as they race the far side of the track, but a jumbo tron brings the action right to the stadium. The horses were spirited and sleek, and the races were exciting.

The real star of the evening, though, was the Equestrian Center itself. The place covers at least 20 or 25 acres and includes show rings, stadiums, race tracks (both sand and sod), stable space for at least 700 horses, parking and park areas. And they are still building. Qataris do everything on a grand scale.

The second passion of Qataris is their falcons. Falconry is a traditional sport in the Arab world, and much money, time and effort is put into training and working the gorgeous birds. Just this week, in conjunction with the National Day celebration, a display of traditional arts, crafts and sports has been staged. Though it focused on camel dressage and was called "The Way of the Messenger", one of the tents included a falconer and several of the fierce birds.

I am coming to understand more and more the way of the desert--the appreciation of camels and horses and birds, the deep connection of Bedouin people to the land.