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The Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba is hosting the Global Endurance Forum from February 9-11, 2026, bringing together leading experts and specialists from around the world. The three-day event marks a significant gathering for the international endurance riding community in Abu Dhabi.
According to official announcements, the forum opened its proceedings on Monday morning at the Al Wathba Hotel. The inaugural session features presentations covering breeding, nutrition, and rider skills development in endurance sports, as reported by the Emirates News Agency.
International Experts Lead Endurance Forum Sessions
The global endurance forum features participation from prominent veterinarians and equestrian specialists. Dr. Jeremy Cotto, Dr. Gerard Lario, and Dr. Abdelwahab Amira are among the medical experts leading discussions on equine health and performance.
Additionally, the program includes presentations from Youssef bin Taher, Sean Bauman, and Tarsha Walsh, who bring practical expertise from the competitive endurance riding field. Dr. Asim Al Hatini, Dr. Sufian Alam Al Din, Dr. Ahmed Al Jassasi, and Dr. Sayed Al Rifai complete the expert panel addressing various aspects of endurance competition.
Focus on Breeding and Nutrition for Endurance Horses
The forum’s agenda emphasizes critical components of endurance horse development and care. Sessions on breeding aim to enhance understanding of genetic selection for endurance capabilities, while nutrition workshops address optimal feeding strategies for horses competing in long-distance events.
However, specific details about individual session topics and scheduled presentation times have not been publicly released. The organizers have confirmed that both male and female riders will participate in discussions about rider skills and techniques specific to endurance competition.
Abu Dhabi’s Role in International Endurance Sports
The Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba serves as a premier facility for endurance riding in the Middle East. The venue regularly hosts international competitions and educational events that contribute to the sport’s development across the region.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has established itself as a major hub for endurance riding globally. The country’s investment in state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to hosting international gatherings reinforces its position in the equestrian sports community.
In contrast to traditional equestrian disciplines, endurance riding tests both horse and rider stamina over extended distances. The sport requires specialized knowledge in veterinary care, strategic pacing, and careful management of the horse’s physical condition throughout competitions.
Knowledge Exchange Advances Endurance Riding Standards
The gathering of international specialists at the global endurance forum provides opportunities for knowledge transfer and best practice sharing. Experts from different countries bring diverse perspectives on training methodologies, veterinary protocols, and competition management strategies.
Furthermore, the forum addresses evolving standards in equine welfare and competition safety. Discussions on nutrition and breeding contribute to improved understanding of how to prepare horses for the physical demands of endurance events while maintaining their health and wellbeing.
The multi-day format allows participants to engage in detailed technical discussions across the three core areas of focus. According to the announcement, the forum structure enables comprehensive coverage of topics relevant to trainers, riders, veterinarians, and breeders involved in endurance sports.
The forum concludes on February 11, though organizers have not announced whether additional sessions or follow-up events are planned. The outcomes and recommendations from the expert discussions are expected to inform practices within the endurance riding community, though no timeline for publishing findings has been specified.
