UAE Tent-Pegging Team Gears Up for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation has unveiled the preparations for the national tent-pegging team as they get ready for the upcoming qualifiers for the 2026 Tent-Pegging World Cup. The qualifiers are scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, from December 7 to 13, and the UAE team is diligently working to attain peak performance ahead of their journey.

According to the draw, the UAE has been placed in Group 4, which features Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen, Australia, Libya, and Canada. This lineup is one of the most competitive, and the UAE will need to exhibit high levels of performance to secure qualification. Despite the tough competition, the team maintains a positive spirit.

Currently, the team is undergoing an intensive training camp in Abu Dhabi, with riders entering various local competitions in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. These events allow them to refine their skills, enhance accuracy, and prepare comprehensively for the forthcoming qualifiers. The training also emphasizes teamwork, concentration, and the vital communication between riders and their horses, which are crucial aspects of tent-pegging.

The team plans to arrive in Cairo at the start of next month to finalize arrangements prior to the qualifiers. This includes health checks for horses, reviewing the competition arena, attending the technical meeting, and confirming draw procedures. These activities are pivotal in preventing any last-minute issues and ensuring smooth participation.

Dr. Ghanem Mohammed Al Hajri, Secretary-General of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, expressed confidence in the UAE team's capabilities, stating that qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is a primary goal for the federation. He acknowledged the skills, strength, and determination of the riders and commended their dedicated support team for their relentless efforts in preparing for this significant event.

Tent-pegging is a sport demanding precision, agility, and coordination between rider and horse. The UAE's storied equestrian tradition continues to foster and promote its athletes. Participating in the qualifiers adds another chapter in demonstrating the UAE’s prowess on the global sports arena. A successful qualification would open the doors to the 2026 World Cup, where elite tent-pegging teams from around the globe will vie for the ultimate title.

The team’s endeavor showcases the UAE’s pledge to excellence in sports. Their relentless pursuit to succeed and represent the nation honors the UAE’s sports culture and commitment to supporting athletes. With the qualifiers on the horizon, the excitement builds among supporters, who eagerly look forward to the UAE team's chance to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.