“The Origins of Horses” Exhibition: Treasures of Equestrianism at the Founder’s Library in Riyadh

To commemorate Saudi Arabia's National Day, the King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh is opening a unique cultural and historical exhibition entitled "The Origins of Horses." The exhibition highlights the rich heritage of horsemanship and the prominent place of the Arabian horse in the history and culture of the Arabian Peninsula and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Held at the library's Khurais Road branch, the exhibition will welcome visitors until the end of August 2026, offering a rich educational journey through rare treasures and priceless historical artifacts.

Historical background: Horses as a symbol of authenticity and identity

The Arabian horse is inextricably linked to the history of the Arabian Peninsula. It is not merely a means of transportation and warfare, but a symbol of courage, nobility, and glory. Horses were companions of the early founders of the Saudi state and essential partners in the journey of unification and nation-building. The organization of this exhibition, coinciding with the founding day, underscores this profound connection and revives stories and acts of heroism associated with the neighing of horses, immortalized in Arabic poetry as a symbol of pride and dignity.

Rare treasures and unique manuscripts

The exhibition features an exceptional collection of library holdings amassed over 40 years, during which the library established a specialized equestrian center housing more than 12,000 diverse items. Among the highlights are:

• The Abbas Pasha I manuscript: dating back to 1848 AD, it is considered a very important historical document, as it documents in detail the purebred horse breeds of the Arabian Peninsula tribes, and mentions their names and the names of their owners and breeders, making it a basic reference for genealogists and those interested in the history of horses.
• The book "Oriental Horses" is an artistic and scientific work by Václav Rzewski, published in 1821 in Arabic and French. It is one of the earliest Western studies on Arabian horses and contains over 400 photographs and drawings documenting desert culture and the origins of the Arabian horse.
• Historical documents and writings: The exhibition displays the manuscript “The Title of Glory in the History of Najd” by Ibn Bishr, which deals with the role of horses in the first and second Saudi states, in addition to the “Equestrianism” encyclopedia, which is considered the first statistical paper work on horses in the world.

The importance of the exhibition and its cultural impact

The “Horse Origins” exhibition is not merely a display of rare artifacts; it serves as an educational and cultural platform aimed at fostering awareness of national heritage among younger generations. The exhibition highlights the Kingdom's efforts in preserving purebred Arabian horse lineages and supporting equestrian sports, which are an integral part of Saudi identity. It also reflects the role of the King Abdulaziz Library as a leading cultural institution dedicated to preserving the historical memory of the Kingdom, the Arab world, and the Islamic world, offering rich material for researchers and scholars in this field. The exhibition also features rare photographs taken by Princess Alice of Britain in 1938, international artwork, Islamic coins and miniatures, and short films, providing a comprehensive experience for visitors.