Dressage World Cup Kicks off in Riyadh

Riyadh, April 19, 2024, SPA -- The Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation pulled off a logistical feat, transforming the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center into a world-class equestrian hub in just 35 days.
This impressive turnaround ensured that the venue met the rigorous standards of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and delivered a stage befitting the prestigious Show Jumping and Dressage World Cup, which started on April 17.
The newly named "Arena" serves as the tournament's nerve center, encompassing competition areas, spectator stands, horse stables, and a dedicated events village. The competition fields, boasting a floor weight of 2.5 tons, are a marvel of engineering – a carefully calibrated mix of fiber, light sand, and specialized materials. This innovative blend ensures optimal footing for both riders and horses, maximizing safety and performance.
Every aspect adheres to meticulously defined FEI specifications, overseen by qualified soil experts. The main competition field sprawls across 3,400 square meters, while warm-up areas add an additional 4,600 square meters of training space.
The organizers did not overlook aesthetics either, equipping the enclosed arena with cutting-edge lighting that meets FEI requirements, including dedicated illumination for the opening and closing ceremonies. A colossal 56-square-meter screen situated in the main square ensures that spectators do not miss a single moment of the action.
Horse Haven Established:
Understanding the crucial role of equine comfort, the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation built dedicated stables for participating horses. The state-of-the-art facility boasts a spacious 2,700 square meters and features 81 individual horse stalls, each a generous 12 square meters. These comfortable boxes are equipped with specialized flooring and a unique rotating mechanism, allowing for optimal horse movement within the confines of the stables.
The Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation's commitment to excellence shines through in this remarkable feat. The rapid and meticulous preparation has laid the groundwork for a successful World Cup event, showcasing the Kingdom’s dedication to equestrian sports on the world stage.
The competition, which ends today, April 19, featured a stellar lineup of 51 riders of both genders and 60 horses, representing 24 countries.
-- SPA