Walloon know-how back in Saudi Arabia

In 2022, Dominique André organised a riding course for young girls from Saudi Arabia at the Ferme de la Papelotte in Waterloo at the request of Maha bin Abdulaziz, the CEO of Alwadi Stables in Riyadh. The experience was very positive and the instructor, Anne Thiry, has been invited to give a master class this year from 22 to 24 February 2023 at Alwadi Stables.

The Alwadi Stables are located in the heart of Wadi Hanifa. Imagine the setting, a sandy arena located in a rather steep valley, surrounded by hills where sand, rocks and palm trees cohabit. No clubhouse, but a Caïdale tent, made of "bohemian chic" bric-a-brac, a clever mix of carpets, cushions, a chesterfield and African statuettes, a cosy place with a crazy charm.  

This master class was organised for the students of Alwadi Stables but also for the female riding instructors from Saudi Arabia. But let's give the floor to Anne Thiry. "It is in the enchanting setting of the Alwadi Stables in Riyadh that I had the opportunity to give a training session for female riding instructors and a training session for female riders. Some instructors or future instructors were also present in the afternoon for the riding sessions.

The welcome was extremely warm, the desire to learn, to evolve and to share was omnipresent.  There was only one desire: to repeat the experience.

A magnificent ceremony came to the end of this master class, in the presence of Princess Dlayel, from the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation, Pascal Grégoire, Belgian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Adrien Lacroix, AWEX Economic and Commercial Advisor and Didier Serteyn, President of Equisfair.

The evening started with a presentation of Arabian horses from Athba Stud. Nestled in the beautiful dunes of the Arabian desert west of Riyadh, Athbah Stud is home to the finest Arabian horses in the world. The stud's aim is to breed the 21st century Arabian horse, both beautiful and functional, which crystallises all the qualities that create today's modern Arabian.

The presentation of the certificates to each participant was a highly anticipated moment, not only for the girls but also for Alwadi Stables, Anne Thiry and Equisfair who were recognised for their excellence by the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation.

The evening ended in a festive way, with a buffet of local specialities, Belgian chocolates offered by Jack Bodart  and 0.0% alcohol wines offered by Neobulles. It was a moment of great conviviality in a magical place.

A small project but a great example of Belgian-Saudi cooperation and collaboration between EquisFair members.