UAE riders compete in Special Olympics MENA equestrian games - in pictures

  • Mohammed Al Yamaahi, 14, is among eight Emirati athletes representing the UAE at the Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa Regional Equestrian Competition being held in Al Ain. All photos: Special Olympics UAE
    Mohammed Al Yamaahi, 14, is among eight Emirati athletes representing the UAE at the Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa Regional Equestrian Competition being held in Al Ain. All photos: Special Olympics UAE
  • Four female and four male riders make up the UAE Special Olympics equestrian team
    Four female and four male riders make up the UAE Special Olympics equestrian team
  • Emirati rider Mahra Al Kaabi enjoys the feeling of freedom and the powerful connection with the horse that equestrian sports provide
    Emirati rider Mahra Al Kaabi enjoys the feeling of freedom and the powerful connection with the horse that equestrian sports provide
  • This will be the first international equestrian event for riders such as Al Yamaahi
    This will be the first international equestrian event for riders such as Al Yamaahi
  • The UAE riders will be taking part in events including show jumping, dressage and working trails during the four-day regional competition
    The UAE riders will be taking part in events including show jumping, dressage and working trails during the four-day regional competition
  • UAE Special Olympics riders say speaking to the horses builds a strong bond of loyalty and trust
    UAE Special Olympics riders say speaking to the horses builds a strong bond of loyalty and trust
  • The eight UAE athletes will be among about 40 riders from 10 countries in the competition
    The eight UAE athletes will be among about 40 riders from 10 countries in the competition
  • The Special Olympics equestrian games has a mixture of first-time international contestants and experienced riders
    The Special Olympics equestrian games has a mixture of first-time international contestants and experienced riders
  • Riders say the sport has taught them patience and given them a boost of confidence
    Riders say the sport has taught them patience and given them a boost of confidence
  • The Special Olympics riders are vying for a shot at representing their countries at the World Games in Chile in 2027
    The Special Olympics riders are vying for a shot at representing their countries at the World Games in Chile in 2027
  • Emirati rider Mahra Al Kaabi has won numerous medals in equestrian events in international and regional competitions
    Emirati rider Mahra Al Kaabi has won numerous medals in equestrian events in international and regional competitions
  • The athletes say treating the horses with kindness deepens their bond
    The athletes say treating the horses with kindness deepens their bond
  • Mahra Al Kaabi says the sport gives her both strength and peace of mind
    Mahra Al Kaabi says the sport gives her both strength and peace of mind
  • The regional equestrian games are part of the UAE’s commitment of inclusive sports
    The regional equestrian games are part of the UAE’s commitment of inclusive sports
  • The riders carry the hopes of their families and the nation that they will be champions in the sport
    The riders carry the hopes of their families and the nation that they will be champions in the sport