Riyadh, April 19, 2024, The Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation accomplished an extraordinary logistical achievement by transforming the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center into a world-class equestrian venue within a mere 35 days. This rapid turnaround ensured that the facility met the stringent standards set by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), providing an exceptional stage for the prestigious Show Jumping and Dressage World Cup that commenced on April 17.
The newly designated "Arena" serves as the focal point of the tournament, encompassing competition arenas, grandstands for spectators, horse stables, and a dedicated events village. The competition surfaces, with a floor weight of 2.5 tons, are a marvel of engineering—a carefully balanced composition of fiber, light sand, and specialized materials. This innovative mix ensures optimal footing for both riders and horses, prioritizing safety and performance.
Every detail adheres meticulously to FEI specifications, overseen by qualified soil experts. The main competition area spans an impressive 3,400 square meters, complemented by additional warm-up zones providing 4,600 square meters of training space.
The organizers also paid attention to aesthetics, outfitting the enclosed arena with state-of-the-art lighting that meets FEI standards, including specialized illumination for the opening and closing ceremonies. A massive 56-square-meter screen in the main square ensures that spectators can catch every moment of the action.
Horse Comfort at the Forefront:
Recognizing the paramount importance of equine comfort, the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation constructed dedicated stables for the participating horses. This cutting-edge facility covers a spacious 2,700 square meters and features 81 individual horse stalls, each generously sized at 12 square meters. These comfortable enclosures are equipped with specialized flooring and a unique rotating mechanism, enabling optimal movement for the horses within the stable confines.
The Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation's unwavering commitment to excellence shines through in this remarkable achievement. The swift and meticulous preparations have set the stage for a successful World Cup event, highlighting the Kingdom's dedication to showcasing equestrian sports on the global platform.
The competition, culminating today on April 19, boasted an impressive lineup of 51 riders representing both genders and 60 horses from 24 countries.
