"For centuries" explains King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, "our people have considered the Arabian horse one of our greatest treasures." True to the spirit of his countrymen, holds a deep and abiding love for the Arabian horse and has steadfastly supported the Kingdom's unique role as guardian of this ancient breed. Through his efforts as President of the Riyadh Equestrian Club, founder of the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation, and patron of the King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Center, King Abdullah has ensured that the honored traditions of horsemanship and horse breeding are thriving in the Kingdom.

The Saud princes in centuries past carefully collected the best Arabian horses from amongst the tribes of Arabia and reflecting a similar quest for excellence, King Abdullah is dedicated to gathering the best Arabian horses in the world at his Al Janadriyah farm. Wide avenues lined with date palms provide a dramatic entry to his stables, where a remarkable array of stallions survey paddocks filled with beautiful broodmares and foals. State-of-the-art facilities include a veterinary hospital, breeding facilities, automated walkers, and a swimming pool. Yet the far corners of the farm, true to the spirit of the desert, consist of golden-hued sand dunes, where the sight of the farm's mares thundering across the horizon is unforgettable.

Despite his many official duties in the Kingdom, perhaps the favorite moments of King Abdullah are quiet afternoons spent at Al Janadriyah, when he visits his beloved stallions, mares, and foals and delights in presenting them to visiting dignitaries and friends. With prancing steps and heads held high, the horses gaze afar to the distant dunes, providing a treasured glimpse into the past and symbolizing hope for a future bright beyond measure.

The Mares: "And in truth she has ever been to me a precious possession, born and brought up in our tents: of all possessions, that which has been born and bred with one's people is the most precious." From the 7th century poet Yazid, in tribute to his mare.

The Prophet Muhammad (May Peace be upon Him) advised his followers, "Take upon you the mares! Their backs are a sanctuary, and their wombs a treasure." The precious mares of Al Janadriyah include desertbreds from the family of Al Saud, as well as imported mares representing the world's finest bloodlines, including Spanish, Egyptian, and Russian. The result is a broodmare band of superb quality with limitless potential for breeding within specific lines, or judicious blending of these fine strains.