The Show HuB Equestrian Issue 10 - October 2017 www.uaeshowhub.com
UAE make History in Barcelona Challenge Cup
Eight year old Shamsa Al Meheiri and her plans to reach the top
Godolphin Flying Start trainees 2017-2019 arrive at Stud
Dhabian Equestrian and al Marmoom Initiative students perform at ADIHEX
Amy Mathieson - Contributing Editor & Freelance Journalist Amy has worked in equestrian journalism for the past 10 years, first as deputy editor for Redpin Publishing’s equestrian magazine then on the news desk at Horse & Hound where she spent 8 years and progressed to news editor specialising in racing and show jumping.
est October 2014
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Abby Blom - Producer & Content Director Abby’s equestrian passion has been ingrained since birth riding show ponies nationally as a young girl in England and competing up to foxhunter level. Trained at advanced medium level in dressage she has performed for royalty at the private opening ceremony of Meydan WC 2011 and at the Education for Borders conference at the Burj Khalifa. Contact: abbyblom@uaeshowhub.com
Romina Amarante Abbas - Sales & Social Media An Italian citizen born and raised in the UAE, Romina is an active competitor in the local show jumping circuit. Since studying for her bachelor degree she has gained vast experience managing riding schools in the UAE and instructing at all levels. Contact: rominaabbas@uaeshowhub.com
Welcome to the October edition of The Show Hub - Equestrian. Conceived in 2014 we are honored to be in partnership with FBH Stables to bring you the Middle East's first fully digital equestrian magazine now in its 10th edition. Covering all disciplines from enthusiast to the very elite we will be shining a light on the UAE equestrian scene to our global audience. You’ll find the latest news plus expert advice on horse care, riding and training. Our new website is currently being finished and will be coming to you soon with start lists, results, photography, bloggers, live streams, horses for sale and much more. www.uaeshowhub.com
The Show Hub
Emily Bright - Editor & Sales An Equine Sports Massage Therapist for 15 years now working for Dubai Equine Hospital under world renowned equine therapist Belinda Gatland. Emily and Abby came together through their love of show ponies and charity work. Contact: emilybright@uaeshowhub.com
Cover Artwork by Abby Blom
4-5 Meet the 2017-2019 Godolphin Flying Start trainees 6-7 Horse Health - Warming -UP 8-9 A day in the life of 7 year old Shamsa Al Meheri 12-17 Dhabian Equestrian Club & Al Marmoom Initiative 18-21 All eyes on Barcelona Nations Cup 24-25 Arabian Showing Calendar 26-29 Endurance update 30-35 Racing Round-up with Samantha Kettle 36-41 Olympic news 42-44 Preparing for the season ahead with top Nutrionalist Lizzie Drury from ESP 46 Alycia Pritchard 53 Classifieds 54-55 THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF SPORTS FOR WOMEN (ICSW) 58-59 Al Marmoom Initiative
Back L-R:, William McNeile, Chloe Pitts, Thomas Harris, Alison Brassil Front L-R: Philip Antonacci, Naomi Tukker, Charlotte Rinckenbach, Ian Hickey, Amy Buckley, Katelyn Butler, Mackenzie Kirker-Head, Liam Elvidge
Godolphin Flying Start Trainees 2017 - 2019 Philip Antonacci, USA Mackenzie Kirker-Head, USA Thomas Harris, UK Chloe Pitts, UK William McNeile, UK Ian Hickey, Ireland Amy Buckley, Ireland Alison Brassil, Ireland Liam Elvidge, Ireland Katelyn Butler, Australia Naomi Tukker, Netherlands Charlotte Rinckenbach, France
The 2017 – 2019 Godolphin Flying Start trainees arrived at Kildangan Stud on Monday, August 14th. The twelve trainees represent six countries: Australia, Ireland, UK, Netherlands, USA and France. The group were welcomed by Godolphin Flying Start and Godolphin management at a lunch in the Cape Cross Centre, on their first day. The first week on the programme has focused on induction training. In addition to a stallion show and tour of Kildangan Stud they visited Godolphin’s Ragusa, Old Connell and Blackhall Studs and had a presentation on His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s bloodstock interests. They will shortly commence IT and Communications training as well as their Equine Anatomy and Physiology module at University College Dublin. They will commence practical work experience assisting with breaking yearlings at Kildangan in early September. The group are looking forward to their first taste of Irish racing at the Irish Champions Weekend Trials at the Curragh this Saturday and Sunday.
Trainee Amy Buckley from Celbridge in County Kildare is looking forward to hosting her international classmates on the Ireland phase of the program. “'I'm really excited about showcasing our renowned industry here in Ireland to my fellow trainees. We all come from different disciplines throughout the international thoroughbred industry which is fantastic as we can learn so much from each other.” Lectures, visits, assignments and practical experience will continue for the ten week Irish phase of the program until the end of October when they will travel to Newmarket to commence the UK phase of the programme. The trainees will attend the Goffs yearling sales and racing at the Curragh, Leopardstown and Laytown. The second year trainees commenced the Australian phase of the program on August 14th. For further information on Godolphin Flying Start visit www.godolphinflyingstart.com.
Latest intake of Godolphin Flying Start trainees commence the 2017-2019 program at Kildangan Stud
How long? Depending on the age and size of the horse, an initial warm up in walk of between 10 to 20 minutes is essential. The stifle and hocks are the last joints to warm up so the larger the horse the longer this takes. However, you must consider the environmental conditions when planning a warm-up on any given day and tailor your session accordingly to avoid an excessive increase in body temperature.
Which exercises? Think, yoga or Pilates type exercises for horses. These should be considered an integral part of the training plan for the equine athlete as well as on regular easy days. Time spent walking and stretching improves elasticity and suppleness greatly. So, begin with the basics incorporating transitions and pole work before introducing discipline-specific exercises.
Warming-up
By physically exerting a horse without adequately preparing their bodies we not only risk unnecessary damage to their muscles and joints, we also risk creating an unwillingness to work. A period spent warming up has both physiological and psychological benefits.
Warm weather? In warm conditions (e.g., greater than 27ºC or 80°F), the horse will warm up relatively quickly. If you cannot wait until conditions improve, avoid an excessive increase in body temperature by shortening the length of the warm-up and/or reducing its intensity.
HORSE HEALTH
SunshineRiderUAE
When I first came to Dubai I met Yasmin Saayed. She took me under her wing and gave a little girl with big dreams a chance.
This summer in Spain I got to meet the Spanish Olympian rider Jose Antonio Garcia Mena. He gave me some top secret tips.
Stable management is just as important as knowing how to ride. If you can't look after your horse on the ground then you shouldn't be riding him.
Reem Al Abbar believes in me and knows I can make our country proud. She has pushed dressage so much in the UAE. I am are very grateful towards her and Cristina Calin-Thomas.
Our family have a beautiful Andalusian stallion in Spain called Domino and we ride him when we visit each summer.
I'm Shamsa Al Meheri, I'm now 8. I started riding in the south of Spain when I was 3 years old.
Next season will be all about settling in to the new stables at EEC and getting to know my new pony. Princess Electra is a 5 year old NRPS pony. She has just arrived in the UAE from the Netherlands.
I'm currently training to join my school swimming squad and I also love doing gymnastics.
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I've started trick riding with Lauren Allport and really love it. The 'deadman' trick is my favourite. I hope to be able to perform at shows in the future.
One of my proudest moments was when my first pony Quest and I won the Al Habtoor Dressage Championships.
I will miss Mark Barsby when I move to EEC next season. Mark was my trainer at Desert Palm and at Al Habtoor.
I fell in love with dressage when I saw my trainer in Spain ride and I knew from that day I wanted to do it too.
With Abu Dhabi preparing for the 2019 Special Olympics Tina Al Qubaisi saw the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition as the ideal opportunity for students from Dhabian Equestrian Club and Al Marmoon Initiative to showcase their equestrian abilities and get them ready for the spotlight. This was the first time ADIHEX had hosted an equestrian event for children with special needs. Now referred to as ‘people of determination’ to recognise their achievements in different fields under the National Policy for Empowering People with Special Needs the students’, whose challenges range from mental to physical, all benefit from equine therapy at one of the two centres. Tina says when she came up with the idea and suggested it to Yahya from Al Marmoom Initiative “he was immediately on board.” The event took over the arena of Hall 10 on the afternoon of Day 4. Tina says “We began with a small gymkhana type event for the children, but with no competition involved just pure fun. Then we moved on to a competitive event with the children centered around stable management. The children had to pick a piece of paper from the hat which had a part of the grooming kit written on it, identify the piece and then take it from the grooming box. They then had to arrange themselves in order and groom their pony.”
“Next we had the children go through the course on foot and place a hoop on a pole at the end of the course, which included navigating through cones then jumping over poles to reach the where they had to place their hoop. Once the hoop was placed they then had to navigate walking backwards towards to the start. On reaching the start the children then mounted their horses and had to navigate the course one more time and retrieve the hoop. Once back at the start the children then dismounted and had to pass the hoop to the next team member.” Every participant received a certificate and a gift bag with small prizes in it which were donated by Dhabian Equestrian Club and Horze. The annual exhibition now in its 15th year is Arabia’s most renowned hunting and equestrian exhibition and involves more than 600 companies from 40 countries. Visitors enjoy camel auctions, saluki and falcon beauty contests, art and coffee-making competitions and a variety of traditional hunting and equestrian activities. The 2017 event ran from 12-16 September.
Emirates Longines Show Jumping Championship, 1st leg 5th and 6th October 2017
Sheikh Ali Jamal Al Nuaimi & Celtic with a super start to the season in the medium tour.
Salim Al Suwaidi with his win in the Open Class 1.30 -1.40cm
Mohamed Sultan Al Yahyaei onboard Al Mazyouna. These two have come along way over the summer & we look forward to the Sharjah showdowns.
Chadi Gharib on his superb youngster Nahla 13
Welcoming back Anita Sande on For Cash, one of the leading GP horses in the UAE for wins.
Georgie, Sharjah's Coach back on form with her Young Riders in toe.
2nd leg 12th and 13th October 2017
Hamad Sultan Al Yahyaei back with Bon Jovi and 1st in the Open Small/Medium Class.
Sheikh Ali Jamal Al Nuiami & Celtic in the Open Medium taking 1st place presented by Sultan Al Yahyaei
Hadi Nizam having super rounds over the weekend and 1st in the YH with Galita O.
Osama al Zabibi with Paprika, a 2nd in the YH/Juniors section.
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Showjumpers from the UAE made history last week, taking home a trophy from their first ever Longines Nations Cup. The team produced a stellar performance, picking up the Longines Challenge Cup. Team UAE qualified for the prestigious competition for the first time ever back in February in Al Ain. And last month (30 September) the UAE riders travelled to the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona to take on the other Nations in the final. A strong finish Things weren't looking so good for Team UAE to start with, finishing second last of the 15 participating nations in the first qualifier. However, this left them in line for the Longines Challenge Cup, which was open to the seven teams that did not make the cut into the final night’s deciding competition in the battle for the Longines FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2017 title.
Team UAE make history at the Nations Cup
However, things changed in the Challenge Cup itself, with the team pulling it out of the bag with a near faultless performance, finishing ahead of leading showjumping countries. The UAE finished on three faults in the competition, ahead of Ireland on nine and Brazil on 11. Spain were further behind on 15, while Team GB finished on 17 and New Zealand totalled 20 faults. Italy brought up the rear with 26 penalties. Abdullah Mohammed Al Marri with Sama Dubai Fbh posted a clear round, just picking up just time penalties. Meanwhile Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi (Cha Cha Cha 7) and Mohammed Ghanem Al Hajri (Pour Le Poussagethen) produced two impressive clears, with the latter picking up just one time penalty, to secure victory. Sheikh Majid Al Qassimi (Celtion) wasn't even needed to ride, as the team had already won. “We’ve been working really hard setting the basis for the sport in our country, and for more than four riders to choose from for a Nations Cup which was brilliant. We chose the four that were in form and thankfully we did well,” Al Marri, who is based in France and works as policeman, said.
Image credit FEI Media Nations Cup
Chef d’equipe Karl Schneider was thrilled. “To win with only three riders, that was really amazing, especially after we didn’t have best start," he said. "But there was good team spirit, they didn’t give up, they were still fighting and finally it came good for us.” Showjumping is growing in the UAE, with the number of horses registered to compete increasing from 336 in 2015 to 417 in 2017. “We see this as an opportunity to serve as a greater incentive for UAE riders to take part in more CSIO events during the course of the season,” FEI director of jumping John Roche said. Princess Haya, Former FEI President, added: "I’m so thrilled, so proud of this success, after all the hard work they’ve invested over the years they really deserved this.”
Dutch champions In the Nations Cup Final the Dutch team were crowned champions ahead of the USA in second and Belgium in third. Jumping a course by Santiago Varela, it came down to the last line riders to decide the 2017 title. But the Dutch team of Jur Vrieling, Michel Hendrix, Harrie Smolders and Marc Houtzager triumphed. “Barcelona is wonderful and the final of the Nations Cup is always thrilling,” said Dutch Chef d’Equipe Rob Ehrens. “The only thing I have to do is tell them what time to get out of bed, what time to get into bed and what time to walk the course. I have an easy job and I’m a happy coach!” he added.
UAE Arabian Horse Show Schedule 2017-18
Date
Show
15/09/2017
Flat Race Auction
02-04/11/2017
The 14th Sharjah Arabian Horse Festival (Straight Egyptian)
03/11/2017
Sharjah Arabian Horse Auction
09-12/11/2017
Emirates Arabian Horse Breeders Championship
07-09/12/2017
The 14th Sharjah Arabian Horse Festival (Local Bred)
14-18/12/2017
Fujairah Arabian Horse Show
03/01/2018
Ajman Arabian Show Horse Auction
04–06/01/2018
Ajman Arabian Horse Show
18–23/01/2018
UAE National Championship
09/02/2018
Abu Dhabi Arabian Show Horse Auction
10–14 /02/2018
Abu Dhabi International Arabian Horse Championship
01–03/03/2018
The 19th Sharjah International Arabian Horse Festival
15–17/03/2018
Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship
27–29/03/2018
EAHS National Championship
30/03/2018
Gregor Aymar - Eyecatcher Advertising
When one thinks of world class endurance, there are only 3 venues which spring to mind, Tevis, Quilty & Florac. So it was a huge privilege to combine the philosophy of the Boudheib Initiative (BI) with this year's Florac CEI/CEN*** 160km. Event organiser, Jean-Paul Boudon's vision to invite Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nayhan's BI protocol strengthening the focus of the welfare of the endurance horse has been widely applauded. The oldest 160km endurance ride in Europe & steeped in equestrian history, Florac, based in the heart of Persikland in the beautiful Cevennes region of Southern France, celebrated its 42nd year at the helm of international endurance this weekend and the crowds and participants were not disappointed! 54 competitors and their trusted horses set off at 4.30 am on Saturday morning to tackle the immensely challenging 160km 5 loop course set amongst some of the most spectacular scenery France has to offer, climbing and descending enormous hills and valleys - the weather also proved challenging with temperatures around 11 degrees and rain settling in around late morning. Fortunately conditions improved for most of the afternoon and 29 competitors (more than 50% completion rate) arrived home safely to enormous cheers, and some tears of joy as the atmosphere at Florac is exceptionally moving - to complete this course reveals the necessity for strong partnerships between horses & their riders. Competitors from 9 countries from as far afield as Australia, Colombia, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, & the UAE. together with 5 entries representing the Royal Cavalry of Oman set out to win the coveted prize at Florac, but the overall winner with an average speed of 16.288 kph was Spain's Robert Diez Noguera riding 9 year old Sunit Du Colombier. Huge respect and many congratulations go to Robert & Sunit Du Colombier who also won Florac's 160km together in 2016, a wonderful role model for sustainable endurance.
Florac September 2017 - 160km CEI/CEN*** Article & photos by Leigh Young
Sixty-six year old Daniel Ollivier and Pot Made led the way throughout the first 4 loops and were only beaten during the last 23km leg to come home 2nd with an average speed of 16.029 kph in Daniel's first participation at Florac - Daniel was delighted though to win the Boudheib Initiative's BECA (Best Endurance Challenge Award) 1st prize and received a cheque for 2,000 euros together with a Gaston Mercier endurance saddle & handsome trophy. BECA's 2nd place went to French rider Virginie Atger with her lovely grey Tonik Armor in an average speed of 15.130kph and in BECA's 3rd position was Ali Hassan Yousaf Al Farsi riding Khandjar Du Boulve from the Royal Cavalry of Oman who also took 3rd place in the CEI3* event.
Many great achievements are made in Florac but one of the most incredible tests of sustainable endurance has to be the continuing participation of Frenchman Denis Pesce who has taken part for the last 30 years and won Florac's formidable 160km eight times with five different horses and is still competing this year with his wife, Marilyn Lemoine, riding Ultimatum Mirbel.
Not only is the Florac 160km race a resounding endurance success but was also an exceptional result for descendants of the famous horse Persik with the 1st four home all being Persik descendants:- 1st Sunit Du Colombier (Persik dam lines) 2nd Pot Made (Persik sire lines) 3rd Khandjar Du Boulve (Persik sire lines) 4th Papillon Du Parc (Persik dam lines)
FOR FULL FEI RESULTS
The Boudheib Initiative is delighted to be part of Florac 2017 and offers very many congratulations to all who completed and we hope to see you all again next year. Many thanks go to Jean-Paul Boudon and his team for the excellent event organisation and to the highly professional team of veterinary staff and ground jury who all helped to ensure Florac 2017 was a huge success. BOUDHEIB INITIATIVE - DRIVING THE FUTURE OF ENDURANCE
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Racing Roundup July - September By Samantha Kettle The July Cup, The Ebor Festival, The month of Irish Champions Weekend & The Return of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoums FIRST racing colours .
The Darley July Cup 2017 Location: Newmarket July course With a line-up of horses such as Caravaggio and Limato it was an unforgettable day. Caravaggio, the Aidan O’Brien trained son of Scat Daddy (USA) came into the race unbeaten, winning six of his six starts including the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot (Gr.1) and the Keenland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh (Gr.1). On the day all eyes and pressure were on the gleaming steel grey colt, it was almost a certainty he would win despite rivalries such as Limato. 2016 Winner of the Darley July Cup was Limato and he was coming for it again. For those that do not know Limato, the 5yo son of Tagula trained by Henry Candy and often ridden by Harry Bentley is an extremely small and fine boned horse with a huge personality and very fast turn of foot. Limato has had huge consistency in Group 1 company winning races such as the Qatar Prix de la Foret (Gr.1) and finishing runner up in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (Gr.1) in 2016.
2017 has been an unlucky year for Limato so coming into the Darley July Cup trainer Henry Candy hoped he would race back to form with a vengeance. However, an underdog of the entire field, and a recent purchase for Godolphin in 2017 was Harry Angel. Ironically it is hard to understand how he was portrayed as an underdog after finishing second to Caravaggio at Royal Ascot in June in the Commonwealth Cup (Gr.1).
Adam Kirby wins the Derby July Cup
The Lambourn based trainer Clive Cox had high hopes for the 3yo by Dark Angel coming into the race and seemed confident, later quoting ‘Harry Angel has always been a special horse. It's just taken kid gloves to get him going, but we always hoped he'd be Group One material and he is. Although he was beaten at Ascot and Adam was quite disappointed, the look in the horse's eye when he came off the track - it was almost like 'OK guys, I'm getting this'. Coming here today I was very confident in his whole demeanor’. As the race unfolded it was easily noted that Caravaggio was well beaten a good furlong out, however Limato got his racing shoes on and showed his usual turn of foot, but was defeated by Harry Angel in an exciting finish to which punters and crowds were stunned. Trainer of runner up Limato was delighted with his efforts and stated that he was beaten by a better horse on the day fair and square. Harry Angels’ jockey Adam Kirby couldn’t be more delighted sealing his first Group 1 victory for the 2017 season.
The Ebor Festival 2017 Location: York An incredible turn out of top race horses over four days. With the likes of Enable, Ulysses, Barney Roy, Churchill, Decorated Knight and Cliffs of Moher it was an action packed and thrilling few days of racing at its ultimate best. Enable as we all hoped proved she is simply the best filly this year on the scene. The 3yo by Nathaniel out of a Sadler’s Wells mare and owned by Prince Khalid Abdullah (Juddmonte) has shown so much class this year winning six out of her seven starts since 2016 including her win in the Epsom Investec Oaks (Gr.1) in torrential rain, lightning and thunder and defeating odds on favourite and Guineas runner up Rhododendron. She then went to win the Darley Irish Oaks (Gr.1) and with a two week gap then went and won the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot (Gr.1) beating not only the boys but Ulysses who was the winner of the Coral Eclipse (Gr.1) a few weeks prior. Trainer John Gosden has described the filly as ‘One of the best he’s ever had, wonderful and versatile on all grounds.’ Enable is now entered in the Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe in Chantilly. Jockey Frankie Dettori quotes ‘If she wins that, she will be one of the best fillies I’ve ever ridden!’ The Juddmonte International Stakes (Gr.1) was one of the major races of the entire meeting and it was again another clash of the Godolphin owned Barney Roy, the Aidan O’Brien trained Chruchill and the Sir Michael Stoute trained Ulysses. We have seen so many great moments of racing in 2017 between these three colts but it was unsure of who would get up on the day after the Coral Eclipse in July ending in an upset for Barney Roy after being beaten by a whisker on the line. Coming into this race you would have said the favourite Barney Roy had all the chance and scope to win. However, consistency prevailed and Ulysses under the ride of Jim Crowley proved how good he really is deserving to win another Group 1. Ever consistent Churchill finished second to Barney Roy who disappointed to finish third. Trainer Sir Michael Stoute quoted ‘It all just went so smoothly for Ulysses. There was never a blip. I think that was his best performance to date. This is a different track (to Sandown) and it's so level. I never had any worries the way he was travelling. I think it's time to give him a break and work backwards. I know Maria is keen for him to go for the Breeders' Cup Turf. What we have to do is work backwards from that.’
Enable winning her fourth Group 1
Above: Shiekha Al Jalilla's group winner
Sheikha Al Jalila, a new proud owner The 10yo daughter of Sheikh Mohammed (ruler of Dubai) and Princess Haya of Jordan had her first winner on Monday at Windsor racecourse. Trained by John Gosden and ridden by James Doyle, Royal Line, the Dubawi 3yo colt won confidently. James Doyle said ‘Royal Line was a bit sleepy early on and fell out of the gates, but once I gave him a tap two and a half out he really concentrated and got through the ground well. We'll see what the handicapper does with him. We'll see what mark he gets, hopefully they're not too tough on him, and he can have a nice campaign in handicaps. He'd prefer nicer ground’.
Sheikha Al Jalila had her third runner on Friday 8th September in Saint Cloud France to dominate once again. Glorious Journey a Dubawi colt trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by James Doyle won the Prix La Rochette (Gr.3) claiming Sheikha Al Jalila Racing her first group winner from just three runners. We look forward to seeing her involvement develop within the sport and wish her all the success for the future. Exciting times ahead!
Above: Shiekha Al Jalila & her father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum vice president of the UAE and ruler of Dubai
Team Churchill
Irish Champions Weekend Location: Leopardstown Trainer Aidan O’brien looks to have a successful weekend with horses such as Churchill, Cliffs of Moher, Winter, Roly Poly, Rhododendron, and Hydrangea out in full force for his stable. Could it be an O’Brien sweepstake? Jockey Ryan Moore and O’Brien team up to have faith in Churchill despite his latest efforts and state ‘We said that he would improve for York, fitness wise, but it will be interesting. He's in good form. He's a big, solid horse and that race was over a mile and a quarter. It looked like he got it (the trip), but, obviously, Leopardstown is a stiffer mile and a quarter.’ Racing on the day includes two Group 1’s, one Group 2 and two Group 3’s. An exciting challenge for 2YR is set at one mile in the Willis Towers Watson Champions Juvenile Stakes giving them a chance to go the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (Gr.1) later in the year in America.
Olympic 'Twenty' Details of the programme for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Here are our selection of 20 Olympic facts worth knowing. Qualification November 2017 – the next FEI General Assembly takes places in Montevideo, Uruguay, here the proposal for qualification procedures will be finalised. History Show jumping is the oldest Olympic equestrian event. ‘Equestrian’ was introduced as an Olympic sport at the Paris 1900 Games, but only jumping, out of the current events, were contested at the time. However, polo was also a sport at the 1900 Games. As a result of an international conference held in 1921, it was determined that the Olympic equestrian programme would consist of three competitions—dressage, jumping and eventing. 2024 The International Olympic Committee has confirmed that equestrian sport will be in the Olympics programme for the 2024 Games.
Athletes The FEI has more than 30,000 athletes registered to compete in the three Olympic disciplines. Show Jumping Order In show jumping, the individual competition will be first. Participation United Arab Emirates have competed in eight Summer Olympic Games. Medals have been won in Rio 2016 by Sergiu Toma who won the Bronze in Judo (Men's 81 kg) and in Athens 2004 by Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashar Al Maktoum who won the Gold in Shooting (Men's double trap). Equality Equestrian sport, which has been at every Olympics since 1912, is now the only sport in which men and women compete on the same field of play, against each other, and for the same gold medal.
Firsts In 2008 Sheikha Latifa bint Ahmed Al Maktoum competed in the individual show jumping at the Beijing Olympic Games riding Kalaska De Semilly (Diamant De Semilly - Normandy Night). Sheikha Latifa was the first Emirati woman to take part in an Olympic equestrian event and only the second Arab lady after Princess Haya bint al Hussein, who took part in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Horses Participation at the 2020 Games will be the same as Rio, with a total of 200 horses. Horses Participation at the 2020 Games will be the same as Rio, with a total of 200 horses. Teams Team sizes for dressage, eventing, show jumping and para dressage have been capped at three, a change designed to increase the number of competing countries. Up until now teams have consisted of four horse and rider combinations, with a drop score format allowing a team’s worst score to be discarded. The drop score has now been removed. Potential use of a reserve combination for teams will remain in place.
Transport The world’s best airline, Emirates Airline, transported 233 horses to the 2016 Rio Olympics. Media The FEI has signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Olympic Channel. The Channel will broadcast live sports events, news and athlete stories, as well as historical Olympic footage. There will also be a focus on educational and youth-oriented programming, sustainability, sports science and nutrition, and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Level The eventing dressage and show jumping will be at four-star level, but cross-country will be at the four-star technical level. Name Change The FEI has proposed three-day eventing to be named "equestrian triathlon" in an effort of improving the understanding of the sport to new audiences. It "best describes" the sport, British Eventing claimed. Days Eventing dressage will take only one day, not two, as usual. Dressage Grand Prix - to be held over two days (Individual GP Medal & qualifier for the Individual Freestyle & Teams) Grand Prix Special (Team Event) Grand Prix Freestyle (Individual) Polo The Federation of International Polo (FIP) is aiming to regain its status as an Olympic sport. Hosts On 13th September 2017 the International Olympic Committee made the historic decision to simultaneously award Olympic Games 2014 to Paris and 2028 games to Los Angeles.
Venue The FEI has confirmed construction of the Tokyo 2020 equestrian venue will start this year. The equestrian events at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 are now to be held at the same site as they were for the 1964 Games at Baji Koen. It will host the Olympic dressage and show jumping disciplines, as well as the eventing dressage and jumping phases. The eventing cross-country phase will be held at Sea Forest, also known as Umi no Mori, in Tokyo Bay.
UAE in RIO 2016 - (Tokyo 2020 will see many more nationals representing the UAE)
Further information on the new format for dressage in the Olympics by Tracy Wyngard-Gill The changes to the Team format is fairly straightforward, the teams will now be made up of three riders (instead of four). Meaning the scores of all three riders scores count with no drop score (as was offered in the previous format with four riders). Overall this means each country will be able to send maximum three riders and one reserved. In the old format, each country could send four riders and one reserve. This now opens up the opportunity for more countries and more riders to qualify for the Olympics. The Grand Prix (GP) class results serve as a dual qualifier, firstly for the Teams and secondly for the top 18 Individuals that will go through to the Freestyle. The top eight teams are selected from the results of day one, the sum of the three scores for each country denote the countries that will participate in the Team Medal competition, the Grand Prix Special. Now, for the Individuals it gets a little more complicated and the theory behind this is to keep a little more anticipation and interest over the two days of the Grand Prix. The 60 riders in the GP will divided into heats, a formula based on the ranking list (but ensuring no two riders from the same country will be in the same heat, and a maximum of two riders will compete for each country on each day). The top two riders in each heat automatically get a place in the Freestyle, then the top 6 scoring riders on the two days after removal of the 12 already qualified, also go through to the Freestyle. The freestyle will be run in the usual way, but the Team final (the Grand Prix Special) will be run differently. export-only. New criteria in the Grand Prix Special: The Team Final will be eight National teams of 3 riders (no drop score). The test will be ridden to music selected by the rider, but the music itself will not be judged as such, although it may influence the perception of a successful combination or one that is less so.
This is where is gets more interesting. Each of the 15 National Teams have a reserved combination, the team may chose to use this reserve combination in the GP Special without veterinary justification. This allows the team to use this additional combination option tactically. This means a team could tactically save a combination for the Freestyle (as this is not influenced by who rides in the Special). It also allows an option to replace a horse that may have a health issue. No drop score in the Special of course also means that an elimination or problematic performance will remove a team entirely from the medal chances in the Team event! It lends toward a more tactical event, with more riders and more participating countries this coming Olympics.
Tracy with EVITA (Photo credit Anniek De Wit)
I am a certified UKCC Level 2 Coach and have been teaching for six years across different ages, levels, and disciplines up to PSG. I spent 5 years being trained by World Champion Dressage Rider and Olympic Gold Medalist, Charlotte Dujardin CBE and I am currently training with renowned dressage trainer, David Pincus. I look to help build your confidence and understanding to achieve the horses full potential and your goals as a rider. UK lessons are held in our 20x60 indoor school at our yard based in Ledbury, but I also travel to teach. Enjoy the yard tour and meeting all the horses.
Please click the links to go direct to our email or website
Based in Dubai Alycia is available for teaching, riding, clinics and as a Remedial Therapist to both horse and rider. Alycia competed internationally both in show jumping and three day eventing, she trained in dressage up to GP level and competed very successfully, concentrating on producing exceptional young dressage horses. With husband Richard, Alycia ran and owned one of the most successful yards in the SW of England, producing and riding top class horses for many leading owners. Alycia worked and rode for international owner Fred Welch and has become recognised as a leading consignor of top quality competition horses. Alycia also trained with, Nelson Pessoa and John & Beezie Madden whilst competing in the USA, Paul Fielder, Jenny Loriston – Clarke, Ferdi Eilberg and latterly Maria Eilberg. Alycia has ridden and produced literally hundreds’ of horses throughout her career enabling her very quickly to assess the right approach to each one, her passion is training the young horse through the grades to international level. Used to riding and competing difficult horses, Alycia has a very quiet style with a sympathetic approach. Alycia enjoys teaching all levels of clients from the beginning right through to team potential, she sits on several regulatory panels in the UK, helps many of the local riding facilities and is one of the leading Judges in the UK. Alycia studied human and equine remedial sports therapy, and opened a rehabilitation centre as part of her own yard, working with world class vets and farriers to rehabilitate and return horses back to work after surgery and injury. She has a special interest in bio mechanics and remedial farrier. Her facility was used as a study for causes into equine ulcers and Alycia works with leading nutritionists to design diets for horses suffering from ulcers, recovering from colic surgery and for general well- being. Her work has enabled her to look after and produce her own and clients horses to the optimum of their ability.
Alycia Pritchard Elite Equestrian, International Rider & Trainer, Human & Equine Remedial Sports Therapist & Rehabilitation
Tel: 056 577 8500
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To subscribe to the November Issue of The Show Hub - Equestrian Email us at subscribe@uaeshowhub.com adding your email address.
Call on 0502555442
The child powered riding toy with no need for batteries or charging! The Pony Cycle can walk like a real horse and is moved by the child, encouraging exercise while developing coordination and balance. Made with high grade quality material, fabric and sewing the Pony Cycle is both durable and soft. Designed to be used on flat, indoor and outdoor surfaces.
Small Size: ages 1-4 at AED 750 Medium Size: ages 4-8 at AED 950 *Includes free delivery within Dubai*
In cooperation with and supervised by the FEI, SAP SE has created the ultimate fan engagement tool, a Spectator Judging App. The app has been available for use at over 30 worldwide events so far this year, including CHIO Aachen (15th – 23rd July 2017) with more being added every month. “Spectator Judging enables fans to get in the judges’ seat and create audience scores and rankings in real-time during the competition” SAP’s website states. Choose between one of the following modes: Full mode – full movement by movement scoring Short mode – shortened test sheet 1-mode – single end result Young horses-mode – three marks for the gait, one for the submission and one for the perspective
Take the seat of a judge yourself with the free for download SAP Equestrian Spectator Judging App.
Spectator Judging
The UK Arabian racing Season Finale saw LB Farrah and Teresa Gavin claim their second Heritage Arabian Racing Club (HARC) UK Championship, following their decisive win in the HARC Handicap Conditions race, run over two miles at Huntingdon racecourse. Facing a field of 10 runners, they finished six lengths clear of Kallista, with Windsor’s HARC winner, Top Trip, half a length away in third. LB Farrah (Sambist x Simeon Safira) who Gavin owns, trains and rides, won the first HARC race of the 2017 season, a conditions event over a mile at Taunton and has twice been placed in handicaps over the summer, before returning to HARC company for her final win of the year. Gavin commented: “I’m absolutely delighted LB Farrah has been crowned Champion UK HARC Horse for the second consecutive year. She has come on again from her success last year and although she has always been a quirky mare, she has always thrived on her work. I feel this season she has noticeably matured and grown stronger again too. “I couldn’t be more proud of her for winning the HARC race at Huntingdon, she has never run over two miles before, but I knew she would give everything she had. I am extremely grateful to the sponsors for establishing this series of races.” There was further HARC success at Huntingdon, as Insignia (Istfahan x Waterlily), won the first race on the card, the Friends of Arabian Racing Memorial (0-40) Handicap. He had opened his account in the HARC Maiden at Wolverhampton in June and had also been second to Top Trip at Windsor in a HARC Handicap race last month. Trained by ARO Champion Trainer James Owen for his parents (and Insignia’s breeders), Jenny and Herbie Owen, Insignia was a close runner-up in the overall HARC horse championship.
The Arabian Racing Organisation Limited, is the sole Arabian Racing Authority in the UK, operating with the support and permission of the British Horseracing Authority.
Right: Teresa Gavin claims her second Heritage Arabian Racing Club (HARC) UK Championship
Gemma Cobb, the out-going ARO Racing Operations Executive said: “It was a great finish to the season at Huntingdon and we are pleased with the way that HARC has been embraced by our owners and trainers. We ended the season with 17 horses registered. LB Farrah and Insignia were dual winners, whilst Kallista (HARC Championship 3rd) and Top Trip (HARC Championship 4th) won a race a piece.” ARO Director Genny Haynes commented: “We thank HH Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Heritage Arabian Racing Club for their series of races. 2017 has been our most successful in terms of the number of Purebred Arabian entries and declarations in all our races for some time and we look forward to building on this seasons’ success next year.”
LB Farrah claims second HARC Championship at the season finale at Huntingdon
Contact us at classifieds@uaeshowhub.com
Arabian mare for sale June 2008 dappled grey mare with a National EEF passport. She is a calm horse but at the same time she is hyper and she is perfect to be ridden by advanced riders. Located in Abu Dhabi If interested, please call Nadia on 0503054615.
Show Jumper for sale CONNY XI looking for her forever 5* home. 8yo Hanovarian mare. Top breeding. Many results up to 120m level. Competitive and fun show jumping horse. Amateur or Juniors dream ride. Based in Newmarket, UK. Shipping and vetting can be arranged. Contact SK Showjumping
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The Show Hub Classified
THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF SPORTS FOR WOMEN (ICSW) has announced the opening of registrations for those interested in attending the event, which returns for its fourth edition from 6-7 November at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi. Having established itself over the years as a leading global platform for all issues related to women’s sports, the 2017 conference seeks to pave the way for a brighter future for women in sports through its theme Inspiring Generations. KEY NOTE SPEAKER HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is a former Olympic athlete, a former member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and a former President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Sports have always been an integral part of HRH Princess Haya’s life. At the age of 13 She became the first female to represent Jordan internationally in equestrian show jumping. In 1992, HRH Princess Haya became the first and only female to win a Pan-Arab equestrian medal when She won the individual bronze at the Pan-Arab Equestrian Games. In 2000, She represented Jordan in show jumping at the Sydney Olympic Games, and was Her nation’s flagbearer at the event.
Two years later, Princess Haya competed for Jordan in the World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain. She was the first Arab woman to qualify for and compete in an equestrian world championship. Recognizing the positive and empowering impact sports have had on Her own life, HRH Princess Haya has worked to give others, especially young girls, a similar experience. Her work as President of the FEI and as a member of the IOC was motivated by the belief that sport improves lives, empowers women, and breaks down barriers between people and nations. In June 2015, HRH Princess Haya was awarded the prestigious Longines Ladies Award to celebrate Her achievements and positive impact had on equestrian sport. In January 2016, She received the Award for Local Sports Personality from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award. FBMA INTERNATIONAL SHOW JUMPING CUP Under the Patronage of her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, President of the General Women’s Union, Chief Executive Officer of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Higher Council for Motherhood and Childhood " Mother of the Nation" and " Um Al-Arab", The 4th Edition of FBMA International Show Jumping Cup was held on the 24 - 25 Feb 2017 in Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.
United Arab Emirates Stables
Click stable name to go to location. Contact@uaeshowhub.com to list your stables for free or to update your information.
UAE Stables - ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club - Riding School
02 445 5500
Al Forsan Equestrian Centre
02 656 5642
Al Waha Equestrian Club
050 130 7766
Baniyas Equestrian Center
056 783 3391
Dhabian Equestrian Club
050 1347 141
Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club
02 562 9050
Mandara Equestrian Club
02 563 3830
Yah Stables
050 277 7748
UAE Stables - AL AIN
Al Ain Equestrian Club
03 768 4888
UAE Stables - DUBAI
Al Ahli Horse Riding Club
04 298 8408
Al Dhabi Dubai City Stables
055 167 0188
Al Hamra Equestrian
04 289 2898
Al Jiyad Stables
050 599 5866
Al Jumooh Stable
050 107 7102
Al Marmoom Initiative
050 361 0894
Al Ruwayyah Stable Riding School & Livery
050 857 4411
Desert Palm Polo Club
050 343 4557
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
04 361 8111
Elite Rangers Equestrian Centre
052 998 5719
Emirates Equestrian Centre
050 558 7656
European Equestrian Center, Al Ali Stables
056 778 6409
Hobbies Club
055 428 0613
JA Al Sahra Desert Resort & Equestrian Centre Dubai
04 427 4055
Jebal Ali Equestrian Club
04 884 5101
Jebel Ali Golf Resort Stables
04 814 5555
Mushrif Equestrian Club
050 103 0243
Riding for the Disabled Association of Dubai (RDAD)
lessons@rdad.ae
Sustainable City Equestrian Club
055 451 3925
UAE Stables - RAS AL KHAIMAH
Al Wadi Equestrian Adventure Centre
09 710 5649 7::�� ���
UAE Stables - SHARJAH
The Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club
06 531 1188 8>3��
Greetings from Al Marmoom Initiative. The year 2016 marked a special landmark for our facility with the re-launch of the center under the new brand and colors of Al Marmoom Initiative, incorporating the various aspects of activities designed by our multidisciplinary team. Our programs have been shown to benefit children and adults. To celebrate the launch of the 2017 season, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has helped in the progress and development of our unique center. Since its inception 3 years ago, our project has grown to be the biggest in Dubai, giving opportunity for people with physical and mental disabilities that may have never dreamed of handling a horse. The bond created between the participants and our horses is comforting, relaxing, joyful and therapeutic. Moreover, of the same importance are the benefits that parents and caregivers gain by watching their children’s achievements. Our growth is the result of hard work and dedication our exceptional volunteers and staff team have demonstrated.
For the season 2017-2018, we have already scheduled new and exciting projects. To start with, our center participated on the 15th September at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, in cooperation with Dhabian Equestrian Centre. A great experience for students, horses and team that gave us all the confidence of being ready for new challenges!Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome everyone on the upcoming annual Al Marmoom Family Day in December 2017. Further details will be provided in the monthly news on our website. For student applications, volunteer participation and any other information, kindly contact Al Marmoom team on info@marmoom.net or 0567971897.
Last year’s success should be attributed to over 3,500 lessons from October 2016- May 2017 and the essential role our volunteers have played this last season. In addition, more than 2,000 man hours spent and offered to our center, for which we are grateful and thankful to everyone. We look forward to their continued support and dedication. In line with Dubai Governments Happiness initiative, our Happiness index is at its fullest! Special thanks should be paid to Annie Haresign, manager of Al Marmoom, for her big efforts and hard work she put to help our center grow. Annie said goodbye to us during the summer of 2017. We all wish her the best in her new endeavors. She will be missed. Thank you Annie! As we say goodbye to Annie, we are pleased to welcome our new instructor Athanasia Prentza from Greece, who has recently joined the team and will be leading the Hippotherapy section of our center. We wish her a pleasant stay in our city and a great new beginning. Welcome on board Athanasia!
”FBH takes pride in being the first UAE owned breeding & show jumping stable. FBH stands for Faraj Bin Hamoodah that has been the main supporter of this project patronizing his effort right from the beginning. We are very passionate about the sport, this is why we are trying to produce the next generation of Sports horses, which would exceed our customers expectations, proudly representing the FBH brand.“
