The Emirates Equestrian Centre (EEC) will host the UAE leg of the 2018 FEI World Dressage Challenge on April 6, when some of the country’s top horses and riders are expected to compete.
The aim of this competition is to nurture local talent and offer UAE-based riders the opportunity to compete in an international dressage competition without having to travel outside the country.
FEI international dressage judges travel across the globe to rank competitors based on their performance. Each country is placed in a zone with the same judge visiting every country in that zone. Points earned through the FEI World Dressage Challenge count towards a global ranking for individuals and teams.
The competition is currently divided into 12 geographical zones between four and six countries. Participants will compete at different levels including Intermediate I, Prix St-Georges, FEI Junior team competition, FEI children individual and the FEI Children team competition (riders aged between 12-16 years).
The UAE’s best performance at this event came in 2012, when the team claimed the world title. Since then, they have performed strongly, while maintaining their position within the top 15. In 2017, they finished 14th in the team event.
For the first time, the 2018 World Dressage Challenge will act as a qualifying competition for the Central American and Caribbean Games, which will take place in Barranquilla, Colombia, from July 20 through to August 3.
“We are looking forward to hosting the exciting FEI world Dressage Challenge once again. This is the 21st year we are hosting the competition and it has been fantastic to follow the development of dressage here in UAE during all these years,” said Lilian Sternvad, dressage coordinator at EEC
“I rode in the FEI World Dressage Challenge for the first time in 2002 and have been the show organiser since 2003 and I have been witness to the wonderful journey so far and I am proud to have played a small part in it.
“The UAE has gone from position 46 of 48 counties participating in the year 2000, to being number one in 2012, to then staying solid in the top 15 of 58 countries since then. This shows that we have a robust system for training and development that brings new riders and horses on for the future.”
Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, general manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, which oversees all operations at EEC, added: “We are always excited to host international events at the Emirates Equestrian Centre and the FEI World Dressage Challenge is a significant competition for us.
“It is geared towards supporting our local riders and also providing opportunities for national officials to gain experience by officiating alongside experienced FEI Judges. We expect a high level of competition this year and we invite fans of the sport to come support local athletes and enjoy a great day out at our facility.”
