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29 March 2024

Dubai to host 2016 FEI World Dressage Challenge

EEC-based dressage rider Tracy Wyngard-Gill will compete in the FEI World Dressage Challenge on Friday.(Tara Hamilton)

Published
By Staff

The Emirates Equestrian Centre (EEC) is preparing to host the UAE’s best horse and rider dressage partnerships on Friday April 22 as the annual FEI World Dressage Challenge returns to the Meydan Group facility.

The event is designed to allow riders in developing dressage countries to compete against other nations without the need for expensive and time-consuming international travel of horse and rider.

Instead FEI ratified international dressage judge’s travel around the globe to rank competitors based on their performance of a set dressage test.

Results will be ranked globally in both the national team and individual event categories.

The UAE leg is supported by Bonjour Equestrian Supplies, Impact British Training Solutions and Prosperity Wealth and Mortgage Management.

A highlight of the UAE’s competitive dressage season, the event is free to enter for spectators and offers the chance to watch the best in the UAE compete on an international platform.

The UAE has a good record in this event having claimed the overall world title in 2012.

“The UAE has consistently performed well in this competition,” said Lilian Sternvad, Dressage Coordinator at EEC, who has been organising the event at Dubai Equestrian Club facility since 2003.

“The FEI World Dressage Challenge is a vital tool to assist the development of the sport in smaller dressage countries.

“The riders compete under international rules and against the top riders from other countries.”

Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, which oversees all operations at EEC said: “We are very pleased to once again host the FEI World Dressage Challenge at Emirates Equestrian Centre.

"Over the years we have seen some excellent results from UAE-based riders at this event and we view our support of the Challenge as a key way to assist in the development of this important horse sport.

“We encourage any dressage fans to come along and witness this most elegant of sports in the beautiful surrounding of the Emirates Equestrian Centre.”

England-based Dane Rawlins and Tiina Karkkolainen from Finland will act as judges this year and participants will compete at levels including Intermediate I, Prix Saint Georges, Advanced, Medium and Elementary. The Elementary class is only for riders aged between 12-16 years.

The Emirates Equestrian Centre is located next door to the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa and the event starts at 4pm.