Global aspirations for Festival of the Horse

Dubai:The inaugural Festival of the Horse, which takes place today (Friday) at the Emirates Equestrian Centre in Bab Al Shams, aims to be the forerunner of an innovative international event.

Created by Shaikha Maryam Bint Mohammad Al Maktoum, the Dh250,000 event offers separate competitions in the three Olympic equestrian disciplines of dressage, showjumping and cross country, as well as junior showjumping. It is the first of its kind in the UAE.

It is hoped that the event will grow to become a fixture on the international calendar, attracting the best riders in the world in each discipline.

“I have created this event as an introduction to something that will grow to be a world-wide championship,” said Shaikha Maryam, who has pledged to follow in the footsteps of her father, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who has long nurtured the development of equestrian sports in the emirate.

“This is the opportunity for our society to be a part of this Festival. The successful staging of an event of this nature reflects the modern face of our growing city. I am determined that this Festival will expand, grow and progress with constant development and improvement.”

A showjumping class for young riders has been included in the programme in order to encourage grass roots development in the sport.

Shaikha Maryam, who competes in endurance riding, said she wanted to give horsemen and women in the UAE a goal to aim towards every year.

“This competition is taking place to support all the people who have the desire and passion to compete and improve, as well as to encourage and inspire the younger generation and those who have not had the chance to be involved in this sport,” she said.

“Hopefully this will fulfil their dreams and create new challenges in Dubai. Our goal is to get the competitors to compete at the highest levels and to the finest international standards.”

Shaikha Maryam said her inspiration for the show came from the example set by her father.

“I cannot go on before expressing my gratefulness to my father who has always been my biggest inspiration. I feel hugely honoured to benefit from his constant guidance and advice,” she said. “I have learned a lot through the years by following in my father’s footsteps. I always fall short of words to express my appreciation to my father for his continuous support and constant guidance.

“My father has created high standards in the equestrian field, which can only be achieved with determination and the will to keep going until you have succeeded.

“He never fails to encourage those who take part in this sport and is fully aware of its links to our culture and heritage.

“My father also believes that equestrian sport brings courage and determination to those who are willing to take part. His Highness has carefully ensured that the growth of equestrian sport in Dubai continues to develop his vision to preserve traditions, get people involved, nurture the sport and raise performance to the highest standards.”

The Festival of the Horse is free to attend and offers fun family activities alongside high-calibre equestrian competitions. Youngsters can take advantage of the free kids’ zone including face painting, bouncy castles and pony rides.

There will also be a free raffle with prizes including televisions, ipads and mobile phones.

The competition starts at 4.30pm with cross country before moving on to Pony Club showjumping at 6pm.

The showjumping and dressage in the main arenas both get underway at 6.30pm.

Emirates Equestrian Centre is located next to Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa and Dubai International Endurance City.