Riders and horses in perfect partnership
Endurance racing is one of the most demanding equestrian disciplines — a combination of speed, stamina, and strategy played out over long distances across challenging terrain. At the Emirates International Endurance Village, riders and their Arabian horses push the limits of their partnership in races that test every dimension of athletic ability.
From the first loop to the final gallop across the finish line, endurance racing requires meticulous strategy, precise horse management, and a deep understanding of equine physiology. Races are divided into loops with mandatory vet gate stops — where horses are checked for heart rate, hydration, and soundness before they can continue.
A race divided into loops — each one a test of endurance.
Every endurance race at EIEV follows a structured format of loops and vet gates — designed to test horses and riders progressively while prioritising equine welfare at every stage.
Loop 1: The Opening
Riders set the pace in the opening loop, finding rhythm and positioning while conserving energy for the challenges ahead.
Vet Gate: The Checkpoint
At each vet gate, horses undergo mandatory health checks — heart rate, hydration, soundness — before being cleared to continue.
Final Loop: The Finish
With the final vet gate cleared, riders push for the finish line — where stamina and strategy meet their ultimate reward.
Each race is divided into consecutive loops separated by mandatory vet gates — testing endurance at every stage
Horses are assessed at each gate for heart rate recovery, hydration, and gait soundness before being cleared to continue
The final loop brings riders home — where cumulative time across all loops determines the winner
Nine cups. Nine stories of endurance excellence.
Each event in EIEV's endurance calendar carries its own heritage — from the national pride of Union Day to the prestige of The President's Cup. These are the races that define the season.
Cup 01
Union Day Cup
Endurance is not speed — it's strategy, patience, and heart. The EIEV Union Day Cup celebrates the spirit of the nation through every stride.
Cup 02
HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak — Ladies Endurance Cup
Grace in motion. Where women lead, endurance follows. A cup that honours strength and elegance in equal measure.
Cup 03
Sheikha Fatima bint Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ladies Cup
A distinguished highlight in the UAE's endurance racing calendar — celebrating the strength, skill, and determination of female riders.
Cup 04
Sheikh Mohammed bin Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan — Private Owners
Hosted at the prestigious EIEV Endurance Village, this race showcases the depth of talent within privately owned stables across the UAE.
Cup 05
Emirates Arabian Horses Cup — Endurance
Born for endurance. Bred for greatness. Where Arabian heritage meets the pursuit of champions at full stride.
Cup 06
The President of UAE Endurance Cup
At the highest level, endurance becomes legacy. The ultimate expression of equestrian excellence on the EIEV calendar.
Cup 07
Abu Dhabi Festival Endurance Cup — Ladies Ride
Grace in every stride. The ladies' centrepiece of the Abu Dhabi Festival — where elegance and endurance unite under the desert sky.
Cup 08
Sheikh Zayed bin Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup — Private Owners
Where legacy leads and endurance defines champions. A tribute to heritage through the finest privately owned Arabian horses in the region.
Cup 09
Abu Dhabi Festival Endurance Cup
Endurance is not just a race — it's a statement. The grand finale of the Abu Dhabi Festival, where the season's finest riders claim their place in history.
Moments of endurance, power, and grace.
Captured at EIEV — the beauty and intensity of endurance racing at Al Wathba.
At full stride
Championship field
The long course
Arabian grace
EIEV riders
Al Wathba dawn
Be part of endurance history at EIEV.
Whether you're a rider, trainer, owner, or passionate supporter of the sport — EIEV's endurance programme welcomes you. Explore our event calendar, follow live results, or reach out to join a tradition of excellence.