Endurance riding growing among women in UAE

Abu Dhabi: Women's endurance riding has been given a boost by the Al Asayel Endurance Village and the 2008-09 season will see the first GCC Ladies Championship.

Encouraged by the success of the rides held at this endurance venue in Sweihan in Abu Dhabi, the Al Asayel Endurance Village will be hosting the inaugural GCC Ladies Championship, a 120km ride in January.

The Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Challenge, a three-round series of races for female riders, was a major success last season with each of the event attracting over 30 participants.

Points system

An innovative points system kept the Challenge alive until the last ride and, apart from riders from the UAE, there was strong participation from Britain, Spain, France, Australia, South Africa, France and a few other neighbouring countries.

Apart from the Ladies Challenge series, quite a few other rides including Qualifier rides ensured many new riders joined the endurance events and the new season is expected to attract more female participants.

Euston Park

While the domestic circuit enjoyed its success, Shaikha Latifa Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum won an 80-km Two star ride in Euston Park, Britain, July last year.

Shaikha Latifa was followed home by Shaikha Futtaim Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in second place.