Dubai International Horse Fair provides ideal platform for cutting edge technologies that are making strides in the equine industry

Families, horse enthusiasts and regional equine professionals flock to the event to enjoy exciting line-up of Arabian horses, performances and latest industry advancements
 
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The 10th Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) has provided the ultimate arena for the regional equine industry where the latest technological advancements can be accessed together with the most exquisite Arabian beauties on show. Meanwhile the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, held alongside the Dubai International Horse Fair, is set to unveil the world’s best purebred Arabian horses that will be judged for their beauty, agility and heritage with prize money of USD4 million (AED15 million) up for grabs.

Currently taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre until tomorrow (23 March), the Dubai International Horse Fair showcases the widest range of international equine products, services, equipment and technology for horse owners, breeders and equine professionals in the Middle East. Additionally, event will also provide several exciting activities for families and the general public including polo demonstrations, an equestrian-themed Art Gallery, Heritage Village and Horse Auction for Arabian Purebred Horses (Saturday 22 March) among others.

International technology launch
Launching internationally at Dubai International Horse Fair are exhibitor Racewood’s Interactive Jumping Simulator and RS Racetrainer. The equipment saw interest from a variety of customers from the show jumping and cross-country industry, said Bill Greenwood, Managing Director and inventor of the new technology. The jumping simulator can be used by beginners and professionals alike and offers the rider the most realistic and interactive riding experience in a safe and controlled environment. The simulator aims to perfect the rider’s technique skill and positioning due to sensors on the head, saddle, neck, bit and leg, which mimic the exact movement of a real horse. The RS Racetrainer is an unmotorised gym trainer used by jockeys to improve technique, increase stamina and lose weight and can be interactive using a smart phone or iPad or tablet device.

Human therapies modified for horses
Dubbed “yoghurt for horses”, Edhya Natural Equine Supplements is the first product of its kind in the world according Edhya founder and Managing Director, Yves Dulin at the France country pavilion. “This is a unique product in the world because it uses live and active bacteria, much like the probiotic yoghurt humans eat. It has an immediate effect on horses - other products take 12 hours to take effect - and addresses the problem of gastric ulcers in horses and promotes healthy intestinal flora,” said Dulin. Veterinarians, professional trainers and those working in horse racing, endurance racing and show jumping have shown keen interest in the product. Edhya Myo-Gard and Edhya Form supplements are distributed by local equine company Al Awani, also exhibiting at Dubai International Horse Fair.

Horses also get to experience the latest in fitness equipment such as the “TheraPlate” Vortex Wave Circulation Stimulation Technology, which can be compared to the vibrating Power Plate equipment found in many gyms. The TheraPlate is a large vibrating plate that offers several benefits to horses including increased blood circulation, improved joint health and function, faster healing, reduction of swelling and inflammation, pain relief among several others. The product is distributed by Sharjah-based company Brentwood Horse Accessories, which distributes the product across the GCC region.

Spas are not only meant for pampered human beings - horses also get five-star treatment with the Khail Spa Equine Hydrotherapy Spa System distributed by Al Khail Equestrian Equipments. Taking a natural approach to healing, horses can use the spa, which is a deep long trough of water, to mimic the motion of sea currents as this was the traditional method of training and easing stress in the legs. The cold salt water spa is regarded as a vital treatment in reducing inflammation in lower leg injuries and accelerating the body’s natural healing processes. Spa therapy can also treat injured tendons, ligaments, shins, hooves, wounds, cuts and bruises.

Fun for the whole family
In addition to showcasing the region’s lucrative equine industry, the Dubai International Horse Fair will provide several exciting activities for families and the general public including polo demonstrations organised by the Dubai Polo Club and Equestrian Club, an equestrian-themed Art Gallery and a celebration of local culture at the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) organised Heritage Village, which will showcase the UAE’s authentic cuisine, clothing, handicraft, calligraphy and more.

Elsewhere, 100 Arabian horse breeds of best-in-class pedigree from local studs will go under the hammer at the Horse Auction for Arabian Purebred Horses. Held tomorrow (Saturday 22 March), the auction is anticipated to attract hundreds of prospective regional buyers.

With more than 200 participating companies and brands from five continents represented at the Fair, new country participants include France, Iran, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Tanzania. Leading international and local companies and organisations will showcase a range of products and services to cater to the burgeoning regional equine industry. Participating companies include Ajman Stud, Al Hawajer Stud, Dubai Arabian Stud, Dubai Equine Hospital, Dubai Racing Channel Studio, Jebel Ali Racecourse and Shadwell Stud, based in the United Kingdom, among others.

The Dubai International Horse Fair 2014 will be held in Halls 7 and 8 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Opening hours are 11am - 8pm on 20 and 22 March and from 2pm - 8pm on 21 March. Admission is free of charge and open to trade visitors and the general public. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.