Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, President of the General Women's Union, Chief Executive Officer of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Higher Council for Motherhood and Childhood "Mother of the Nation", the sixth edition of FBMA International Show Jumping Cup held in Al Forsan International Sports Resort came to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday, February 9.
The FBMA International Show Jumping Cup was organized by the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA), under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA), Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Ladies Club, in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation (UAEERF) and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).
H.E. Major General Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation said, 'We've had such a great turn-out from a number of talented riders and wish everyone luck in the upcoming President of the UAE Cup. It is through the support of the royal family, that the level of equestrian sports in the UAE has been elevated.'
Thursday evening also witnessed a local competition in parallel to the main event - held under the patronage of Al Shira`aa Stables - where participation was limited to the female riders of UAE equestrian clubs and centers. The competition consisted of a special two phases class with obstacles placed at a height of 110 cm. 62 female riders participated, of which 16 completed both rounds without faults. Noof Hamdan Al Maheri, with "Bell Bottom Blues" from Al Hamra Equestrian Centre took first place.
Speaking on the addition to the show, Dr. Ghanem Al Hajri, Secretary General of UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation said, 'The purpose of these national competitions is to encourage young female riders to compete, especially those who wish to sharpen their skills and build up their confidence when it comes to professionally competing in the world of show jumping.' He continued, 'We're very happy with the level of participation and the skill that was displayed by these young riders.'
The sixth edition of the cup included 14 rounds, six of which were CSIL2* (two-star competitions for ladies only), two rounds of young horses’ category for horses that are six and seven years old (CSIYH1*), two rounds of children’s category for children between 12 – 14 (CSIOCH), two rounds of junior riders’ category for riders between 14 – 18 (CSIOJ), as well as two rounds of young riders’ category for those between 16 – 21(CSIOY). 130 male and female riders from 25 countries competing for a total purse worth AED 650,000.
Images courtesy Grayling
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