Dubai Festival of the Horse showcases showjumping, dressage and cross-country

Dubai: The Dh250,000 Festival of the Horse, a new concept in UAE equine competition, will take place on Friday at Emirates Equestrian Centre (EEC) under the patronage of Shaikha Maryam Bint Mohammad Al Maktoum.

This events represents the first time that the separate disciplines of showjumping, cross country and dressage, and young rider classes have been held in one show on the same day in the UAE.

The highest prize money is on offer in cross country (Dh35,000 across two classes) and dressage (Dh55,000 across one class).

The show will also feature a Dh160,000 showjumping class, an exclusive competition for the UAE’s best riders.

Commenting on the event, Abdullah Al Merri, a showjumper based at EEC, who has represented the UAE at many international events, said: “All of us train very hard yet some of us are not exposed to every discipline out there because we are all focused on our own sport.

“Personally I am looking forward to being able to see the best of the UAE’s dressage and cross country riders in action as we rarely get to see what they can do in competition. And the same goes for them, they will get to see us. It will be great to see them excel at the sport they train so hard for.”

Al Merri added that spectators can expect to see some top riders in the UAE.

“It will be a tough competition,” he said. “We have just had our championships and it will be many of the same riders competing again, so it’s really going to be the best of the best in every discipline.”

Visiting youngsters can take advantage of face-painting, a kids’ zone, pony rides, and a bouncy castle.

In addition, there will be a free raffle featuring prizes that include televisions, iPads and mobile phones. A live band will further spice up the festival atmosphere.

The competition starts at 4.30pm with the cross country competition, before moving on to Pony Club showjumping at 6pm. The showjumping and dressage in the main arenas both get under way at 6.30pm.