Some of the regions finest equestrian talent will be on show on Friday, 26 January 2007, at the Desert Palm Polo Club, when the third Spinneys Cup will be contested by 56 riders of all ages and standards.
The region’s only one-day event and complete horse trials, encompassing tests of dressage, show jumping and cross-country has attracted a stellar field of competitors this year, each eager to get their hands on the impressive Spinneys Cup and generous prize money.
“Last year’s competition broke all records in terms of prize money, competitors and spectators, and we expect this year to do exactly the same,” explained one of the organizing committee, Alison Abrahams. “More importantly it proves that this unique equestrian event, incorporating the three core disciplines of riding, has a place in the UAE and will assist the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation in developing world class riders who can compete at the top level across the globe – it’s laying the foundations for future successes in sport,” she added.
Run under the regulations of the FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports), the event is now well established on the regional equestrian calendar thanks to the backing of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation and all the major riding clubs in the emirates.
What sets the Spinneys Cup apart from other regional events is the inclusion of a 3km cross-country course featuring 19 customised jumps, each professionally designed and built to test rider and horse. “The course is arranged around the landscaped polo estate so at no point to they (competitors) head out into the desert,” explained course designer and builder, Robert Thame. “We’ve got ditches, combinations, brush fences, water jumps, even a couple of boats out there on the course, each of which provides a new test to riders out here, but a test they will enjoy and ultimately learn from. Believe me it’s a huge satisfaction when you go clear on any cross country course,” he concluded.
Spinneys, the title sponsor of the event, are keen to promote the sport of eventing across the region, and will also be providing refreshments, including picnic hampers to spectators who are welcome to attend the event at the exclusive Desert Palm Polo Club. All proceeds from refreshments will be donated to the Riding for the Disabled Association of Dubai (RDAD), a charity organisation that offers free riding lessons to children with special needs.
To find out more about the one day event at Desert Palm go to the event website at www.desertpalmeventing.com or call (04) 3238882.
About the Spinneys Cup
The Desert Palm Horse Trials and the Spinneys Cup 2007 at Desert Pam Polo Club takes place on Friday January 26. Those wishing to take part in the event, show their support or find out more about the course should contact Jo Ivimey on 0504517773 or Neil Abrahams on 050 6413053. Alternatively you can go to www.desertpalmeventing.com. Any further media enquiries should be addressed to Tom Urquhart on tomurq@gmail.com or 050 4733299.
About Eventing
Horse trials are made up of three disciplines – dressage, show-jumping and cross-country – which were originally devised to be a test of a horse’s obedience, courage and stamina.
