Dubai: The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) marked 100 days to go until the August 23 to September 7 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games with a work of art in the Bay of Mont Saint Michel in Normandy, France, on Sunday.
French artist Christophe Dumont used horse hoof prints to cast a huge ‘100’ in the sand surrounding the ancient monastery. A team of 20 people battled against time and tide to produce the unique piece of art, so that it could be photographed before the waves washed it away.
Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and President of the International Equestrian Federation, heralded the artist’s efforts.
“The giant hoof prints on the beach at the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is a beautiful way to mark the 100-day countdown to the start of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, as it captures the free spirit of our wonderful partner, the horse. And everyone who rides horses knows that we spend a lot of time training in circles,” said Princess Haya.
“With just 100 days to go before the start of the Games, excitement is really building. The world’s best horses and riders will be going for gold in Normandy so we can expect absolutely top sport. We are looking forward to these being the best Games yet.”
The FEI World Equestrian Games take place every four years and are seen as the pinnacle of equestrian sport. This year is the seventh edition of the Games, which take place in the middle of the Olympic cycle.
This year’s Games, which run from August 23 to September 7, will feature the world’s finest equestrian athletes competing in the seven official FEI disciplines: jumping, dressage and para-equestrian dressage, eventing, driving, reining, vaulting and endurance.
A record number of nations are taking part, with 72 countries having already declared their intention to compete.
