The competition, a CEI, two-star 120km event, organised by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, is to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

The ride will be in five stages of 32km, 30km, 24km, 20km and 14km respectively featuring horses aged six and above.

The day will also feature the second AGCC Endurance Championship for young riders and juniors which is also a FEI, CEI, two-star event. It will also run over a distance of 100km in four stages of 32km, 30km, 24km and 14km respectively and will feature horses aged six and above. Both competitions are meant exclusively for AGCC nationals and the nominations should come from the respective AGCC Equestrian Federations only.

A strong contingent from Bahrain including some of their finest riders and horses are competing in both categories of rides. Qatar will have a strong presence at the Young Riders and Juniors Competition whereas Saudi Arabia will be participating only in the ride for the seniors.

Proud moment

Hussein Mohammed Hussein, secretary general of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, said: "It is a proud moment for us to host the second AGCC endurance competition in Abu Dhabi. After the success of the first event, which was held in Bahrain in 2003, the AGCC riders are looking forward to come to the UAE to take part in this prestigious event, as UAE has now become an international endurance centre.

"All the preparations are being made at the Emirates International Endurance Village to conduct both the rides on Thursday.

"We consider the competition as an important event for endurance lovers of the Gulf region.