Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club is broadening its development initiatives for aspiring riders and students through the Fares Abu Dhabi programme. The expansion aims to provide participants with the essential skills and opportunities necessary to thrive amid the rapid growth of equestrian sports in the region.
The initiative operates under the patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club. It is executed with support from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and in close coordination with both the Ministry of Education and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).
Following its successful launch, the programme has seen strong engagement across various age demographics. The initiative combines theoretical instruction with practical field training and school outreach, which has effectively sparked interest among students looking to master horse riding. As part of this latest phase, 10 young Emirati riders have enrolled in the current training cycle at the Ghantoot facilities. The club also announced that 10 young Emirati riders have joined the training programmes currently underway at Ghantoot Club.
These participants are working under the guidance of specialized coaches to refine their talents, reflecting the club’s strategic vision to cultivate competitive athletes. The ultimate goal is to nurture a promising new generation of riders capable of competing in local and international tournaments.
Ahmed Ali Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of the club, stated that the development of youth remains a top strategic priority directed by Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the nation’s equestrian heritage by teaching younger generations the fundamentals, techniques, and rules of polo and traditional horsemanship. Passing this rich sporting legacy on to younger generations, and providing them with comprehensive training in the fundamentals, rules, and techniques of horse riding and polo, alongside other traditional sports that strengthen connections between generations, he highlighted the importance of preserving the heritage and traditional values associated with polo.
Al Nuaimi credited the success of the initiative to robust collaborations with strategic partners, including the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and educational authorities. He noted that these partnerships are instrumental in creating a clear pathway for future champions, identifying emerging talent, and implementing training methodologies that align with international professional standards.
