The Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club will be a busy venue this weekend with top riders competing in the President of the UAE Show Jumping Cup and the Federation Equestrian International (FEI) Furusiyya Nations Cup.
Show jumping is a sport that doesn’t get much recognition as it deserves but enjoys its place, both nationally and internationally, as one of the most popular and perhaps most recognisable equestrian events. It’s no surprise that the sport is included in the Olympic programme with many top competitions taking place around the world.
On Thursday, the Nations Cup is the FEI’s opening competition for the season and it is the only single Middle East qualifier for the final. The final will be held at the Real Club de Polo of Barcelona in Spain from October 9 to 12.
The opening event will feature a total of six nations who will contest in this first event including hosts UAE, who will be joined by Saudi Arabia, the country that took team bronze at the London 2012 Olympic and Gulf neighbours Qatar.
There will be plenty at stake for the Gulf nations, as only two qualifying spots are up for grabs in the final. Jordan, Syria and Ukraine will also be competing but will not be vying for the spots.
Alongside the FEI competition is the President of the UAE Show Jumping Cup, which began on Wednesday and runs every day until Saturday at the same venue.
The UAE Show Jumping Cup provides riders a chance to qualify for the FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France which takes place from August 23 to September 7.
It’s worth visiting the venue until Saturday to experience the action. After all, entry is free for all spectators and it will surely be a good day out.
Gates open from 11.00 with the event closing at 19:00 so you can spend the whole day with your family and friends. If you’re afraid of not understanding the rules of the sport, then don’t be.
Show jumping is spectator friendly and easy to understand. The object for the show jumper is to negotiate a series of obstacles, where emphasis is placed on height and width, and to do so without lowering the height (knocking down) or refusing to jump any of the obstacles.
The time taken to complete the course is also a factor. The three-day event is staged under the patronage of Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, advisor to HH The President of the UAE and Chairman of the Emirates Equestrian Federation.
Sheikh Sultan said: “As an international venue for equestrian sports, the UAE is well established. We have the experience and the expertise to stage world-class competitions. “This competition is a great opportunity for our Emirati riders to pit their skills against a world-class field.”
The competition includes the Longines Welcome Stakes, a CSI 2-star competition, the 2-star Abu Dhabi Sports Council Challenge, the CSI 5-star Longines Welcome Challenge, and the Emaar Speed, so there will be plenty of enthralling action to enjoy.
WHAT: President of the uae Show Jumping Cup and the FeI Furusiyya Nations Cup.
WHEN: Now until Saturday.
VENUE: Al Ain equestrian,Shooting and Golf Club.
Sport360 VERDICT: Being held in the beautiful Al Ain facility, spectators will be able watch the top riders free of charge.
CONTACT: www.fei.org or visit www.eef.ae
