UAE equestrienne prepares for Pan Arab Games

Farah Al Khojai, the UAE’s first equestrienne to represent her country in the Asian Games, has recently started an intense summer training schedule at the famed German stables, Hof Kasselmann, in preparation for her inaugural appearance at the Pan Arab Games in Qatar this year.

After fulfilling her lifelong dream and representing the UAE in an international sporting event last year, Farah is again focused on achieving more success in the upcoming competitive dressage season.

Setting up her training base at Hof Kasselmann, and accompanied by her competition horse Dubai Duty Free Whisper, Al Khojai will have the opportunity to train alongside some of the world’s top dressage riders.

“The Kasselmann family have been a vital part of my success to date. They have a reputation for training some of the world’s most famous dressage stars. It is a true privilege to spend my summer training at Hof Kasselmann stables. I intend to stay here in Germany until September and fit in as many competitions as possible,” said Farah.

Kasselmann is also a world-renowned horse sales stable. Looking to the future, Farah is currently searching for a second horse that she will have competition-ready in time for the Asian Games 2014.

Farah said: “Competitive dressage horses can only compete at the top level for a certain number of years, so I must plan ahead. I have already tried many of the young horses here, but it is very important to make sure the horse will be the right match.

“I have had much needed help and support from Dubai Duty Free with my current horse, Dubai Duty Free Whisper, who is riding very well for me at the moment.

“It is a very expensive sport to participate in in the higher levels.  I am always looking for sponsors to help with the tremendous costs of it all, every little bit helps.  I aim to promote dressage in the region and hope to inspire other UAE riders.”

Farah Al Khojai plans to return to the UAE in October with her horse(s) and finish her final preparations for the Pan Arab Games which will be held in Qatar from December 2-23.
Interested readers can follow Farah Al Khojai’s progress on her Facebook page www.facebook.com/f.alkhojai.