Equine centre gets 200 horse gift DUBAI: Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has gifted 200 horses to the Arabian Ranches' Equine Centre ahead of its planned opening in December.
The equine centre is part of the Arabian Ranches development launched by Dubai-based Emaar Properties last month. The centre will be the only one of its kind in the region to combine horse riding, polo, dressage and show jumping. With 300 stables, the centre will also be the new home for the Dubai Polo Club, which closed recently in Nad Al Sheba. Fifty of the horses at the centre will be dedicated polo ponies. "The Equine Centre will be a major attraction for Arabian Ranches residents and the community," said equestrian and polo central manager Mohamed Ahmed Al Humairi, a UAE polo player with 18 years in the sport. "Everyone will be catered to, from the novice rider to the experienced polo player." Two turf polo fields, each measuring 300 by 160 yards, will meet international competition standards. There will also be a grass practice field, and arenas for dressage and show jumping, and a shaded grandstand to provide spectators with a prime view of all the equestrian action. Every four horses will have their own groom, and there will be resident trainers, farriers and a vet with access to a fully equipped treatment room. Construction work is set to being on the stables and the centre's clubhouse next month.