World children's show jumping from today

Abu Dhabi: Sixteen of the world's best under-14 show jumpers will be joined by an equal number from the region, including four from the UAE in the FEI Children's International Jumping Competition final starting here today.

Announcing details of the event which will end on December 18, Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi, Secretary-General of Emirates Equestrian Federation said, "this is the second time that the UAE is playing host to this prestigious event for juniors. The last time it was held here was in 2000."

"Children between 12 and 14 years have qualified from Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, New Zealand, Russia and the USA while apart from our four riders, two each from Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Syria complete the line-up," Al Muhairi said.

Saif Al Awani, representing the sponsors Al Awani Group said, "While this is the first world level event we are supporting, the Al Awani group has been part of the equestrian sport in the UAE for a long time."

"We hope this event will help our youngsters and those in the region," said Saif, whose son Sultan won the Best Rider award in this championship when held in Colombia last year.

Majid Shaheen Al Awani, event director, said all the participants will ride on borrowed horses to make it a level-playing field.

"The four UAE jumpers include Abdul Rahman Ahmad Ameen, Ayesha Al Shamsi, Madelaine Wilson and Sultan Ahmad Al Tabali," Majid added.

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 FEI President, Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman, Emirates Equestrian Federation, and Alex McLin, FEI Secretary-General, are expected to be present on the opening day.