World

7 Equestrian Traditions, as per Hassan Al Mannai

Published

6 years ago

July 2, 2019

Childhood gives us the fondest memories that stick with us for the rest of our lives. Some of us are fortunate to discover our passions at a tender age and the same holds true in Hassan Al Mannai’s case. As it turns out, the first encounter with a horse can leave you wanting more. The calmness and exhilaration one feels at the same time are unique and worth holding on to. From there on, the pursuit of spending quality time with horses only gets stronger as the years go by.

Passion turns into a profession

In our case, Hassan Al Mannai visited many Arabian Horse Shows around the world which enhanced his understanding of the horse breeding industry and gave birth to his own breeding program with the introduction of Al Reeh Stud in 2013. Since then, he has been donning two hats; one as a banker and one as a horse breeder, doing justice to both his profession and calling. Today, he shares with us, these 7 equestrian traditions which he discovered during his journey.

1] Manes in the ‘right’ direction: Whether superstitious or not, plaiting manes to the right is something of a popular trend if not a force of habit.

2] Mounting: Does it really matter if we mount from the left or right? Well, if history is anything to go by, then yes, left is ideal.

3] Hairnets: Safety first is and always should be the motto. Even if my horses were to develop slight niggles, it would give me sleepless nights so hairnets that keep them protected get a big thumbs-up.

4] Colour of tacks: Black or brown? Set aside your personal preference and follow tradition! Choose a brown riding tack if you want to be viewed as ‘original’.

5] Straps: Nowadays, it’s more about being in vogue. As far as trends go, make sure you choose the ‘in’ straps. Usually, white garter straps go with topped boots and plain straps go with the untopped boots.

6] Bandage: In preparation for injuries, it’s important and universally agreed to carry bandages.

7] Attire: Usually, it’s about white or beige jodhpurs but this is of little consequence when you’re racing. After all, the muck and gravel are sure to turn them into a laundromat’s delight.

Future of horses (conclusion option 1)

The common thread between breeders and owners over the world is the commitment they have towards their horses. This needs to reflect in the facilities, right from shelter to medical care. As far as the industry goes, it holds great potential for horses given the advancement of infrastructure both in developed and developing countries. Hassan’s dream of creating a world-class ecosystem where horses live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives is something for all to see. Today, with his recent appointment as Director of Arabian Horse Show at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, he is running from pillar to post to build deeper connects with ECAHO and hopes his recent successful election which gave him a position as an Executive Committee Member can “make the world a better place for horses”.

World

Turkish Textile Giant Sun Textile Solution Proposal for Drought

Published

2 months ago

February 4, 2025

Jenny Jackson

While the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) are seeking solutions to combat drought through various projects, Ekoten Textile, a subsidiary of Turkey’s textile giant Sun Textile, has developed a groundbreaking project in collaboration with a technology startup to minimize the intensive water consumption in the textile industry. This pioneering project, the first of its kind globally, will enable the recycling and reuse of up to 90% of the water used in textile production.

Drought is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. According to WHO data, 40% of the global population is struggling with water scarcity. By 2030, up to 700 million people could be forced to migrate due to drought. The unconscious use of water in global production processes plays a significant role in the rapid depletion of clean water resources.

The textile industry is one of the sectors with the highest water consumption. In Turkey, while the food industry consumes 22% of the water used for industrial purposes, the textile sector follows closely with 18%. For instance, producing an average of 40 tons of products daily requires 2,500 tons of water, equivalent to the daily water consumption of approximately 10,000 people.

CLEAN WATER RESOURCES FOR HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE EVERY DAY!

In textile production, where clean water resources are heavily consumed, the innovative success of the Turkish company stands out as a global best practice. This initiative will shape the future of the industry. The wastewater recycling project, developed through intensive R&D efforts, will ensure that over 90% of the required water is sourced from recycled supplies.

The reuse of wastewater in production will transform the fate of countries operating in the textile sector. By preventing the use of clean water resources for textile production, this project will free up clean water sources that can meet the daily needs of hundreds of thousands of people.

R&D ACTIVITIES IN 38 COUNTRIES WITH 380 PARTNERS!

Sun Textile places great emphasis on R&D activities, conducting research and development efforts with 380 partners across 38 countries. Sun Textile and its subsidiary Ekoten Textile export nearly 90% of their production, solidifying their identity as a leading exporter. The company ships products to numerous destinations worldwide, including European countries, the UK, and the US. Sun Textile, the leading ready-to-wear exporter in the Aegean Region, achieved a consolidated turnover of 250 million euros in the third quarter of 2024, continuing its active growth trajectory.

OFFERING CUSTOM DESIGNS TO CUSTOMERS

Sun Textile provides its own designed collections to leading brands in Europe and the UK. Ekoten Textile, its subsidiary, is among the most respected knitted fabric manufacturers in Turkey and Europe.

With a dedicated sales team for each major customer group and five design offices in three different countries, Sun Textile creates designs tailored to its customers’ needs. Its largest clients include the Inditex Group, H&M, Jimmy Key, Tesco, Kiabi, Marks & Spencer, and Next.

Sun Textile also extends its sustainability approach to social responsibility, notably for its high ratio of female employees. The company, which went public in 2022, is also listed in dividend indexes.