The Royal Stables Abu Dhabi to develop UAE Para Dressage team for LA Paralympic Games

The Royal Stables in Abu Dhabi announced the launch of a ground breaking initiative aimed at developing a competitive para dressage team to represent the UAE at the upcoming Los Angeles Paralympic Games in 2028.

The Para Dressage Performance Programme underscores The Royal Stables' commitment to promoting inclusivity and excellence, following the founding vision of His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

With a mission to empower para-athletes and inspire future generations, The Royal Stables is actively seeking potential Emirati athletes to join the development pathway, sponsorship partners and community support to bring this ambitious vision to life. This project is a unique opportunity to be part of a historic journey toward the Paralympic Games, championing diversity and breaking barriers in equestrian sports.

An International Equestrian Federation (FEI) governed discipline, Para Dressage is conducted under the same basic rules as the sport of Dressage, the highest expression of horse training, adjusted for athletes of determination. Athletes perform at a walk, trot and canter, executing tests ridden from memory that follow a prescribed pattern of movements, with the test difficulty determined by the athlete’s graded level of impairment.

Athletes are graded according to the severity of the impairment, ranging from Grade I—most severe impairments that usually require the use of a wheelchair—up to Grade V, which is classified as a mild impairment of movement or muscle strength or visual impairment.

Para Dressage is the only Equestrian discipline included in the Paralympic Games, where it has been a regular fixture since 1996. The Paralympic Games are the second largest sporting event in the world after the Olympic Games and are contested immediately after the Olympic Games in the same city and at the same venue.

The Royal Stables has assembled a team of distinguished experts to manage this project, spearheaded by Performance Manager Laura Richardson, bringing her extensive experience in elite sports management to optimise athlete development and competitive success; and Russell Mackechnie-Guire as the Technical Lead, whose PhD in equine biomechanics and vast expertise will provide a scientific edge to training and performance strategies.

Other pivotal players include Mohamed Dahdouh as the Team Physiotherapist, focusing on injury prevention, rehabilitation and enhancing athlete mobility and strength; and Krish Someshwar as the Team Veterinarian, ensuring the highest standard of equine health and welfare.

As part of this innovative development program, The Royal Stables has also acquired a Racewood Simulator, a cutting-edge equestrian training tool that provides a safe and controlled environment for athletes to hone their skills. The simulator will play a vital role in the para dressage team’s training, offering customised data and feedback and enhancing rider confidence and technique. Additionally, the Racewood Simulator will be available for bookings outside of the para programme, making this advanced technology accessible to the wider equestrian community.

Buthaina Abdullah Mohamed Ali Al Mazrouei, Member of the Board at The Royal Stables expressed immense pride in the launch of the project, stating, “This initiative is a testament to our dedication to fostering talent and breaking barriers in equestrian sports. We are thrilled to support our para-athletes in achieving their Paralympic Games dreams.”

The Royal Stables invites all aspiring para dressage athletes, who meet the eligibility criteria, to apply to participate in upcoming talent identification events. They are also calling on sponsors and partners who are passionate about equestrian sports, supporting para-athletes and contributing to the success of this inspiring journey.

Richardson, General Manager of The Royal Stables commented, “Our mission is to create an inclusive and empowering environment where every aspiring para dressage athlete can reach their full potential. With the leadership of our exceptional team, the support of our community and the backing of visionary sponsors, we are excited to embark on this journey to the Paralympic Games and showcase the incredible talent from the UAE.”