Author of the book “Strange Lands and Friendly People”, narrates his story from amongst the Qashqaii of Iran, especially the horse loving tribe of Dareshuri led by Ziad Khan Dareshuri.
He says:
“The Ghashghais have the finest Arabian horses I have seen. They are probably unequaled in the world. For centuries the Ghashghais have bred them for the hunt. At present they are a bit over fourteen hands, larger than the normal Arabian.”
It was evident to him how the Dareshuri tribe of the Qashqai people was much more keen and intent on breeding their line of horses than the other tribes.
“The tribe of the Ghashghais most famous for its horses is the Darashori. Its head is Ziad Khan, a short, slight, middle-aged man, who loves horses as a man loves his sons.
“He also loves to ride them; and Ziad Khan is one of the best riders and hunters and one of the best shots on horseback of any of the Ghashghais. To be rated with the Ghashghais let alone be places at their head is high praise.”
William Douglas, then describes the main reason why the Dareshuri leader was so experienced with horses. He was historically counted on by the other Qashqai elders to produce a large army of cavalry within short notice:
“… Ziad Khan in 1950 could produce on twenty-four hours’ notice twenty thousand cavalrymen, mounted and armed, with provisions and ammunition for thirty days.”