Where is AlUla and why is it so famous?
Located 300km north of AlMedina, AlUla is one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and the ancient city holds historical significance for being stationed at the crossroads of The Silk Road and The Incense Route.
The awe-inspiring sites of Hegra, Dadan, Jabal Ikmah and AlUla Old Town have – in comparison to the more than 200,000-year-old history of its location – only recently been rediscovered by the modern world and are now major tourist destinations, as is the iconic Elephant Rock. AlUla’s Jabal Ikmah and Jabal AlAqrah contain rock art and inscriptions that date back 8,000 years and feature the relationship between humans and horses across the Arabian Peninsula. It makes AlUla both a must-visit destination for horse lovers.
What is endurance riding?
Endurance riding is an equestrian sport, with rides generally between 80-160km in length that can last anywhere between seven to 15 hours and even longer. Likened to ultra-marathons, they are the toughest tests in the sport for both rider and horse. The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) are the global governing body of endurance racing.
What is The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup 2022 (The Fursan Cup)?
Now in its third edition, The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup 2022 – or Fursan Cup 2022 – takes place on Saturday 29 January, 2022. A two-star classification competition is recognised by the FEI and organised in cooperation with the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation. The Fursan Cup covers a distance of 120 km, with four loops of the track that can take eight hours to complete.
The ride sets the benchmark for the sport and is considered one of the most prestigious events on the circuit. It’s also part of the Winter at Tantora festival that celebrates music and arts in the Kingdom over six-weeks of festivities. Among them are other high-end events and star-studded concerts, as well as adventure and heritage experiences.
Who won the previous rides?
The first ride in 2019 was won by the UAE’s Salem Al KetbDubai’s, riding Blakeridge Indigo, before UAE’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum claimed victory on Utoufa De Lap in 2020.
Who’s taking part this year?
There will be more than 200 riders participating in the 2022 Fursan Cup, travelling from around the world to take part. In total, 30 different nationalities of riders will be represented, while there will also be royal figures from around the region competing.
How do you win?
The rider who crosses the line first isn’t simply named the winner. To be crowned champion, your horse must be passed as in fit condition by an official veterinarian. The welfare of both rider and horse are of paramount importance and there are vet and water check points at least every five kilometres across the track to monitor the health of the participants.
What do you win?
As well as the prestige that comes with finishing any endurance race, there is also a whopping $4.2 million in prize money on offer at the 2022 Fursan Cup.