Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

A monument to Karabakh horses, one of the world’s oldest breeds, was unveiled in the city of Ham, Belgium.

The monument honoring graceful and majestic Karabakh horses, which are regarded as a heritage of Azerbaijani people, was erected with the support of Azerbaijan Equestrian Federation and presented to the municipality of Ham, Azertac reported.

Ham City Mayor Dirk De Vis, addressing the unveiling ceremony, hailed close cooperation between Azerbaijan and Belgium. He described the erection of the monument to Karabakh horses, which are famous all over the world due to exceptional qualities, as a symbol of friendship between the two nations.

Chair of Belgium-Azerbaijan Friendship Society Ayhan Demirchi hailed the Azerbaijani community's efforts to bring the two countries and nations closer to each other, saying the erection of the monument is a landmark event in this regard.

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Belgium Fuad Isgandarov, in turn, described the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and the city of Ham as the best example of cultural and inter-religious dialogue.

Breathing Karabakh horses, whose fine build and golden sheen make it a wonder to behold, are also valued for their resistance in mountainous terrain and mild temper.

Unfortunately, the number of Karabakh horses began to decline in the backdrop of the civil and ethnic wars in the Caucasus and Karabakh region. Although they are exiled from their homeland due to the Armenian aggression, Karabakh horses adapt very well to a variety of natural conditions. New strains are being developed in lowland Karabakh, as well as in other regions of Azerbaijan: villages near Baku, regions at the foot of the Northern and Southern Caucasus and the central lowlands, all with different climates.

They are mountain horses, so they are not very tall, 1.48-1.52metres (up to 15 hands). They are slim, with attractive faces and are kind and gentle by nature.

Despite their delicate appearance they are known for their stamina and they have been very successful racers. Their suppleness also made them the ideal mount for traditional games like Chovgan and Sur-papa.

Karabakh breed horses were repeatedly presented at the celebration of the anniversary of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II reign in 2012. Before, the English queen received a golden horse of Karabakh as a gift in 1956.

Last year 15 Azerbaijani Karabakh breed horses and a team of national dancers performed at the final night of the Royal Windsor Horse Show to celebrate the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.

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