Doha: The UAE's eventing team has been training for just two months, but that won't stop them from giving it their all at the Asian Games.
Described as a triathlon on horseback, eventing is an intense three-day test of horsemanship which asks that horse and rider perform three very difficult disciplines. Rather than being an expert at one discipline, winners in eventing tend to good all-rounders with excellent versatility.
Dressage, which is a test of the horse's obedience, takes place on the first day, followed by a timed 2.5km cross country ride over rustic, fixed fences on the second day is a test of courage and team work between horse and rider.
On the final day, competitors take part in a show jumping competition, which requires a more careful, collected power from competitors.
A five-rider UAE team of Omar Saif Thabet on Mexico de Poncenat, Rashed Al Rumaithi on Lazlo De Normal, Abdul Rahman Al Habsi on Marquis de Dun, Rashid Al Hosani on Jerico Des Bejuy and Abdullah Al Shuabi competed in the dressage element of the competition yesterday.
But the riders will be hoping that today's cross country event brings them more luck as they are currently languishing at the bottom of the table.
Team manager Ahmad Al Jenaiby said that his riders are just starting out on their eventing journey.
"This is brand new for the UAE, it is only two months old," he explained. "They have come to Doha for the experience. This is going to be a great way for them to get some very valuable experience."
Cholic pain
Rashed Al Rumaithi's gelding, Lazlo de Normal, stopped a few hearts when he arrived in Doha a few days ago. A small case of cholic, probably caused by the journey from Dubai to Qatar, had seen him stabled during the vet's inspection for a few hours. He was cleared to compete after recovery.
The cross country element begins today and the UAE's Thabet will be the fourth rider on the course.
Currently leading the way is Japan's Olympic hope, Yoshiaki Oiwa on Khanjer Black.
