Alright, saddle up folks—we’re about to trot into something truly inspiring (and honestly, kind of goosebump-inducing). The Royal Stables in Abu Dhabi just dropped a bombshell of brilliance: they’re launching a game-changing Para Dressage Performance Programme, and the goal? Nothing short of representing the UAE at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. Yup, you read that right—2028. LA. The big leagues.
And no, this isn’t just your run-of-the-mill “let’s try and see what happens” type of thing. This is The Royal Stables going full gallop into the future, with Olympic-sized dreams and a seriously skilled team to match. It’s all about inclusion, excellence, and living up to the legacy of the late, great Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision continues to inspire every hoofbeat of progress.
Wait, What’s Para Dressage Again?
Glad you asked, hypothetical friend. Picture dressage—those fancy, ballet-like horse routines that make you question whether you’re watching animals or aristocratic dancers. Now imagine that, but tailored for athletes of determination. It’s the same discipline (a.k.a. equine artistry), governed by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), but adapted based on the rider’s physical capabilities.
Athletes are graded from I to V (that’s 1 to 5 for the Roman numeral-challenged), with Grade I for the most significant physical impairments and Grade V for milder challenges. Each grade gets its own level of test difficulty, and let’s be honest, the talent and grit needed to memorize and perform these precise routines is next level.
Who’s in the Saddle?
Now, this isn’t just a passion project with a few good vibes and pretty ponies. Oh no. This is elite athlete development—and The Royal Stables has rounded up a dream team worthy of a sports movie montage.
- Laura Richardson, Performance Manager a.k.a. the captain of the ship, brings a treasure chest of elite sports knowledge to craft the perfect environment for these para-athletes to thrive.
- Russell Mackechnie-Guire, the Technical Lead with a PhD in equine biomechanics. Basically, he speaks fluent horse science.
- Mohamed Dahdouh, Team Physio and the person responsible for making sure no one pulls a muscle while chasing greatness.
- Krish Someshwar, Team Vet, keeping the equine MVPs in tip-top condition.
Oh, and did we mention they’ve got a Racewood Simulator? Yep, it’s like a flight simulator but for horses. It lets riders train in a safe, controlled environment while serving up super-specific feedback to sharpen their form. Kind of like riding a robotic unicorn that’s secretly a personal trainer.
Bonus: this high-tech marvel is also available for public bookings, so even non-para riders can take it for a spin (or a trot).
Join the Journey—Yes, You!
If you’re an aspiring Emirati para-athlete with Olympic-sized dreams—or even a flicker of interest in para dressage—this is your sign. The Royal Stables is actively scouting for talent to join this historic initiative, and they’re not just stopping at athletes. They’re also rallying sponsors, partners, and community cheerleaders to support this ride toward Los Angeles.
As H.E. Buthaina Abdullah Mohamed Ali Al Mazrouei put it, “This initiative is a testament to our dedication to fostering talent and breaking barriers in equestrian sports.” Translation: it’s a big deal, and they want you to be part of it.
So whether you’re an athlete, a sponsor, or someone who just really loves horses, this is your invitation to join a legacy in the making. Trust us—come 2028, when Team UAE trots into that Paralympic arena, you’ll want to say, “I was part of that.”
Save the Date, Horse Lovers
The official launch is happening on April 10th at 4:00 PM in the historic Sheikh Zayed Majlis. Expect an afternoon of inspiration, ambition, and maybe a few happy tears (we won’t judge).
So dust off your boots, mark your calendars, and get ready to cheer—because The Royal Stables just took the reins, and the journey to LA 2028 has officially begun.
