Dubai: The Shaikha Maryam Bint Mohammad Al Maktoum Dubai Festival of the Horse is set to become a bigger three-day show for its 2014 renewal.

Emirates Equestrian Centre (EEC) on Tuesday released its 2013/14 events calendar, revealing the expansion of the successful show, which was held as a one-day event in its inaugural year in 2013.

The first running of the Festival of the Horse represented a new concept in equestrian competition in the UAE, offering spectators the chance to watch the country’s top showjumpers, dressage riders and cross country riders compete in separate events on the same day.

The other highlight of the EEC season, the CSI3*-W Dubai Showjumping Championships is scheduled for January 30-February 1 and once again is set to attract the best Arab League competitors as well as top international showjumpers.

Prior to that, the EEC’s competitive season got under way on Monday, with the first in a series of 10 dressage and cross country training shows. Also on the calendar are six national dressage shows, as well as provision for cross country riders.

The FEI World Dressage Challenge, in which the UAE are the reigning champions, will take place on December 18, while the Dubai Dressage Championship will bring the season to an end over two days from April 14-15.

Mohammad Eisa Al Adhab, Deputy General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, the body which oversees the operations of EEC, said: “We are very happy to announce the new season calendar at EEC. It gives us great pleasure to see the HH Shaikha Maryam Bint Mohammad Dubai Festival of the Horse expand in only its second year.

“This was a hugely popular and successful show for both spectators and competitors in its inaugural year and it is our hope that this event will become an important fixture on the international equestrian scene.

“The Dubai Showjumping Championships is another major event on the UAE calendar which has always been well-supported by our own international riders as well as stars from around the world, and we look forward to hosting this exciting event once again.”