Abu Dhabi: All eyes will be on UAE riders Abdullah Al Merri, Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi, Mohammad Ganem Al Hajri and Shaikh Majid Al Qasimi in the four-day CSI4* Al Shira’aa International Horse Show, starting at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort on Wednesday.
It is also a qualifying event for the World Equestrian Games and a host of leading international and regional showjumpers have descended on the capital.
Among the 100 CSI4* riders are multiple Olympian Jos Lansink, World No 13 Henrik von Eckermann and 2017 Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby winner Nigel Coupe. In total, across the four days, spectators will see 220 horses jump, partnered by 153 riders from 26 countries.
The Al Shira’aa International Horse Show is sponsored by Emirates Equestrian Federation showjumping partner, Longines and supported by the Mother of the Nation organisation, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA).
A total prize money of euro 200,000 is up for grabs and Al Shira’aa International Horse Show will also be offering a platform for local talent to compete against international stars in FEI-affiliated classes. There are classes for young riders, juniors and young horses as well as five ranking classes for CSI4* competitors seeking World Equestrian Games qualification.
In addition to the top quality showjumping in the arena, visitors to the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show can spend time in the Al Shira’aa Village, a large family entertainment area, packed with equine equipment stalls, arts, crafts, food trucks and much more.
“We are here to celebrate two important events. First, we would like to thank Al Shira’aa for the support for the UAE national team last year. Without them we couldn’t have achieved what we achieved, winning the Longines Nations Challenge Cup,” said Dr Ganem Al Hajiri, General Secretary UAE Racing and Equestrian Federation (UAEERF).
“This couldn’t have been achieved without Al Shira’aa’s sponsorship for the team to undergo a camp in Europe in summer. They took care of all the expenses, logistics and organising everything for the camp.
“We know our national team is made up of talented riders who have worked hard to develop their riding skills through their clubs. They are prepared to work hard, they love their country and were successful in winning one of the most prestigious showjumping titles,” added Dr Al Hajiri.
Omran Ahmad Al Owais, Event’s President speaking on the occasion, said: “The Nations Cup was a world event for which we had to work throughout the year to qualify and then win the Challenge Cup. The Al Shira’aa International Horse Show is a usual four-star competition and is a qualifier for the World Games in the USA next year.”
Event’s Director Martina Borr was of the view that the event has already gained a lot of significance despite being only in the second year.
“We are on our second year and it’s such an important event on the showjumping calendar. We are looking forward to both our local and international riders competing over the four days. It a great opportunity for the young riders as well as they will be meeting the best from the world.”
