News DeskDubai, UAE – The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation has proudly announced that its four-member dressage team has successfully passed the vet check. These accomplished equestrians are now poised to represent the UAE at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, participating in both the team competition and individual qualification on Tuesday, September 26, 2023.
This significant event has garnered substantial support from H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, as well as H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The United Arab Emirates is returning to the team dressage competition for the first time since its equestrian debut at the ninth Asian Games back in 1982.
The talented equestrians who will be carrying the UAE’s hopes in this prestigious event are as follows:
- Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri riding Ecencka, a 14-year-old KWPN mare sired by Jazz.
- Mohamed Jassim Al Serkal aboard Hermes V, an 11-year-old KWPN gelding by Bretton Woods.
- Natalie Lankester partnering with Cash DXB, a 16-year-old KWPN gelding by Hexagon’s Rubiquil.
- Bianca Schütz riding Fearless WS, a 9-year-old Westfalen mare sired by Franziskus.
These accomplished riders and their horses arrived in Hangzhou after a period of quarantine in Aachen’s renowned Deutsche Bank Stadium facilities. They have been adapting to their temporary residence at the impressive Tonglu Equestrian Centre and are now ready to shine on the grand stage, vying for a place on the podium.
The United Arab Emirates has a commendable history in equestrian sports. In 2006, the UAE secured team Gold in Endurance, along with individual Gold and Bronze medals. They also earned an individual Bronze in Show Jumping. Four years later, the UAE’s Show Jumping team clinched two silver medals in both the team and individual categories.
Tomorrow’s action-packed schedule begins at 08:00 China Standard Time (CST) or 04:00 Gulf Standard Time (GST) with the FEI Prix-St Georges test. The day will culminate with the Team Victory Ceremony at 17:30 CST or 13:30 GST. The UAE team has been drawn to go first, and the start times for each rider are as follows:
- 08:00 – Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri on Ecencka
- 08:36 – Bianca Schütz on Fearless WS
- 10:27 – Mohamed Jassim Al Serkal on Hermes V
- 14:54 – Natalie Lankester on Cash DXB
On Wednesday, September 27, the riders will once again take to the arena to perform the complex FEI Intermediate I test, aiming to qualify for a place in Thursday’s Freestyle competition. The best 15 horses from the previous day’s competition will vie for prestigious medals.
The Asian Games, organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), bring together 45 member countries to compete in 40 diverse sports, including the three Olympic equestrian disciplines of dressage, show jumping, and eventing.
Equestrian enthusiasts and supporters of the United Arab Emirates will be eagerly anticipating the results of this long-anticipated event as the UAE’s dressage team embarks on their journey towards glory.
