ShareBy Faten Omar
KUWAIT: Dressage in Kuwait boasts a rich tapestry intricately woven into the nation’s equestrian heritage. Rooted in a centuries-old tradition, Kuwait’s deep-seated connection with horses and horsemanship dates back to the bedouin era, when horsemanship symbolized prestige and skill.
The evolution of this sport in Kuwait seamlessly blends traditional horsemanship with modern equestrian techniques. The commitment to preserving this artistry goes beyond a mere sporting endeavor, embodying a cultural legacy that reflects the values of discipline, grace, and the seamless communication between horse and rider in the Kuwaiti equestrian realm.
Reflecting on Kuwait’s equestrian history, Fajer Al-Sabah, the founder of the Kuwait National Dressage Committee and a member of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports Group 7 Dressage Committee, recalled the dynamic evolution of the sport. In the early 1980s, a significant surge in equestrian activities, particularly favoring showjumping, was catalyzed by Nadia Al-Mutawa’s gold at the Asian Olympics.
Sabah notes that small programs were initiated at a local horse-riding club, culminating in Kuwait’s first-ever dressage competition. “After Charlotte Dujardin of Great Britain won gold at the 2012 London Olympics, dressage experienced a surge in international interest, aided by social media. However, despite growing interest in Kuwait, the lack of discipline in riding centers hindered training opportunities. In 2022, dressage was officially established and recognized as an equestrian discipline under the Kuwait Equestrian Federation,” she said.
Showjumping traditionally dominated Kuwait’s equestrian landscape, with the equestrian federation primarily focusing on it. “The first competition hosted in November 2022 had minimal riders. The second competition saw almost double the participation. The final competition of the 2022/2023 season had over the expected number of participants, with more who intended to join the 2023/2024 season. The interest is growing, and the people are becoming more educated about the sport just by experiencing it firsthand, whether by watching or riding,” Sabah explained.
She highlighted that due to its recent recognition in Kuwait, the sport is still in its nascent stage, resulting in riders currently performing at a relatively lower level. However, with each passing month of rigorous training and each subsequent competition, there’s a marked and swift advancement among the riders, showcasing substantial progress as they ascend the proficiency levels.
In 2023, Kuwaiti riders Abdullah Al-Amer, Ebraheem Esmail and Abdulrahman Al-Houqal ventured into local competitions in the Netherlands. Amer and Esmail secured first place, showcasing their expertise, while Houqal achieved a commendable fourth place, signaling the rapid growth and competitive success of Kuwaiti riders in the international dressage arena.
Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 plan, Sabah mentioned that the committee aims to further promote dressage, especially among young riders in Kuwait. The Group 7 Committee secured approval for two FEI programs — talent identification and national judging. Collaborating with the MENA region committee, European trainers and judges, the committee is dedicated to fostering the growth of dressage in Kuwait and the broader GCC region.
Head Coach Amber Heyer, a top dressage trainer in the Netherlands, visited Kuwait in 2022 to develop a strategic plan for promoting dressage growth in the country and the GCC region. Recognizing the growing interest in the sport, Heyer created a program to enhance dressage, emphasizing its importance for riders in terms of safety and skill development.
“Many jumping riders in Kuwait felt they were lost and barely surviving because they did not know about dressage. Dressage is not only about beautiful movements but the basics of jumping,” she said. Heyer indicated that people in Kuwait are very supportive, and dressage is growing in the community. “It is very important for children and youth. It is safer and they will be better riders,” she added.
Heyer underlined that dressage serves as the foundation of riding and encapsulates fundamental principles essential for both horse and rider. She explains that dressage involves balance, control and precision in movement, and focuses on communication, subtlety and harmony between horse and rider.
Heyer emphasizes that dressage is a form of knowledge, requiring an understanding of the horse’s nature and balance, effective communication and simplicity to ensure the rider’s actions are clear and do not harm the horse. She advocated for starting with dressage for anyone interested in riding, as it provides a fundamental understanding of riding mechanics, ensuring the safety of riders and the comfort of the horse, making a better rider for the future.
