Royal Cavalry of Oman shares horse culture at Calgary Stampede
The Royal Cavalry of Oman, a group that preserves and promotes Oman's horse culture, wants Canadians at the Stampede to learn more about its country, horseback riding and racing in the Middle East.
The group has set up a booth in the Agrium Western Event Centre at the Calgary Stampede where they greet visitors in traditional Omani clothes.
The booth looks like an Arabian fort, which is designed to show off the country's architectural heritage.
Malik Hassan, who works for the organization in the breeding sector, says the goal is to encourage people to visit Oman.
Free tea, gifts and henna
"Oman is a beautiful country with mountains and deserts," said Hassan. "And we have our very own Arabian horses and horse culture that people here don't know much about."
Bejewelled and colourful horse saddles and ornaments from Oman are on display for guests and the group offers tea, gifts or henna designs to anyone who stops by. They also have traditional musicians ready to entertain the stampeders outside.
The Royal Cavalry of Oman also does traditional horseback performances for international events like the Diamond Jubilee Pageant of Queen Elizabeth II and the Cartier Queen's Cup Polo Final in 2012.
