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UAE Para Dressage programme puts two riders in the saddle for LA2028
UAE Para Dressage programme puts two riders in the saddle for LA2028

Al Etihad

time26-06-2025

  • Sport
  • Al Etihad

UAE Para Dressage programme puts two riders in the saddle for LA2028

26 June 2025 22:37 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Royal Stables in Abu Dhabi has achieved a significant milestone in its Para Dressage Performance Programme, launched earlier this year to develop a UAE national team for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games. Since April, several Emirati athletes have joined the pioneering training pathway, and now, two of them have completed their FEI classifications, putting them firmly on the road to LA Al Bluoshi and Wafaa Aldahmani, both 31 years old and from Ras Al Khaimah, have been undergoing intensive weekly training at The Royal Stables since enrolling in April, alongside their fellow athletes. Their regimen includes riding lessons, theory sessions, simulator training, physiotherapy, and sports psychology. The programme is built on a holistic approach designed to nurture both technical knowledge, athlete fitness and mental the training modules, the athletes are supported by experts in sports physiotherapy, psychology, and nutrition to enhance performance and optimise June, Fatima and Wafaa travelled to Wellington Riding in the United Kingdom, where they undertook their official FEI Para Dressage classification assessments. Fatima, who has lived with spina bifida affecting her lower limbs since birth, wasclassified as Grade III, while Wafaa, who experienced lower limb paralysis following contracting Polio as an infant, was classified as Grade time in the UK also included daily training, attending the Concours Para- Équestre de Dressage International, and connecting with members of TeamGB's multi-gold medal-winning Paralympians. The trip provided invaluable opportunities for technical development and international Russell MacKechnie-Guire, Technical Lead for the UAE Para Dressage Performance Programme, accompanied the athletes on the trip. An internationally recognised expert in equine biomechanics and performance analysis, Dr. MacKechnie-Guire said, "This was a defining moment for the athletes and the programme. The FEI classification is essential for any para dressage rider aspiring to compete internationally, and to see Fatima and Wafaa approach this with such professionalism and determination was exceptional.""The experience of training daily, watching elite competition, and engaging with Team GB's riders gave them, and us, a clear picture of the standards we are working towards. It is the start of an exciting journey, and both athletes have shown they belong on this path."The Para Dressage Performance Programme remains open to aspiring Emirati athletes of determination and continues its talent identification and development efforts, with several other athletes already participating in training sessions at The Royal Stables. Laura Richardson, Performance Manager, said, "Fatima and Wafaa's progress is inspiring, not just for the equestrian community but for the UAE as a whole. This programme was created to break barriers, and in just two short months together, we have already achieved the first key milestone on our exciting journey to LA 2028."

Dancer left with burns covering 90 per cent of body after fire dance goes wrong
Dancer left with burns covering 90 per cent of body after fire dance goes wrong

Daily Mirror

time15-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Mirror

Dancer left with burns covering 90 per cent of body after fire dance goes wrong

One brave ballet dancer who suffered agonising burns when her straw skirt caught fire is determined to recover - Laura Daniela Villamil has had 17 operations so far A brave ballet dancer has taken her first steps to an incredible recovery after she suffered agonising burns across 90 per cent of her body. Laura Daniela Villamil, 28, suddenly became engulfed in females when her performance at a restaurant in Chia, Colombia, last year saw the straw skirt she was wearing catch fire. Her devastating injuries left Laura needing 17 separate operations along with extensive physiotherapy. But now, Laura revealed to her followers in a video on Instagram, she has continued to recover. ‌ ‌ Learning to move her body again, Laura can be seen in tears as she takes tentative steps in a hospital ward with the help of a walking frame. Other videos show relearning how to manipulate her legs with dancing and football and her flashing a smile as she uses a crosstrainer to build up her strength and stamina. The awful life-changing incident that left Laura in agony occurred in August last year. Horrifying footage showed the speed of which the searing flames took hold as the dancer ran around the performance floor in pain. Now, Laura thinks her recovery is her 'second chance' and is set to go through even more gruelling physiotherapy sessions. Her brother Santiago Villamil also said she will undergo another surgery in around four months time. Inspirational stories of brave people recovering from burns have been reported before. In December last year, a brave woman who ran back into a devastating home blaze suffered horrific burns to half of her body all to save her beloved pooches. Vanessa Hayes was given just a 10% chance of survival when she sprinted back into a burning two-bedroom property in Haverigg, Cumbria, to try and save her dogs Bella, Lulu, and Pippa. Despite thick billowing smoke coming from the property, that didn't put the 53-year-old from heading back into danger. Vanessa managed to get two of her pooches out - Pippa the pug and French bulldog Lulu. Both survived, but sadly Bella the Bichon Fris died in the fire. Vanessa suffered 50% full-thickness burns on every part of her body except the palms of her hands and also suffered severe internal injuries to her vital organs due to smoke inhalation. Despite the overwhelming odds against her survival, Vanessa has fought tirelessly to rebuild her life, finding solace and purpose through horses. Now she is dreaming of representing Great Britain in the Para Dressage and wants to create a sanctuary for trauma survivors. Speaking about her ordeal, she explained: "Everyday for months after the fire I wanted to die. There was a point at the critical stages where my family wondered if I would even want to survive given the pain."

The Royal Stables Abu Dhabi to develop UAE Para Dressage team for LA Paralympic Games
The Royal Stables Abu Dhabi to develop UAE Para Dressage team for LA Paralympic Games

Gulf Today

time26-03-2025

  • Sport
  • Gulf Today

The Royal Stables Abu Dhabi to develop UAE Para Dressage team for LA Paralympic Games

The Royal Stables in Abu Dhabi announced the launch of a ground breaking initiative aimed at developing a competitive para dressage team to represent the UAE at the upcoming Los Angeles Paralympic Games in 2028. The Para Dressage Performance Programme underscores The Royal Stables' commitment to promoting inclusivity and excellence, following the founding vision of His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. With a mission to empower para-athletes and inspire future generations, The Royal Stables is actively seeking potential Emirati athletes to join the development pathway, sponsorship partners and community support to bring this ambitious vision to life. This project is a unique opportunity to be part of a historic journey toward the Paralympic Games, championing diversity and breaking barriers in equestrian sports. An International Equestrian Federation (FEI) governed discipline, Para Dressage is conducted under the same basic rules as the sport of Dressage, the highest expression of horse training, adjusted for athletes of determination. Athletes perform at a walk, trot and canter, executing tests ridden from memory that follow a prescribed pattern of movements, with the test difficulty determined by the athlete's graded level of impairment. Athletes are graded according to the severity of the impairment, ranging from Grade I—most severe impairments that usually require the use of a wheelchair—up to Grade V, which is classified as a mild impairment of movement or muscle strength or visual impairment. Para Dressage is the only Equestrian discipline included in the Paralympic Games, where it has been a regular fixture since 1996. The Paralympic Games are the second largest sporting event in the world after the Olympic Games and are contested immediately after the Olympic Games in the same city and at the same venue. The Royal Stables has assembled a team of distinguished experts to manage this project, spearheaded by Performance Manager Laura Richardson, bringing her extensive experience in elite sports management to optimise athlete development and competitive success; and Russell Mackechnie-Guire as the Technical Lead, whose PhD in equine biomechanics and vast expertise will provide a scientific edge to training and performance strategies. Other pivotal players include Mohamed Dahdouh as the Team Physiotherapist, focusing on injury prevention, rehabilitation and enhancing athlete mobility and strength; and Krish Someshwar as the Team Veterinarian, ensuring the highest standard of equine health and welfare. As part of this innovative development program, The Royal Stables has also acquired a Racewood Simulator, a cutting-edge equestrian training tool that provides a safe and controlled environment for athletes to hone their skills. The simulator will play a vital role in the para dressage team's training, offering customised data and feedback and enhancing rider confidence and technique. Additionally, the Racewood Simulator will be available for bookings outside of the para programme, making this advanced technology accessible to the wider equestrian community. Buthaina Abdullah Mohamed Ali Al Mazrouei, Member of the Board at The Royal Stables expressed immense pride in the launch of the project, stating, 'This initiative is a testament to our dedication to fostering talent and breaking barriers in equestrian sports. We are thrilled to support our para-athletes in achieving their Paralympic Games dreams.' The Royal Stables invites all aspiring para dressage athletes, who meet the eligibility criteria, to apply to participate in upcoming talent identification events. They are also calling on sponsors and partners who are passionate about equestrian sports, supporting para-athletes and contributing to the success of this inspiring journey. Richardson, General Manager of The Royal Stables commented, 'Our mission is to create an inclusive and empowering environment where every aspiring para dressage athlete can reach their full potential. With the leadership of our exceptional team, the support of our community and the backing of visionary sponsors, we are excited to embark on this journey to the Paralympic Games and showcase the incredible talent from the UAE.'

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