First Al Shira’aa International Horse Show in January

300 horses and 150 riders expected for 4-day event hosted by Al Forsan International Sports Resort

Al Forsan International Sports Resort plays host to the First Al Shira’aa International Horse Show on January 11 to 14.

Sheikha Fatima bin Hazza Al Nahyan inspired by her family’s love of horses and pursuit to support the future development of equestrian sports and events in Abu Dhabi, is the visionary facilitator of this event, private owner of Al Shira’aa Stables, President of the Board and supporter of the Al Shira’aa Show Jumping Team.

The main aim of this venture is to develop the horses and riders to prepare for the 2018 World Championships.

The four-day event will have daily sporting highlights for national and international top senior show jumping riders.

Categories include CSI 4 star for international and national riders, and CSI 1 star classes and tours for children, juniors, young riders and young horses.

Registration is free for all interested participants and can be made via the Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF) and Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI).

Prizes for the event include Dh1 million for the 4 star winner and Dh130,000  for the 1 star class winners.

More than 300 horses and 150 riders are expected to be seen in this gathering.

The team leading the preparations for this unique show jumping extravaganza are Christine Stibi (Al Shira’aa Horse Show Event Director) from Germany, Mohammed Al Owais (Al Shira’aa International Show Jumping Grand Prix Rider and Event Sports Director), and Omran Al Owais (Al Shira’aa Horse Show Technical Director).

The press conference was headed by Rashed Al Qubaisi, the General Manager of Al Forsan International Sports Resort.

Aside from promoting the equestrian sport, one of the major aims of this event is to instill the value of friendship between different countries and cultures and to kick off the first “Friendship Sport Event Trips” to bridge and bring the world together in Abu Dhabi. The organisers have prepared team building activities, including volleyball, for the riders to socialise. An international press conference outside the UAE is planned combined with several networking and promo functions in Germany from December 13th to 18th, and presence in the prestigious horse event in Frankfurt called the “Frankfurter Festhallenreitturnier.”

“This event highlights the value of friendship, direct dialogue and mutual respect between people from different communities and cultures. While we will all be uniting for our love of the equestrian sport, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Al Nahyan would like to stress that the values The First Al Shira’aa International Horse Show intend to build do not end inside the paddock and show jumping arena. We encourage the whole community to gather here, support our riders, push our young ones to get active, and explore their city and the world beyond through the friendships we will be cultivating,” said Christine Stibi.

During the Al Shiraa’a Horse Show, the youth will also have the chance to participate in an exciting German-UAE Youth Art Drawing Competition with the theme building bridges and friendship. This will be open for all kids and teenagers until the age of 18. Their masterpieces will be exhibited throughout the event and the most creative work will win an award. Other activities for the whole family will also be available including games and the fantastic range of sports facilities at Al Forsan.

“We at Al Forsan are truly honored to host The First Al Shira’aa International Horse Show. We are grateful for the trust and confidence of the organisers especially Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Al Nahyan that we can deliver an event meeting the international equestrian standards as well as the need to create memorable experiences for all guests,” said Rashed Al Qubaisi, General Manager of Al Forsan.