UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation Launches The National Rider Development Program in Partnership with FEI

[Abu Dhabi] – The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation (UAEERF) is proud to announce the initiation of a groundbreaking program aimed at fostering the growth and development of dressage among Emirati riders and aim to bring FEl and international expertise to UAE & the region to have a regional Challenge at FEl level for local riders and to help encourage, support and promote dressage in the region to competitive international standards and levels In collaboration with FEI Solidarity and FEI GRVII Dressage Regional Project 2024, this initiative marks a significant step forward in advancing equestrian sport within the UAE.

As part of this endeavor, UAEERF has introduced a special class tailored for Emirati riders, providing them with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the prestigious atmosphere of the WDC (World Dressage Challenge) and to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the sport of dressage.

On the inaugural day of the program, scheduled for April 20, 2024, Emirati riders will take center stage to demonstrate their skills by riding the FEI Children's Team test in full competition attire. Ten riders, carefully selected to represent a diverse range of ages and riding abilities, will have the unique privilege of showcasing their talents before an esteemed panel of judges, including representatives from the FEI GRVII Dressage Regional Project.

The second day of the program, slated for April 21, 2024, will feature a series of informative sessions aimed at enriching participants' understanding of the sport and its nuances:

• 9:00am - 9:30am: The esteemed FEI GRVII Representative, Qatar Grand Prix Rider Wejdan Al Malki, will deliver an insightful introduction to the FEI program, offering a comprehensive overview of its objectives and significance.
• 9:30am - 10:00am: Renowned FEI 5* Judge Irina Maknami will conduct a detailed analysis of the riders' performances, highlighting both their strengths and areas for improvement.
• 10:30am onwards: Participants will engage in debriefing and analysis sessions, conducted in private, to review and dissect their recorded tests under the guidance of expert facilitators.

Ali Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Dressage Committee at the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation (UAEERF), has praised the newly launched National Rider Development Program as a significant addition to the equestrian sport landscape, particularly in the realm of dressage. The program, initiated in collaboration with FEI Solidarity and FEI GRVII Dressage Regional Project 2024, has garnered widespread acclaim for its commitment to nurturing local equestrian talent and fostering excellence in the discipline of dressage.

Al Kaabi emphasized the program's role in enhancing the quality of equestrian competitions, noting the considerable interest it has generated among riders from various stables across the country. He underscored the UAEERF's dedication to promoting excellence in equestrian sports, highlighting the program's broader objective of providing Emirati riders with access to world-class training and exposure to international standards.

In his remarks, Al Kaabi affirmed the program's significance in paving the way for a new generation of accomplished athletes in the noble sport of dressage, as well as in equestrian sports as a whole.

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