“My love for horses seems so unremarkable to me.
It is part of my blood, my soul and my history.
This love originated in this land.”
H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
The Arabian Horse
The horse has always been an essential part of Arabian life. Until recent times, the relationship took the form of an enduring partnership, based upon the need to survive in one of the world’s toughest environments. In the post-oil days and with the arrival of prosperity, the relationship made a crucial shift from survival to recreation.
The UAE joined the Federation Equestre International (FEI) in 1985 and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation was formed in 1992. The mission of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation is to promote and sponsor equestrian sport in the UAE, and since its inception, equestrian sport has become extremely focused and immensely successful. Today, the annually held Dubai World Cup (the richest horse race in the world) and FEI UAE World Cup Endurance Ride, upgrading of several races to Group 1 status, development of exclusive resorts for horse lovers, excellent performance by Dubai on the international polo circuit, launch of the ‘Emirates Series’ to determine the best race horse in the world, consistent growth in the number of stables, horses, horse owners and riding schools, world-class veterinary hospitals and growth in other equestrian disciplines, such as dressage and show jumping, have firmly placed Dubai as the undisputed equestrian centre of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. All forms of equestrian sport are enormously popular in Dubai, with the pure-bred Arabian horse being revered and cherished by its owners, breeders and riders. The UAE now looks set to place show jumping and endurance riding on the world stage.
Track Racing
Professional racing as it is now practiced in the UAE, started in earnest in the 1991 / 92 season. During the 1990’s, the sport enjoyed phenomenal growth throughout the country, which now boasts a number of prestigious racing venues, and is home to the world’s richest horse race - the Dubai World Cup. Under the guidance of the Emirates Racing Association, horse racing has achieved full international status and the Dubai World Cup has been awarded the sport’s coveted ‘Group One’ status, which places the race on a level with the Derby, Oaks and Arc de Triomphe classics.
The UAE has gained a well -earned reputation in international horse racing circles, with the Godolphin stable proving a formidable force, participating in every major race in the world, and winning 115, Group One races in 11 countries (Canada, Dubai, England, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and America) in little over ten years, a result unparalleled by any other racing stable. All Arabian thoroughbreds descend from three Arabian Stallions, the Byerley Turk, Darley Arabian and the Godolphin Arabian. The Maktoum family’s racing operation is named in honor of the Godolphin Arabian and is wholly committed to furthering and developing the sport in a global arena and for the enjoyment and participation of generations to come.
Endurance Riding
Endurance riding involves long-distance racing over a grueling course, under strictly controlled conditions for horse and rider. Pure-bred Arab horses, bred for thousands of years to withstand the inhospitable terrain, are particularly suited to this demanding sport and, consequently, it has become immensely popular in the UAE.
Riders of international stature frequently compete in the country and the UAE team regularly travels abroad, to compete with much success on the international circuit.
Horse Riding for Leisure
Arabian Ranches
A haven for horse-lovers, Arabian Ranches is a residential community being developed by Emaar Properties. A full service Equestrian Centre is at the heart of the community, which is inspired by the bold heritage of the Arabian horse and themed around Andalusian style architecture. Add to that a Spanish style Polo Club, replete with lounges and dining areas, riding gear and tack shop, spa, swimming pool and many more recreational facilities.
Dubai Equestrian Centre
Dubai Equestrian Centre was formed in 1983 and is located near the camel racetrack at Nad Al Sheba. The centre has 147 horses and extensive facilities, including an international size floodlit arena, riding school arenas, lunging ring, trail rides, hacks and dressage arenas.
Jebel Ali Equestrian Club
Jebel Ali Equestrian Club is an approved branch of the British Pony Club and offers riding lessons for children and adults. Hacking, dressage and jumping options are available for the more experienced. For those having their own horses, there is a livery service and air conditioned stables.
Polo
Polo has been played in the Dubai since the Dubai Polo Club was established 24 years ago. In recent years, the sport has become so popular, especially amongst local players, that the Emirates Polo Association was formed to organize the game on a more professional basis. The UAE is now on the international polo circuit and enjoys an eight month polo season, as compared to an average five-month season elsewhere in the world.
Dubai Polo Centre
The Dubai Polo Centre is a central part of the community at Emaar Properties Arabian Ranches development. Two polo fields, each measuring 300 by 160 yards are of international competition standard and a shaded grandstand allows spectators to catch all of the action. The Dubai Polo Centre has stables for 300 horses, with 50 dedicated to polo ponies. A grass practice field and arenas for dressage and show jumping, ensures that there’s something for every skill level from beginner to advanced. The Dubai Polo Centre is surrounded by scenic desert trails, which are just waiting to be discovered.
Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club
The Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, situated on the borders of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, has stabling for up to 200 ponies, five polo fields and a 2000 seat grandstand with spectacular views. The track is just over 1800 m long, with a two furlong run and is made of fiber turf grass. The Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club hosts major polo tournaments in the region such as the Tridex Cup and Dubai Challenge Trophy. Ghantoot teams also successfully participate in polo matches abroad, including winning three Sotogrande cups in August 2000.
