Al Shira’aa team rider Omar Al Marzouqi in action at the Al Shira’aa Horse Show last year.

Gulf Today, Sports Reporter

A firm favourite in the international show jumping calendar, the renowned Al Shira’aa Horse Show returns once again from Jan.9-14 2024, to be held at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club.

In addition to the action-packed five-day show jumping schedule which will see some of the world’s leading riders including William Funnel, Joe Stockdale and the UAE’s very own Olympic team compete for over €430,000 in prize money, the show promises to be a sensory spectacular for all the family.

Little visitors are catered to in the dedicated Kids Zone within the Al Shira’aa Village, which includes pony rides, face painting, a carousel, a sustainability area and skill games, The village also includes multiple food trucks and retail outlets, as well as the venue’s two restaurants for those seeking a sit-down meal.

Saturday is set to be an adrenaline-fuelled day with horsepower of both kinds on display in the crowd-pleasing Ride and Drive class.

The top ten riders from the first two days of competition will be invited to compete for €11,000 by completing a round of 115cm jumps before riding shotgun in a Land Rover Defender and making a dash for the finish line.

The classes are expected to continue into the early evening and will be followed by world-class entertainment from 7 pm including Arabic Drumming and Dancing, pyrotechnics, and a Laser Light Show.

Sunday’s Grand Prix, sponsored by Longines, the official partner of Equestrian Sport in the UAE,  is the pinnacle of this prestigious event, where only the best of the best will compete over a complex 155cm course, with the winner walking away with a staggering €38,750 in prize money. Earlier in the day, spectators can watch the up-and-coming young horses compete in the morning, before once again witnessing the incredible entertainment.

Now in its 7th year, visitor numbers topped 5,000 at the show’s previous event in January 2023, with a further 17,000 online viewers on the global equestrian steaming service ClipMyHorse.TV. Other sponsors for 2024 include Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Majesticq Royal Care, Al Hawajer Equestrian, Cavalor, Bolesworth, leading international horse transporters Equitrans Logistics LLC, the UAEERF and Premier Motors.