Dressage-News

April 15, 2024

The three American horses and all 14 others at the World Cup Final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia passed the veterinary inspection Monday while the U.S. riders all in their first world championship had high praise for the facilities and the organization that has created the first event of its stature in the Middle East.

“The venue is impressive yet inviting and very comfortable for the horses,” said Kevin Kohmann of Wellington, Florida who is in Riyadh with Dünensee, the 15-year-old Hanoverian gelding. “It really has been an incredible experience so far. Not what I expected.

“The stables are safe and perfectly climate-controlled with air conditioning. Even the wash stalls are thought out and clean and safe. We were able to get into the main arena now after the jog for the first time. The footing is fantastic. The walk from the barn takes about three minutes on safe rubber and canopies overhead.”

They experienced their first sandstorm–palm trees blown sideways and eye glasses needed to protect eyes.

“It was quite an experience,” he said, “but the horses were quiet inside the barn. I rode in the small warm up ring (not the stadium) during the storm and it was loud from wind because it’s a large air conditioned tent, but it’s completely enclosed to be very safe.”

A couple of issues.

No Americans, jumping or dressage, have been able to get a table or even a seat in the VIP. All sold out but apparently no one received any advance notice.

Many are accompanied by family and owners, such as Kevin’s wife, Devon Kane and his mother-in-law Terri Kane, Dünensee’s owner, and Amy Ebeling, mother of Benjamin Ebeling.

A question about the hotels, too. Judges, grooms and jumper riders are staying in a nicer hotel within walking distance of the venue. Dressage riders have to use shuttles for the 10-minute ride away.

As Saudi Arabia does not permit the sale of alcohol and there are, obviously, no bars, the camaraderie between riders that’s typical of such events is lacking.

Ben Ebeling, also based in Wellington and the youngest dressage rider in the competition, said that Indeed, the 16-year-old Danish Warmblood mare, as an experienced traveler had a “really fantastic trip.”

“She’s arrived in Saudi Arabia ready to go, feeling great,” he said. “Today was her first training day in the main arena; I’m very happy that she is feeling so fresh and energized.

“Overall, the last few days in Riyadh have been a great adventure. It’s been very interesting to learn about the culture, seeing some of the old traditions mixed with new age ideas and technology–it was not what I first imagined it would be like. The food is incredible and the people are very welcoming to visitors.

“The venue has been designed for this event. It is very horse friendly and impressive. Everything is air conditioned, well managed for the horses’ comfort.”

Anna Marek of the Ocala area community of Dunnellon, said that after the jog riding in the main arena was permitted for the first time, as she did with Fayvel, the 14-year-old gelding she is competing.

“The trip has been wonderful so far,” she said and provided the following photo of the stadium that she described as “beautiful.”

The dressage World Cup Grand Prix is scheduled for Wednesday and the Freestyle Friday.