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Revelling unforgettable equestrian experiences

The Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club

January 19, 2025 / 12:58 AM
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Equestrianism holds a deep-rooted place in the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates. In line with the nation's commitment to safeguarding this tradition, the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club was founded as a distinguished cultural and sporting institution. The club continues to evolve, keeping pace with global advancements in the world of equestrian sports.

Since its founding, the club has emerged as a global hub for equestrian enthusiasts, significantly contributing to the growth and recognition of equestrianism on both local and regional levels. The following provides a detailed exploration of the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club.

The establishment of the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club

Established in 1982 under the vision and direction of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club embodies a steadfast dedication to the preservation and promotion of equestrian sports. Strategically located at Interchange 6 along Al Dhaid Road, the club occupies almost 3,000 square kilometres and has grown into one of the leading equestrian institutions in the United Arab Emirates.

The facilities of the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club

The Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club boasts a range of state-of-the-art facilities, highlighted by one of the largest indoor equestrian arenas in the Middle East. A generous endowment from His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, this arena caters to a vast number of equestrian enthusiasts, providing a premier venue for year-round competitions and activities, including the summer months.

Complementing this, the club features an internationally recognised racetrack designed for top-tier racing events. Its extensive training facilities support equestrians at all levels, including a climate-controlled indoor arena for summer use and multiple outdoor arenas for winter riding, including a dedicated space for women.

Further enhancing its offerings, the club houses a riding school, an Arabian horse stud, a show jumping area, horse livery services, competition stables, and accredited quarantine barns. It also includes a hotel for international teams and a fitness centre for equestrians and members.

Prioritising horse care, the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club is equipped with a fully-fledged veterinary hospital and an equine breeding centre. To facilitate participation in various events, the club provides comprehensive horse transportation services.

Events and activities at the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club

The Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club is a premier destination for horse enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels, providing a diverse array of activities and events. Each week, the club hosts exhilarating races featuring top equestrians and horses, delivering memorable experiences for both competitors and spectators. Moreover, the club organises prestigious annual festivals that highlight its commitment to equestrian excellence.

Throughout the year, the club stages numerous local and international show jumping competitions. These events, celebrated for their inclusivity and variety, accommodate all skill levels, from novices to seasoned professionals, offering opportunities for everyone to showcase their abilities.

For those keen on mastering equestrian arts, the club's school offers lessons for both children and adults, taught by expert instructors. The curriculum emphasises the fundamentals of horseback riding, skill enhancement, and the equestrian-horse bond, all with a strong focus on safety.

Championing equestrianism: the club's vital role

Since its founding, the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club has been at the forefront of advancing equestrian sports in the UAE. A significant milestone was achieved in 1983 with the debut of the country's first official horse race. Since then, the club has been relentless in its mission to enhance the prestige of this time-honoured sport.

To foster the sport’s growth and excellence, the club established a specialised riding school dedicated to advancing equestrian skills across the nation. This school plays a crucial role in nurturing new equestrians, organising local and international competitions, and offering a platform for local talent to compete globally. As a result of these initiatives, the club has emerged as a leading force in equestrian sports throughout the UAE and beyond.

In addition, the club underscores the importance of introducing equestrian activities to youth, with a particular focus on teaching children how to ride horses.

Official support for the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club

The Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club is profoundly supported by Sharjah's esteemed leadership, especially His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This unwavering support underscores a deep commitment to equestrian sports as a means of preserving heritage and national identity. Therefore, the club benefits from valuable collaborations and sponsorships, notably from the Sharjah Sports Council, enhancing its presence in the national sports arena.

The club also collaborates with the Emirates Racing Authority to elevate the quality of its races. This partnership is exemplified by prestigious events such as “HE Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Cup,” which showcases a diverse array of competitors, including purebred Arabian horses, locally bred horses, and thoroughbred hybrids.

The club's equestrians: conquerors of national titles

Since its inception, the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club has reached notable milestones in national show jumping championships. At the 2018 Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Show-Jumping Competition, the club's equestrians distinguished themselves across multiple categories. Mohammed Ghanem Al Hajri notably excelled, clinching first place in two key rounds: the local round with jumps up to 135 cm on Hermes De Mariposa, and the open round for youth and professionals with jumps ranging from 130-135 cm on Katan.

Other club equestrians also excelled, such as Anita Sandy, who secured second place in the open round for youth and professionals. These successes highlight the exceptional skill and competitive spirit of the club’s riders in premier national events.

In conclusion, the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club is a leading sports institution that seamlessly merges tradition with modernity through its advanced facilities and diverse offerings. Its dedication to preserving equestrian heritage and advancing the sport within the UAE makes it a top choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

References 

[1] sharjahevents.ae, Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club
[2] visitsharjah.com, Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club
[3] mofa.gov.ae, SHARJAH INT ARABIAN HORSE FESTIVAL 2019
[4] torath.gov.ae, Honoring the Winners on Day One of Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Show-Jumping Competition
[5] sharjahnews.gov.ae,The two-star summer Sharjah International Show Jumping Championship starts tomorrow
January 19, 2025 / 12:58 AM

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