For the first time in eight years, Egypt has exported Arabian horses to Jordan once again, local media reported, citing the Egyptian government.

Dr. Mona Mehrez, Deputy Minister for Animal Resources and Fisheries and Poultry, confirmed that six Arabian horses made their way to Jordan on Thursday, November 1, through the Port of Nuweiba.

It was just several months ago that the European Union (EU) gave Egypt the go-ahead to resume the export of horses after a ban that lasted for almost a decade.

The ban was lifted after the General Authority for Veterinary Services “adopted several measures to meet the EU conditions to lift the ban, including strict supervision and monitoring,” according to a report issued by the General Authority for Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation.

According to Egypt Today, the conditions that were met by Egypt included “banning the transfer of horses from the south to the north, registering and numbering horses, issuing veterinary certificates for export and carrying out serological surveys on horses in Egypt in coordination with the Armed Forces.”

Dr. Mehrez was confident that the procedures currently governing the export of horses will turn Egypt into the largest international hub for the investment in Arabian horses.

In May, Egypt exported 40 Arabian horses to the EU.

Arabian horses enjoy the following distinct features: wedge-shaped head, broad forehead, small ears, large eyes, large nostrils, small muzzles, and straight long legs.