WAHO Conference 2004 Warsaw, Poland

The World Arabian Horse Conference this year was held in the historical city of Warsaw, in the ancient country of Poland. I attended, along with Joao SerraCoelho of Portugal. Joao flew to Poland from Portugal to experience his first Conference. He traveled home after, to tell his friends and family of this wonderful 65 country member organization dedicated to his (and my!) love, the Arabian Horse.

The Conference was led by President Hans-Joaquim Nagel of Germany, along with delegates from all over the world attending. What a sight to see each beautiful flag of their own loved land representing them at each table - with one love in mind - our wonderful Arabian Horse! The topics included the closing of Stud Books, main location for the WAHO Office and for the hard working dedicated secretary, Katrina Murray of England, Stallion Licensing, and other very interesting subjects in regards to the World wide loved and owned Arabian Horses. During the Conference, an extremely fascinating talk of diseases within the horses was given by Dr. Matthew Binns of United Kingdom, Head of Genetics for the Animal Health Trust.

Of course, my favorite time during the Conferences is always the reports from the Delegates of each country. The delegate reports from 3 to 5 minutes the news of the Arabian Horse of their country. The sad report was from Iraq. Due to the problems of their land, many Arabians were stolen from the Royal Stables, for reasons unknown. The wonderful Iraqi delegates are hoping their loved Arabians will be returned. I felt a sadness for these people, and hope their treasured Arabians can be safely returned to live their lives out in Royalty, rather than be separated from each other somewhere in the desert with unknown strangers.

So many memorable moments during the Conference. Incredible Speakers, coffee breaks meeting new people, witnessing a breathtaking parade of beautiful Polish Arabian Horses, videos of the Arabian Horse of Poland and the Arabian Horse of Syria, attending exciting Arabian Horse races at the Warsaw race track, tours throughout the old city of Warsaw, and lunch breaks visiting with more Arabian horse owners that truly love their horses. So many highlights! My favorite moment was at the beginning when President Hans Nagel asked the crowd for an applause for the Past WAHO President - and creator - our wonderful Jay Stream of California. The applause turned into a huge STANDING OVATION! I missed Jay and his beautiful classy wife Dorothy. Too bad he couldn't be President of the United States......

I end this short summary of the 2004 WAHO Conference held in Warsaw, Poland with feelings of happiness for our world loved Arabian Horse Breed. Poland was an excellent host, and a true friend to not only America during these Political times, but a true friend to all. We thank you.

WAHO was organized not only to preserve the Arabian Horse, but also for Arabian horse owners to meet each other from all over the world. We gather every two years to celebrate our eternal love for the greatest breed of animal - the ARABIAN HORSE. I cannot imagine any other organization from so many countries sitting together in one huge room - with one love in mind - the Arabian Horse! The Arabian for centuries has not only been a war partner and the beginning of nearly all breeds of horses, but was also a gift between troubled countries to bring "peace" among them.

Our Arabian Horses are special. Lets treasure every moment on this earth with them by our side......

Terry Polk