120 riders to raise the bar at Show Jumping Cup
bu dhabi — More than 120 top riders from 20 countries are expected to participate in the fourth edition of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA) International Show Jumping Cup.
The two-day Cup competition will start on February 24 at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and will be the biggest ever in terms of participation, said FBMA board member Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber at a Press conference held in the Capital.
“In 2016, there were 92 riders from 17 countries but this year we are aiming to surpass all of our previous participation records,” she said.
The event is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation.
“Since its inaugural edition, the FBMA International Show Jumping Cup has evolved in many aspects to gain international prominence, especially with expansion of the Cup to include categories for children and men. The event attracts leading names of equestrian world and helps realise our vision of seeing Abu Dhabi on the global map of female sport. This Cup serves our mission to inspire Emirati women to reach their full potential in sports.”
As a new attraction this time will be Equestrian Village. “This will help to raise awareness about equestrian traditions that are strongly instilled in our culture.”
There will be pony riding, food trucks, live music and other fun activities to cater to one and all.
“Join us as the riders raise the bar as renowned riders compete for the title,” she added.
The Cup is organised by FBMA with the support of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), the Emirates Equestrian Federation, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, and the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and sponsored by Al Shira’aa Stables, Longines, Healthpoint Hospital, Yas Sports TV and the Emirates Arabian Horse Society.
ADSC director of marketing and communication Ahmed Abdulla Al Qubaisi said: “This event promotes equestrian sports that are an essential component of the Emirati heritage, as well as boosts Abu Dhabi’s position on the international sporting scene by attracting some of the best talent in the field from around the globe.”
Emirates Equestrian Federation and Al Shira’aa Stables representative Khalid Ali Aljunaibi and Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club general manager Adnan Al Nuaimi applauded the initiative and highlighted its importance for the capital.
The participants will compete in the categories of children, juniors, young horses, young riders, and ladies. The registration is open till February 18.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com