Abu Dhabi: Emirati girls can do well, says Hessa - Jan 16 2008

Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter

Abu Dhabi: Shaikha Hessa Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan said Emirati girls were now getting the opportunity to take part in competitive riding and very soon they will gain success at the highest level.

Speaking to Gulf News at the Al Asayel Endurance Village in Sweihan yesterday, Shaikha Hessa said: "Emirati girls had not quite had the chance to compete, but now they were coming out. Over the last few years we have had some good competitions here," she said.

"Ladies rides have been catching up and are more competitive now as was seen in last year's Al Asayel Challenge. Very soon Emirati girls will be able to compete against the boys and hopefully make it to the UAE team," she added.

Immense support

Shaikha Hessa, who will be riding Sabee in Friday's 100km Dr. Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Challenge Round 1, said she has been supported a lot by her father. "But for him all this would not have been possible. My elder sister Shaikha Alyazia, who won last year's Three-round Challenge, also helps me," said Shaikha Hessa, who is in her final year at Zayed University.

"I am doing my internship in my subjects (International Studies and English Literature) and of late have had more time to train here," she said.

"Arabian horses are very good-looking, tough and they try hard. It is nice to work with them," Shaikha Hessa said.

More...