A Challenge For Big Names
Published on the 16th of March 2017 by Susanne Bösche
The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship will see 289 horses from more than 20 countries competing for AED15 million (USD 4 million) in prize money. Among them are several big names, competing for championship honors: Baanderos, Excalibur EA, Norma, Bess Fa'Izah, D Ajayeb or Madinat Al Baydaa to name just a few.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, today formally inaugurated the 14th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and the 13th Dubai International Horse Fair – simultaneous events running at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until 18 March.
As two of the region’s most anticipated Arabian equine platforms, the co-located events will gather a host of global and regional equine industry players across every segment of the professional and recreational segments – from stable and horse owners, breeders, professionals and veterinarians, to service and care providers, specialist product providers, leisure riders and everyday horse enthusiasts.
Ziad Abdullah Galadari, Chairman, Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, said: “We thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance for their ongoing patronage and support of the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and Dubai International Horse Fair.”
“The Arabian Peninsula is the ancestral home of the Arabian horse and has been a part of the region’s culture, history and traditions over centuries. The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and Fair are highly anticipated fixtures on the equestrian calendar where breeders’ most prized thoroughbreds are introduced to a global and regional audience,” said Galadari.
The Arabian Horse Auction returns this year where purebreds from local studs will be available for viewing, bidding and buying. Held on the second day of the Fair, the auction will have 100 pureblood Arabian horse breeds on sale. Prospective buyers and members of the public can feel the thrill of a live auction with prices and stock to suit every budget.
Adding to the excitement of the Dubai International Horse Fair is a line-up of new features that will be enjoyed by youngsters, families and recreational riders alike. Al Tamimi Stables will host a “Fun Farm” where children will have the opportunity to touch, feed and learn about various domesticated animals such as Shetland ponies, goats, snakes, rabbits and birds.
A social clubs area, held in partnership with the Community Development Authority, will offer folklore dances and cultural activities during the show. Equestrian therapy for special needs children and adults will also be demonstrated.
Set to delight audiences again this year are the Spanish Equestrian performances, which includes 30 minutes of thrilling stunts and manoeuvres, as well as the Art Gallery section, specialising in equestrian pieces by renowned artists and sculptors. The Heritage Village is back featuring traditional Bedouin houses, falconry, local dishes, henna tattooing and more.
