RAWABI, Palestinian Territories (AFP) — As Arabic rap thundered from loudspeakers and hundreds of spectators packed the stands in the occupied West Bank city of Rawabi, handlers put the finishing touches on gleaming Arabian stallions before leading them into the show ring.

“Palestinians have a huge passion for Arabian horses,” said Abdelnasser Musleh, a 30-year-old breeder speaking to AFP at the horse beauty pageant.

“I think a big part of our identity, our culture, our presence is connected to horses. And we feel proud of this breed, the Arabian breed.”