Top riders from around the globe are expected to return to the Virtus Show.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Emirates Equestrian Centre will once again play host to the Virtus CSI2* International Horse show from December 15-17, seeing some of the world’s leading show jumpers compete for Dhs330,000 prize money over the course of three days.

Running from 9 am to 9 pm each day, the show promises to be a fun-filled day for all the family. Visitors will be able to shop at the Virtus Village, featuring local and international equestrian brands and artisan makers.

Saturday’s costume classes are guaranteed to bring fun and fancy to the main arena, with riders and horses sporting a myriad of memorable outfits. The show’s first edition saw pirates, superheroes and dragons compete for the coveted best-dressed prize, as voted for by the audience.

Top riders from around the globe are expected to return to the Virtus Show this December, with the likes of the Al Shira’aa-sponsored riders continuing their preparation for next Summer’s Olympic Games, and other sporting legends competing in Sunday afternoon’s Grand Prix.

Feedback from riders, spectators, sponsors and officials was very positive from the show’s first edition held in March 2023. Riders from 38 countries competed over 250 horses in front of a vast audience, exceeding all expectations from the organisers, a passionate team of young Equestrians who are shaking up the show jumping scene.

Event sponsors for the show include the returning Majesticq, a UAE-founded equestrian brand, the Date Room, and Longines, the official sponsor and partner of the equestrian sport in the UAE.

This edition sees new partnerships and activations with Dubai International Marine Club and their World Champion Powerboat racing team ‘Victory’, and one of the UAE’s leading healthcare providers, Mediclinic Parkview Hospital, who will provide medical services for the event.