Member Report from Belize
REPORT MADE AT 2009 WAHO CONFERENCE:
I apologize in advance for the brevity of my report. My name is Christine Tupper and I am representing the Belize Arabian Stud Book.
Thirty years ago, we started by importing 7 Arabian horses from the USA. Our foundation stock was mostly based on Crabbet and Polish bloodlines. We register foals after parent verification, earlier this was by blood-typing, now by DNA typing. We use California Davis Equine Laboratory to perform the tests and keep the records. We allow Artificial Insemination with imported semen. Our records and our rules and regulations are on a database and WAHO has been sent this. In recent months a new interest in endurance and showjumping has given us cause to attempt to revitalize a dwindling breeding programme. Our neighbouring countries which are as yet without a WAHO-approved Registry have also began to look with favour and interest at the Arabian horse for their sports activities. I personally am eagerly anticipating many new experiences and valuable information to enhance my relatively recent exposure to worldwide activities regarding this ancient breed.
On behalf of Belize Arabian Stud Book I want to thank our gracious hosts His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, The Royal Court Affairs, and the Organizing Committee for inviting us to Oman and thank WAHO for their kind and encouraging guidance. Thank you very much.
PREVIOUS REPORTS:
Belize have only added a very small number of Arabian horses over the past few years, as very few foals are born in Belize, so they have not published any recent supplements to their stud book although they do send out rules and regulations when they are amended and put an addendum sheet in. All foals are parent verified. Artificial insemination and the use of imported transported semen are allowed. Basically, in Belize a few friends really have their horses for fun, there are no shows or competitions but are trying to introduce the breed to newcomers and encourage their use for cross-breeding as well. In 2007 a new Riding Academy has been formed and it is hoped they will use some Arabians for trail riding, dressage, and jumping, with perhaps some endurance rides in the future. Belize stays in close touch with Arabian breeders in the nearby countries of Honduras and Guatemala.