His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival 2026 to begin on 6 January

Festival brings together the world’s leading endurance riders, placing Dubai at the centre of the global endurance calendar

19th edition opens with the 120 km Ladies ride, the first of four events on the festival programme

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 5 January 2026: Dubai is set to host the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival 2026 at Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) in Seih Al Salam, with the competition set to begin on 6 January.

Held under the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the festival will bring together the world’s leading endurance riders, placing Dubai at the centre of the global endurance calendar.

One of the most prestigious competitions in the sport, the festival is held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, a World Endurance Champion whose long-standing support has played a central role in the development of equestrian sport. The festival reflects the UAE’s commitment to the development of equestrian sport and the delivery of world-class sporting events, while further reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for endurance riding. Since its inception, the festival has attracted elite riders and leading endurance stables from around the world.

Organised by Dubai Equestrian Club, the 19th edition gets underway on Tuesday, 6 January with the 120 km His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Ladies, sponsored by Azizi Developments. The Ladies ride is the first of four events on the festival programme and will be followed the next day by the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Private Stables over 120 km. The competition includes a dedicated incentive to support Emirati 

breeders.

The 120 km Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares, sponsored by Al Tayer Motors, will take place on Thursday, 8 January, with the festival concluding on Saturday, 10 January with the 160 km His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline.

Over the years, the festival has played a significant role in raising competitive standards while showcasing the UAE’s advanced organisational capabilities in hosting major equestrian championships to the highest international standards.

Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Dubai Equestrian Club, said the festival has continued to evolve and strengthen its global standing thanks to the unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reflecting his vision of establishing Dubai as a leading global destination for endurance riding.

Ahmed Rashed Mohammed Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, said preparations have been completed at the state-of-the-art Dubai International Endurance City to welcome riders from around the world. He noted that the festival represents a key fixture on the international endurance calendar and that DIEC provides a highly competitive environment for athletes, while offering an engaging experience for spectators and guests.

Al Kaabi said Dubai Equestrian Club continues to play a key role in advancing endurance riding at the international level, with the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival reflecting the UAE’s leadership in delivering competitions that meet the highest standards of the sport.

Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations (Centre), said: “We are proud to sponsor the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, a landmark event on the global equestrian calendar that reflects His Highness’s vision to advance endurance riding and elevate the sport’s international standing. This sponsorship is a natural extension of our long-standing commitment to supporting heritage sports that are deeply rooted in our identity and values, that reflect the discipline and excellence we uphold at Emirates.

“The event also reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for world-class equestrian competitions, bringing together elite riders and horses from around the world. We look forward to yet another exciting edition of the championship that builds on its strong legacy and delivers a high-calibre sporting experience for participants and audiences alike.”

Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Developments and Azizi Group, said: “We are proud to once again be part of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival, one of the most prestigious fixtures in the global endurance calendar. Equestrianism is deeply embedded in the UAE’s culture and heritage, and Dubai continues to exemplify world-class hospitality and leadership in

hosting events of this scale. Sponsoring this festival for the ninth consecutive year reflects our enduring commitment to initiatives that unite communities, celebrate excellence, and enrich lives.”

Al Tayer Motors and Defender will sponsor the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares for the 15th time and will be giving away vehicles, including Defenders, as prizes to the winners.

Mona Hasan Sadoun, Vice President Customer Experience and Marketing, Al Tayer Motors, said: “We are honoured to be part of this iconic festival, reaffirming our commitment to the UAE’s equestrian community and local sporting events. Beyond showcasing our Defender range, renowned worldwide for their durability and all-terrain capability, we take pride in supporting initiatives that celebrate heritage, foster community engagement, and strengthen the spirit of sportsmanship across the nation.”

At the 2025 edition, MRM Stables claimed both the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup and the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares, following victories by Saif Al Mazrouei riding Magic Glenn Torque and Bullio Ahnu, respectively, while the Ladies Cup was won by Seeh Al Salam Endurance Stables after Zamzam Hamad Al Hosani secured victory riding Dorzok.

The Private Stables competition was claimed by Al Awasif Stables, with Ali Mohammed Al Blooshi taking the title riding Sandine Raptor.

Top photo Left to right: Ahmed Rashid Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, HE Khalifa Thani bin Obood Al Falasi, Board Member of Dubai Equestrian Club, and Dr Ghanem Al Hajri Secretary General of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation (UAEERF)

Great Britain: Chichester rider and former racehorse shortlisted for national equestrian award

Sussexexpress.co.uk - Full Article

By Henry Bryant
Published 22nd Dec 2025

A West Sussex endurance rider and her former racehorse are celebrating national recognition after being shortlisted for one of British racing’s most respected honours.

Alex Embiricos, from Kirdford near Chichester, and her horse Cru Bourgeois have been named finalists for the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust RoR Partnership of the Year Award at the 2026 RoR Awards, supported by The Jockey Club.

The award recognises inspirational partnerships involving former racehorses and celebrates not only sporting success, but resilience, welfare and positive impact beyond racing.

Cru Bourgeois arrived in the UK from Ireland as a failed racehorse and faced serious health challenges. He was underweight, lacking confidence and later developed severe abscesses diagnosed as keratoma, followed by stress induced laminitis.

Under Alex’s care, alongside specialist veterinary support, Cru recovered and began an entirely new career in endurance riding...

Read more here:
https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/people/chichester-rider-and-former-racehorse-shortlisted-for-national-equestrian-award-5451566

2025: The Year in Endurance

FEI.org - Full Article

by Stacey Stearns

Horsemanship and sportsmanship defined the year...

The 2025 Endurance season showcased the sport’s increasing depth, global reach, and renewed energy – from Europe to Asia, and from rising youth stars to the most seasoned senior competitors.

The year’s defining themes were renewal, youth, and continuity: experienced champions continued to deliver at the highest level while a new generation of riders and nations made remarkable strides.

Throughout the season, one constant shone through – the extraordinary partnership between equine and human athletes and the global community that supports them. These partnerships remain the foundation of Endurance.

Senior and continental champions crowned

Europe’s top riders met in June at Castiglione del Lago (ITA) for a memorable edition of the FEI Endurance European Championship.

The Netherlands’ Marijke Visser and Chaitana des Chaises claimed Individual gold with a performance that blended tactical precision, pace management, and the unmistakable trust between horse and rider over a 160km track. The Netherlands also captured Team bronze.

“When we reached the last kilometres, I asked Chaitana to take the lead,” Visser said. “She knew it was showtime. I was still trying to control her speed, but she took over the game. Chaitana won the gold for us. She made us so proud...”

Read more at:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/2025-year-endurance-review

Endurance GB congratulates Jane on Livery Live Para National Championship League success

EnduranceGB.co.uk - full article

Bella Fricker
Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Endurance GB congratulates Jane, winner of the Livery Live Para Emerald Championship. Her journey with Grace celebrates inclusion, partnership and progress, showing how Para Endurance opens the sport to everyone.

Endurance GB is delighted to congratulate Jane Atack, winner of the Livery Live Para National Championship League – Emerald Championship (under 30km).

The Para National Championship Leagues recognise cumulative points achieved across the season within specific distance bands. They celebrate not just performance on the day, but progress, versatility and long-term commitment to the sport. Jane’s Emerald Championship win perfectly embodies the spirit of Para Endurance: opening the door to endurance riding and encouraging more people to give it a go, whatever their ability or background.

Jane’s endurance journey began not with medals in mind, but with a horse called Grace — and a desire to explore the countryside safely...

Read more here:
https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/Endurance+GB+congratulates+Jane+on+Livery+Live+Para+National+Championship+League+success

AlUla Organizing Committee Commits to Track Modifications Ahead of February Showdown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

AlUla Organizing Committee Commits to Track Modifications Ahead of February Showdown

ALULA, KSA — December 12, 2025 — Following the grueling technical challenge of the November 28th Test Event, which saw a completion rate of just 38% among the CEI 3* field, the AlUla Organizing Committee (OC) has moved swiftly to address the concerns of the international delegation. With the AlFursan Cup in February 2026 serving as the final "dress rehearsal" for the World Championship, the focus has shifted entirely from celebrating the venue's beauty to refining its rideability.

Framing their response to the high attrition rate, the OC issued a decisive statement this morning acknowledging the "unforgiving nature" of the volcanic sectors in Loop 3. "We have analyzed the veterinary data and rider feedback from the November test, and while the technical challenge is intentional, we are committed to grading the volcanic rock sections to ensure the welfare of the horse remains paramount," the statement read. "For the February AlFursan Cup, competitors will see significant adjustments to the footing in the Ashar Valley transitions, ensuring a fairer test that rewards horsemanship without punishing soundness."

This commitment signals a critical pivot for the February event. National Federations, particularly those from Europe and the Americas who struggled with the "concussion zones" in November, can now expect a modified track layout that retains the stunning backdrop of Hegra but offers more forgiving avenues through the infamous "Black Rock" canyons. The AlFursan Cup will now serve not just as a race, but as the final proof-of-concept for these modifications, determining whether the 2026 World Championship will be a race of speed or a test of pure survival.

[More ...]

Penticton rider qualifies for world’s toughest horse race

PentictonHerald.ca - Full Article

Special to the Herald Dec 5, 2025

Penticton equestrian instructor and horse trainer Michelle Van Baalen has qualified to compete in the 2027 Mongol Derby, widely regarded as the longest and toughest horse race in the world.

The race spans 1,000 kilometres across the Mongolian steppe, with riders spending up to 12 hours a day in the saddle for 10 days. Competitors change horses approximately every 35 kilometres, relying on stamina, navigation skills and resilience to endure the harsh and unpredictable terrain.

“The Mongol Derby is as much about teamwork and survival as it is about racing,” organizers note. Riders must be capable outdoorspeople, prepared to navigate remote countryside and face extreme weather conditions.

Van Baalen’s extensive background in multiple riding disciplines—Hunter Jumper, Rodeo and Endurance—along with her strong outdoor skills, helped her secure a place in the elite international event...

Read more here:
https://www.pentictonherald.ca/sports/article_73ec3141-ab88-4b47-8280-724d83a2679f.html

Saudi Arabia: AlUla's Unique Terrains Offer Ideal Setting For Endurance Racing Ahead Of 2026 Championship

OneArabia.me - Full Article

By OneArabia
Published: November 30, 2025

The AlUla Governorate's diverse landscapes offer a prime setting for endurance races. Its natural trails and unique geological features span valleys, plains, and deserts. This environment is perfect for testing horses and riders to international standards, adding a competitive edge to the sport.

AlUla's racecourses are known for their smoothness and variety. They feature hard sandy terrain, rocky paths, and open spaces. These courses pass through rare rock formations, creating a cohesive natural landscape that enhances the technical level of races and enriches the experience for participants and spectators alike.

In preparation for hosting the 2026 FEI Endurance World Championship, AlUla is developing a new course. This course will traverse the ancient archaeological site of Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This adds a unique cultural dimension to the event...

Read more here:
https://www.onearabia.me/local/alula-endurance-racing-experience-2026-championship-011-133351.html