Alright UAE, saddle up—we’ve got a game-changer galloping your way! The Royal Stables in Abu Dhabi just dropped the reins on something big, bold, and downright brilliant: the Para Dressage Performance Programme—a first-of-its-kind initiative to prep and power up a national para dressage team to represent the UAE at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games. And yes, it’s as epic as it sounds.
Now, if your brain just went “Para what now?”—don’t worry, we’ve got you. Think of Para Dressage as the dazzling, disciplined cousin of traditional dressage (aka horse ballet for the elite), where athletes of determination perform from memory with grace, grit, and a whole lot of heart. It’s an International Equestrian Federation-approved sport that’s been dazzling Paralympic audiences since 1996.
But this isn’t just about competitions or medals (although we’re totally here for the gold 🥇). It’s about representation, inclusion, and rewriting what’s possible. Inspired by the visionary legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this program is all about unlocking human potential—both two-legged and four-hooved.
Meet the Dream Team Behind the Reins
This isn’t some backyard pony club, folks. The Royal Stables went full Avengers with their lineup:
- Laura Richardson, the Performance Manager and real-life sports whisperer, is steering the team with her magic blend of elite sport know-how and motivational firepower.
- Russell Mackechnie-Guire, a PhD in equine biomechanics (yes, that’s a thing—and yes, it’s as cool as it sounds), is bringing the science to the saddle.
- Mohamed Dahdouh, the Team Physio, is on a mission to keep athletes limber, strong, and injury-free.
- And Krish Someshwar, the Team Vet, is making sure the horses get five-star treatment and spa days too. Because happy horse, happy life.
Oh, and did we mention the Racewood Simulator? Imagine a futuristic robotic horse that doesn’t poop. That’s right—The Royal Stables got their hands on one of these high-tech marvels, offering real-time data and customized training without ever needing to muck a stall. It’s a game-changer for athletes and the wider equestrian community (yes, you can book it too!).
Calling All Trailblazers, Sponsors, and Cheerleaders
The Royal Stables isn’t just looking to build a team—they’re building a movement.
So if you’re an aspiring Emirati para dressage athlete, it’s time to strut your stuff. The team is actively scouting talent for upcoming identification events. Bonus: you’ll be joining a program that’s literally making history while riding a horse. Talk about multitasking.
And if you’re a brand, sponsor, or just someone who thinks horses are majestic unicorns without horns—there’s room for you too. Whether you’re in it for the glory, the good vibes, or the social impact, this is your chance to be part of something truly legendary.
As H.E. Buthaina Abdullah Mohamed Ali Al Mazrouei, Board Member of The Royal Stables, perfectly put it: “This initiative is a testament to our dedication to fostering talent and breaking barriers in equestrian sports.” Mic drop.
Save the Date
Want to witness history in the making? The official media and stakeholder launch goes down on April 10th, 4:00 PM, at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Majlis. Expect powerful stories, possible tears (the good kind), and maybe even a few surprise canter moves.
So grab your boots, polish your dreams, and get ready to ride into a new era of inclusive equestrian excellence. Because in 2028, the UAE isn’t just showing up—we’re showing the world how it’s done.
