<strong>All the pretty horses: </strong>The Al Shaqab Equestrian Center is a huge complex in Doha dedicated to breeding and training beautiful Arabian horses.
All the pretty horses: The Al Shaqab Equestrian Center is a huge complex in Doha dedicated to breeding and training beautiful Arabian horses.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Day out: </strong>The vast center on the northwest edge of Doha makes a fascinating excursion for visitors to the city interested in both horses and oil-rich Qatar's appetite for expensive status symbols.
Day out: The vast center on the northwest edge of Doha makes a fascinating excursion for visitors to the city interested in both horses and oil-rich Qatar's appetite for expensive status symbols.
Courtesy Al Shaqab/Qatar Foundation
<strong>Friendly face: </strong>Air-conditioned stables in Al Shaqab's breeding and show department are home to some of the complex's 740 equine residents.
Friendly face: Air-conditioned stables in Al Shaqab's breeding and show department are home to some of the complex's 740 equine residents.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Not-so-lazy river: </strong>This swimming pool is used to help build muscle strength in the horses. "Some of them love it," says Zayed al Hashmi, Al Shaqab's head of stable management.
Not-so-lazy river: This swimming pool is used to help build muscle strength in the horses. "Some of them love it," says Zayed al Hashmi, Al Shaqab's head of stable management.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Horse drier:</strong> Zayed al Hashmi demonstrates heat lamps used to dry off horses after a swim.
Horse drier: Zayed al Hashmi demonstrates heat lamps used to dry off horses after a swim.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Personal trainers:</strong> Each horse has an individual training regime, according to Al Hashmi. This can include walking on a treadmill for up to 45 minutes daily.
Personal trainers: Each horse has an individual training regime, according to Al Hashmi. This can include walking on a treadmill for up to 45 minutes daily.
Courtesy Al Shaqab/Qatar Foundation
<strong>New addition: </strong>A newborn horse nuzzles up to its mother. Some 420 horses have been born and bred at the center.
New addition: A newborn horse nuzzles up to its mother. Some 420 horses have been born and bred at the center.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Horsey history:</strong> Al Shaqab's Ottoman stables are a historical reminder of Qatar's long relationship with Arabian horse breeding.
Horsey history: Al Shaqab's Ottoman stables are a historical reminder of Qatar's long relationship with Arabian horse breeding.
Courtesy Al Shaqab/Qatar Foundation
<strong>Traditional settings: </strong>The older stables are still in use today, at least during mild winter weather when temperatures are relatively cool.
Traditional settings: The older stables are still in use today, at least during mild winter weather when temperatures are relatively cool.
Courtesy Al Shaqab/Qatar Foundation
<strong>Atmospheric setting:</strong> The historic heart of Al Shaqab is often in demand as an atmospheric backdrop for corporate events.
Atmospheric setting: The historic heart of Al Shaqab is often in demand as an atmospheric backdrop for corporate events.
Courtesy Al Shaqab/Qatar Foundation
<strong>Twin arenas:</strong> The centerpiece of Al Shaqab is a huge eventing arena used to stage international competitions.
Twin arenas: The centerpiece of Al Shaqab is a huge eventing arena used to stage international competitions.
Courtesy Al Shaqab/Qatar Foundation
<strong>Indoor venue: </strong>Back-to-back with the outdoor arena is an indoor space that's almost a mirror-image, for use during searingly hot summer months.
Indoor venue: Back-to-back with the outdoor arena is an indoor space that's almost a mirror-image, for use during searingly hot summer months.
Courtesy Al Shaqab/Qatar Foundation
<strong>Pure breeds: </strong>Al Shaqab's pure-bred Arabian horses are raised for showing, eventing and endurance racing.
Pure breeds: Al Shaqab's pure-bred Arabian horses are raised for showing, eventing and endurance racing.
Courtesy Al Shaqab/Qatar Foundation
<strong>Healthy horses:</strong> Al Shaqab's equine residents are looked after by a state-of-the-art veterinary medical center equipped with a hospital, clinic and laboratory.
Healthy horses: Al Shaqab's equine residents are looked after by a state-of-the-art veterinary medical center equipped with a hospital, clinic and laboratory.
Courtesy Al Shaqab/Qatar Foundation
<strong>Junior riders: </strong>The center also has an equine education center, aimed at teaching local kids riding skills and nurturing the next generation of Arabian horse experts.
Junior riders: The center also has an equine education center, aimed at teaching local kids riding skills and nurturing the next generation of Arabian horse experts.
Courtesy Al Shaqab/Qatar Foundation
<strong>Prize winners:</strong> Al Shaqab's residents are regular winners in local and international competitions.
Prize winners: Al Shaqab's residents are regular winners in local and international competitions.
Barry Neild/CNN