Al Junaibi and Al Kumaiti face big test

After the historic gold-medal winning performance in endurance, two UAE show-jumpers enter the arena today in the country's first-ever presence among the world's elite in this sport.

Their presence and participation here is in itself a big achievement for the UAE for Ahmed Ali Saeed Al Junaibi and Mohammed Abdullah Al Kumaiti along with Abdullah Humaid have qualified for this final battle of nearly 120 from over one million jumpers all over the world!

Unfortunately Abdullah Humaid will have to watch from the sidelines as his horse was injured during training two days ago and according to the rules one must ride the same horse on which one qualified.

Both Kumaiti and Junaibi had a feel of the competition arena during yesterday's warm-up and training session.

Earlier, Abdullah Humaid said he was very sad after his horse was injured. "I had really trained hard over the last two years, but will have to miss this great opportunity," said Humaid, who is the UAE's top show jumper.

"We were based in Germany for over 18 months to prepare for this championship. Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan patronised us during this training while Al Hor Al Suwaidi also supported us," he said.

The three UAE riders arrived here in Jerez on September 13 and have been training here since then.

"It is a great moment for us. Just to compete here and carry our country's flag for the first time in the show-jumping event," said Kumaiti.

Junaibi said that the UAE riders know their task is monumental but they would give their best. "It is a great honour to represent our country here. So far our preparations have gone smoothly and we hope to impress all," Junaibi added.

Junaibi will be riding Captiola 4 while Kumaiti will be on Dream Love du Candy.

Col. Ronnie, the UAE's team manager said the UAE's participation would be a very encouraging factor for the sport's future in the UAE. "We are very modest about our hopes here but the UAE's participation is bound to boost the many youngsters who are currently pursuing the sport in the UAE," Col. Ronnie said.

A total of 116 riders from 34 countries will be taking part in the individual events over two days of competitions. Twenty five top riders will then compete in the penultimate round on Saturday before the final on Sunday when four riders will battle it out for top honours.

Germany, France, Great Britain, Switzerland, U.S. and the Netherlands are among the top countries in show jumping.

Brazil's Rodrigo Pessoa, the reigning individual champion, will be on Baloubetdu Rouet. Germany are the holders in the team event.