Dubai: Seven world champions will be among a high-quality field of show horses competing for a record purse of $4 million in the 14th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship (DIAHC) at the Dubai World Trade Centre from Thursday to Saturday.
From young yearlings to the elder statesmen of the Purebred Arabian Equine world, only the highest rated horses will vie for honours in six Championship categories at the season finale.
An action-packed weekend is in store for horse fans when the 13th Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF), also held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, kicks off simultaneously.
This year’s Championship has attracted close to 300 horses from 20 countries registered with WHO (World Arabian Horse Organisation), including Australia, Austrian, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Poland, Zatar, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Netherlands, UK, USA and the UAE.
Horse will compete in 17 qualifying classes to vie for the highest honour in Saturday’s finale — the Championship classes for Yearling Female, Yearling Male, Junior Female, Junior Male, Senior Female and Senior Male.
Seven international judges will allocate points during competition, where the horses will be judged when standing, walking and trotting. The criteria will be on type, head and neck, body and top line, legs and movement.
“We look forward to three exciting days of watching the best Arabian show horses in the world compete in Dubai,” said Ziad Galadari, head of the organising committee.
“This event is celebrating its 14th year and in just a short time it has become the most prestigious horse show anywhere in the world.
“This is due to the support and guidance of Shaikh Hamdan, the chief patron of the DIAHC. Shaikh Hamdan was determined to make the event the best in the world and through his backing and the excellent work of the managing committee lead by Qusai Obaidullah, we have succeeded.”
Organisers of the horse fare have lined up a number of activities that will delight families and children of all ages.
New features that will be enjoyed by youngsters include the Al Tamimi Stables’ “Fun Farm” — where they will be able to touch, feed and learn about various domesticated animals such as a Shetland pony, sheep, goat, snake, rabbits and birds to name a few.
“Understanding the importance of animal interaction and outdoor activities, we set up Al Tamimi Stables, a locally-owned attraction offering a mobile petting farm and pony experience to families and schools across the Emirates. This is designed to give children the opportunity to interact with friendly animals and teaches them how to treat, respect and care for them — we welcome visitors at the Dubai International Horse Fair to experiences some of these activities,” said Rachael Wunsch, CEO of Al Tamimi Investments.
Children will also get to experience pony riding, especially those who are aspiring to become skilled riders. Another favourite is the show jumping segment, for younger horse enthusiasts, which is organised by the Dubai Pony Club at the Emirates Equestrian Centre.
A perennial crowd pleaser is the thrilling Spanish equestrian performers that have been entertaining audiences and horse enthusiasts around the world. DIHF visitors will get to see them live in a magnificent dressage routine, which has taken years of training and practice to perfect.
For those looking to purchase equine-inspired art pieces, the show’s Art Gallery specialises in artworks by renowned artists and sculptors — many of these artists will be available to advise and assist visitors. The Heritage Village returns this year to feature traditional Bedouin houses, falconry, authentic local dishes, henna tattooing and more.
In addition, the Community Development Authority has organised folklore dances and cultural activities during the show. Equestrian therapy for special needs children and adults will also be demonstrated.
The Horse Auction for Arabian purebred horses from local studs returns this year and will be held on the second day of the show. Some 100 Arabian horse breeds of superior lineage will be on sale and the event is anticipated to attract hundreds of breeders and buyers from the region.
The fair will feature the region’s largest display of equestrian equipment, services, products and interactive horse experiences. The three-day exhibition is expected to attract thousands of visitors.
