Latest news with #InternationalEquestrianFederation
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Emirati female riders earn FEI para dressage classification
Two UAE's female riders Wafaa Al Dahmani and Fatima Al Balushi have obtained the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) status as part of the Amiri Stables equestrian programme in Abu Dhabi to enhance the performance of people of determination in dressage, in preparation for participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games. The two riders underwent official para-equestrian classification evaluation by the FEI last June at Wellington Riding in the United Kingdom. As a result, Al Dahmani was classified in Grade II, and Al Balushi in Grade III. The Amiri Stables confirmed that both riders have completed all requirements for official classification by the FEI, placing them on the right path toward qualifying for the next Paralympic Games. This comes after their participation in the training programme launched earlier this year in Abu Dhabi. The programme included horse riding lessons, theoretical sessions, simulator training, as well as sessions for physical therapy and sports mental health. These were delivered by specialised experts in physiotherapy, sports psychology, and nutrition. Al Dahmani, 31, stated that she and her teammate Al Balushi had recently participated in daily training in the UK, attended the international para-dressage championship, and engaged with athletes from the British team, which has won several gold medals. WAM
Daily Tribune
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
UAE's Para Dressage Program Receives International Recognition
A groundbreaking initiative launched by the Amiri Stables in Abu Dhabi has received international recognition from the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), marking a major milestone in the UAE's efforts to empower athletes of determination. The 'Program for Enhancing the Performance of People of Determination in Horse Dressage,' launched earlier this year, is already making headlines with the inclusion of two Emirati athletes—Fatima Al Balushi and Wafaa Al Dahmani—who have successfully completed their official international classification with the FEI. This paves the way for their journey toward the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Fatima (31), who was born with spina bifida, has been classified as Grade III, while Wafaa (also 31), who suffered paralysis from polio in her early childhood, is now classified as Grade II. Both women, from Ras Al Khaimah, joined the intensive training program in April and have since been undergoing weekly sessions at the Princely Stables. The program includes hands-on riding lessons, simulator sessions, physiotherapy, mental coaching, and nutrition guidance—all tailored to help athletes reach peak performance. As part of their journey, Fatima and Wafaa traveled to the UK in June to undergo their official classification at Wellington Riding. During their stay, they also participated in international competitions, including the CPEDI International Dressage Competition and the ICED Horse Show for People of Determination, where they trained and interacted with members of the multi-gold medal-winning British para-equestrian team. Dr. Russell McKechnie-Guire, the program's Technical Director and an expert in equine dynamics, praised the athletes' dedication. 'This was a significant moment. FEI classification is essential for international competition, and watching Fatima and Wafaa achieve this so early in the program was remarkable. They've shown real drive and professionalism.' The initiative remains open to other Emirati athletes with disabilities who wish to explore the world of dressage. The program aims not only to develop competitive riders but also to build confidence, resilience, and international sporting presence for the UAE. Laura Richardson, Performance Director at Amiri Stables, shared her pride in the team's progress: 'Fatima and Wafaa's determination is inspiring not just to the equestrian community, but to the nation. In just two months, we've reached our first major milestone on the road to Los Angeles 2028.' The Amiri Stables continues to invite aspiring athletes of determination, as well as sponsors and partners, to be part of this inspiring and historic journey toward the Paralympics.
Observer
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Sayyid Ali qualifies for World Endurance Championship
MUSCAT: Oman's endurance rider His Highness Sayyid Ali bin Ghalib al Said secured a slot in the 2026 FEI Endurance World Championship finals which will take place in AlUla city in Saudi Arabia next year following his successful completion of the prestigious Buchen 160 km international endurance race in Germany recently. The race, conducted under the supervision of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), was a crucial qualification milestone and a challenging test for elite riders. This marks the second time that HH Sayyid Ali officially qualified for the World Endurance Championship finals and it is showcasing his remarkable presence on the global endurance stage. HH Sayyid Ali completed the six-phase 160 km course which was divided into several segments including 35 km, 25 km, 35 km, 25 km, 20 km and 20 km in aboard through horse Attila with a timing of 10 hours, 23 minutes and 20 seconds. The race, which began at 5:30 am and concluded by 7:20 pm, featured particularly tough weather conditions with temperatures reaching 31°C and it was demanding strategic endurance, heat management and expert horsemanship. The competition included elite riders from nine different countries and this leaded for further underscoring the international competitive intensity of the event. His Highness Sayyid Ali bin Ghalib al Said. This achievement followed an intensive training camp that spanned several weeks, focusing on both physical and technical preparation for the rider and the horse. The high-level conditioning enabled HH Sayyid Ali to excel in one of the most demanding endurance races of the season. HH Sayyid Ali dedicated this qualification to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and to His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, in recognition of their unwavering support and patronage for equestrian sports and Omani riders. In his remarks following the race, HH Sayyid Ali expressed his deep gratitude to the organising committee, the veterinary and technical teams and all those who contributed to the success of this journey. He affirmed his commitment to continuing his preparations and representing the Sultanate of Oman with pride and excellence at the 2026 Endurance World Championship Finals.
Qatar Tribune
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Al Naimi tops Young Champions class at Al Shaqab National League
DOHA: The penultimate round of the Al Shaqab National Showjumping League got underway on Friday at the Longines Indoor Arena at Al Shaqab, showcasing spirited display of skill and precision from riders across various categories. The highlight of the day came in the Young Champions category (125 cm), where Saif Mohammed Al Naimi triumphed on Hero. Abdulaziz Fahad Al Eid, riding Kayenne Of de Rocky Mounten secured second place, while Yaqoub Nasser Almas took third on Aphrodite S Z. Mohammed Hamza Al Kuwari, Director of Corporate Services at Al Shaqab, presented the awards. In the Future Champions class (105 cm), Mohammed Faisal Al Marri took the top spot astride Haines, followed by Sherida Nasser Al Kaabi on Doremi du Flot Z, and Yousef Abdul Rahman Al Muftah on Senna Lafont. The winners were honoured by tournament director Khalid Sanad Al Nuaimi. The 80 cm competition saw rider Melina Karagiannidi take top honours with Geale. Alreem Hamza Al Kuwari rode Janne to second place, and Sheikha Mohammed Al Thani claimed third with Cascade Sammy. Other strong performances came from Salman Faisal Al Marri, Mohammed Abdullah Al Marri, and Aisha Jassim Al Sorour. Winners in this round were crowned by Ahmed Khaled Al Humaidi, Heritage Specialist at Al Shaqab. In the 40 cm preliminary round, Abdulrahman Hamad Al Attiyah claimed first place aboard Pedro, a 2003-born mare owned by Al Shaqab. Al Attiyah completed the course without faults in a time of 36.26 seconds. Aisha Sultan Al Enazi, also representing Al Shaqab, secured second place with Tinkerbell, a 2009 mare, finishing just behind at 36.32 seconds. Fahad Abdullah Al Sulaiti took third place on Lilly in 36.45 seconds, also with a clear round. Khalid Sanad Al Nuaimi, the tournament director, crowned the winning riders. The championship is conducted in line with the regulations of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), with some modifications in the preliminary rounds. A cumulative points system is used to determine the overall winners at the season's conclusion, adding an extra layer of competitive intensity. The Al Shaqab League, a cornerstone of Qatar's equestrian calendar, serves as a vital platform for discovering and nurturing local talent. In alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, the league supports excellence and innovation in equestrian sport. By fostering inclusivity and offering opportunities for riders from Al Shaqab Equestrian Academy and other institutions, the League reinforces Al Shaqab's mission to empower the next generation of Qatari riders. As the League approaches its final round, anticipation continues to grow for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to another memorable season.
South China Morning Post
05-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Namibian programme uses horses to empower children with disabilities
Susan de Meyer runs a project in the African country of Namibia. The programme uses the power and gentleness of horses to help children with conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. De Meyer's dusty paddock is just outside the capital city, Windhoek. Each weekday morning, it is enlivened by a group of eight to 10 children from special schools. The children ride the horses, groom them, stroke them and often, de Meyer says, talk to them. De Meyer grew up on a farm surrounded by horses. They have always been part of her life. She says they have an invaluable quality: they don't judge the children, no matter how different they are. De Meyer's programme, 'Enabling Through the Horse', is supported by the Namibian Equestrian Federation. It won an award last year from the International Equestrian Federation. Answer: 'Enabling Through the Horse'
