Aficionados saddling up for an equestrian extravaganza

Dubai / Emirates Business

Passionate horse breeders, traders, professionals and enthusiasts across the region are gearing up for the 12th Dubai International Horse Fair, held alongside the 13th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, this month. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, the Dubai International Horse Fair will take place from March 17 to 19 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Ziad Abdullah Galadari, Chairman, Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, said: “The 12th Dubai International Horse Fair is a highly anticipated gathering for the global equine community who are dedicated to advancing the fields of equestrian breeding, training, technologies, health and performance. A fixture on the regional equestrian calendar, The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship is the ultimate platform for pureblood Arabian horses, which are known for their incredible beauty, intelligence, stamina and courage, to be showcased to an audience that is devoted to these majestic creatures.”
The event draws world-renowned companies and brands, professional riders, horse owners, breeders, stables, industry professionals and horse enthusiasts from a number of equestrian activities and sports. Experts are also on hand to demonstrate the latest equipment in equine care as well as endurance equipment, paddock fencings, riding accessories, racing and equestrian apparel.
This year the event welcomes more than 200 exhibiting companies and brands from more than 15 countries including Bahrain, Oman, Spain, France, Germany, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Egypt, Slovenia, Taiwan, Canada, United Kingdom and United States. New participating countries include Iceland, India and Kyrgyzstan.
The 12th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship will present the finest Arabian horse bloodlines, which are the oldest purebreds in the world and are mentioned throughout much of recorded history. These magnificent Arabian breeds are valued between USD1 million to USD2 million and will be showcased to discerning equine aficionados. The competition, aimed at purebred Arabian horses to judge their beauty – including their large expressive black eyes, arched neck, short back and high tail carriage – offers prize money of USD4 million (AED15 million).