Latest news with #ParaDressagePerformanceProgramme
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- 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."
Gulf Today
11-04-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
The Royal Stables and UAERF launch Para Dressage Performance Programme
The Royal Stables in Abu Dhabi launched the UAE Para Dressage Performance Programme with the UAE Equestrian & Racing Federation (UAERF). Held at the historic Sheikh Zayed Majlis, the event marked a pivotal moment in the nation's journey towards building a competitive UAE para dressage team for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. First announced last month, the Para Dressage Performance Programme is a pioneering initiative designed to empower athletes of determination and provide a structured development pathway to compete internationally. With its roots in the founding vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the programme highlights The Royal Stables' continued commitment to inclusion, talent development and sporting excellence in the UAE. The launch event brought together senior figures from the equestrian community and stakeholders from UAE government entities for People of Determination for a press conference introducing the scope of the programme, its leadership team and its long-term ambitions. The event highlighted the federation's support for the initiative, aligning with their broader strategy to promote dressage and para sport across the UAE. Buthaina Abdullah Mohamed Ali Al Mazrouei, Member of the Board at The Royal Stables, welcomed guests with opening remarks that reflected on the cultural significance of equestrianism in Emirati heritage and the importance of creating opportunities for all athletes to thrive. She spoke from the very majlis where the legacy of The Royal Stables was first established in 1969, underlining the symbolic importance of the moment. Dr Ghanem Al Hajri, Secretary General of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, addressed attendees on behalf of the Federation, affirming their commitment to inclusion, collaboration and long-term athlete development. Dr Hajri also expressed confidence in para dressage as the next major growth discipline in the UAE, and in the potential of UAE athletes to reach the world stage. Laura Richardson, Performance Manager of the Para Dressage Performance Programme, thanked The Royal Stables for their vision and outlined how the initiative is already underway, with early athlete assessments taking place. She highlighted that the programme is designed not just to achieve sporting success, but to create lasting opportunities for athletes of determination. With clear milestones including the Asian Championships and Asian Games, the goal of reaching Los Angeles 2028 is now firmly in motion. Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire, Technical Lead of the Para Dressage Performance Programme, delivered a compelling address outlining how the initiative will be grounded in science-led coaching, sports medicine and biomechanical analysis. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience working with Paralympic athletes, Dr MacKechnie-Guire expressed his excitement for developing UAE riders and helping them achieve elite-level performance on the world stage. The launch also offered guests a glimpse into the future home of the UAE para dressage team. The Royal Stables' extensive redevelopment includes a new indoor arena, clubhouse, accommodation and treatment facilities. Central to the training programme are two Racewood riding simulators — highly advanced tools used in leading equestrian nations to support rider development and accessibility. The simulators allow for fully customisable positioning and analysis, providing a vital training step for para-athletes, complementing their arena work with the team dressage horses. Governed by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), para dressage is the only equestrian discipline included in the Paralympic Games, where it has featured since 1996. The sport follows a graded classification system to ensure fair and competitive participation across a wide range of impairments. The Royal Stables' team of experts will oversee all aspects of athlete and horse welfare, with a long-term vision to establish the UAE as a leader in inclusive equestrian sport. The Royal Stables continues to welcome applications from aspiring para dressage athletes, as well as interest from potential sponsors and partners who wish to support this landmark initiative.
Gulf Today
26-03-2025
- 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.'
