First-ever ladies-only equestrian endurance ride becomes a reality

Abu Dhabi: The Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba will be breaking new ground when they stage their first-ever ladies only ride on Friday.

"Friday's Shaikha Fatima Bint Mansoor Al Nahyan Ladies Endurance Cup will be the first ever ride only for ladies and the event is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister for Presidential Affairs," said Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, the Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian club during a press conference here yesterday.

"A total amount of Dh500,000 including two four-wheel-drive cars for the riders taking the first two places, will be up for grabs.

"All riders who finish will the 90km ride will be given cash awards," Al Nuaimi said.

"We are planning to continue holding rides for Ladies at the Emirates International Endurance Village," the ADEC chief said.

The ride is being sponsored by Sorouh Real Estate and the Breeding Stables of Shaikh Mansour based in Normandy, France.

Fahad Al Ketbi, executive director, Projects, Sorouh said: "This is the first-ever endurance ride for ladies at the Emirates International Endurance Village and Sorouh is really delighted to be involved in this ground-breaking event."

"With the growing number of ladies in the UAE taking to equestrian sport, Sorouh is delighted to support this first-ever Shaikha Fatima Bint Mansoor Al Nahyan Ladies Endurance Cup," Al Ketbi said.

Lara Sawaya, the managing director of Tasweeq said: "The ride is a National Ride and is open to all nationalities. Around 60 entries have been received so far." Friday's Shaikha Fatima Bint Mansoor Al Nahyan Ladies Endurance Cup event will be run over 90km and over four stages of 30km, 24km, 20km and 16km.