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King Hussein of Jordan, The Peacemaker King, 1936-1999

King Hussein worked to achieve the one gift treasured by all kindreds, tongues and people around the world.  He worked to give us the Gift of Peace. He became one of the world's most universally admired and trusted leaders for his tireless efforts on the part of all Nations.

In King Hussein's desert land and culture, the finest Arabians traditionally were given as priceless gifts between friends. King Hussein reflected the teachings of his desert forefathers. Arabian horses were a cherished and valued part of a tribe's heritage; given with great honor, ceremony, and symbolism. Raising a matchless horse, eventually given to an honored friend or nation, was truly a royal gift from a humble people.

National and royal emissaries began to travel to the Middle East at great risk and expense, hoping to acquire fine Arabian breeding horses for their own breeding programs*. The Arabian horse's courage and intelligence, made them greatly desired as riding horses. Over time, several high-quality Arabian horses were acquired by breeders outside the Middle East, and helped found purebred Arabian breeding programs in over 74 countries, registered through the World Arabian Horse Organization.

The Royal Jordanian Stables contain some of these historic purebred Arabian horses today; a breed now equally sought as the mount of world leaders, or the loyal companion of a child.

Today's world leaders still travel to the Middle East searching for peace, the gift beyond price, and King Hussein's life of personal dedication continues to bring hope to today's harsh political climate. Color an Arabian horse, and you'll create an echo of this traditional gift beyond price.

Thank-you, to the many children who have made Arabian horse drawings as gifts of peace in memory of King Hussein of Jordan, The Peacemaker King, 1936-1999.

More resources:

The Arabian Horse Pages on AWhiteHorse™ (good source for more pictures)

Royal Jaafar Stud, Jordan
The Official King Hussein of Jordan Website

*Middle Eastern leaders giving priceless gifts to Western emissaries is something many school children have read about;  Arab Sheykhs and Turkish Sultans gave prized Arabian horses as gifts to the West in the books, “Drinkers of the Wind”, by Carl Raswan, and “King of the Wind,” by Marguerite Henry, "The Black Stallion" series by Walter Farley.

*See The Annotated Quest, by Homer Davenport.
*See the World Arabian Horse Organization.

Original page created Feb 7, 1999