Today's Edition
DUBAI (ALETIHAD)
Some of the UAE’s best equestrian athletes will look to make history by becoming the first-ever winner of an FEI-sanctioned eventing competition in Dubai when the ‘FEI WEC – Category A and National’ one-day competition is held at the Emirates Equestrian Centre (EEC) on Saturday.
The inaugural event is being organised and sponsored by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation with the intention of providing opportunities to Emirati riders, while getting them the necessary points to qualify for the international stage, with the Olympic Games as the ultimate target.
Eventing has been part of the Olympics’ schedule since the 1912 Stockholm Games and the maiden championship shows the UAE’s ambition in wanting to secure more spots for its athletes at the quadrennial games.
A Category A event is considered a top-tier preparatory or qualifier competition designed to prepare athletes for the first levels of FEI competitions and is open to equestrian athletes aged 14 and above.
Organisers are expecting a healthy turnout with this first-of-its-kind event promising to set the standards nationwide for competitive eventing, which consists of a combination of the three major equestrian events of jumping, dressage and cross-country, blending athleticism with artistry and precision, whilst celebrating the synergy between horse and rider.
According to the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), eventing “is truly a complete sport that tests both the horse and rider in all aspects of horsemanship, and one of the three Olympic disciplines”.
Commenting on the inaugural edition of the competition, Ali Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer and Dubai Racing Club board member, which manages the EEC, said: “This is the start of something really big and we look forward to hosting this event as it gives our equestrian athletes a change to perform on the world stage.
“This is a really a great platform and we encourage our athletes to make the most of this opportunity. Eventing is a sport that we support fully as we hope to nurture the next generation of equine stars that will make the country proud.”
Tahra Ahmad, manager at EEC, said: “This is a great way to promote the sport. Equestrian sport is very much an integral part of UAE culture and is steeped in the traditions of our country. We will do our very best to ensure the event is worthy of its status. We would like to wish all those participating in this historic event all the very best.”
