Anybody in Dubai?

[itsonlyme]

Just wondering if anybody here lives in Dabai? My sister has been offered a job out there, managing a riding school. I was just wondering what the standard of care is like out there? I'm not sure if she'd cope if it was poor (like we're currently seeing in Egypt). What's the farriery like? And the tack? And the diets? Are the horses turned out? Probably a completely stupid question, but is there even any grass?!!

Any info greatly appreciated.

Lou

 

[itsonlyme]

Bumpety bump! :-D

 

[Herts05]

Given the fantastic racing they have, no way!
The horses I've seen out there have been stabled at/near Nad Al Sheba (now Mayden). Its the first time I ever saw stables with air conditioning!

When I was there last time a couple of years ago Bob Ellis was course building.

Great facilities and I would say go for it!

Horses don't get turned out from what I've seen though, way too hot and no grazing to speak of. All hay/straw is imported

 

[ebonyallen]

my instructor was offered a job out there, but did not take it, nothiung to do with how they ran things was just too far away. She has friends out there that live and work no horse jobs, can ask her if you like not sure what info she found out.

 

[itsonlyme]

That would be great ebonyallen, yes please.
Herts05, i was sort of thinking that way, but then i sort of imagined the amazingly well-kept Arabians in one part, and poor skinny working horses in another. I think Im thinking of Egypt way too much though!
Her friend is already over there. She's not at all horsey, yet was asked to trim the zebras hooves the other day at the zoo she works at!!! :O I was gobsmacked. I just hope they don't try to do that with the horses too...

 

[shadowboy]

Moat of the gore scene has a very high standard of care but limited turnout due to heat.

 

[shadowboy]

Moat of the horse scene has a very high standard of care but limited turnout due to heat.

 

[Herts05]

Found a couple of links. Hope they help

http://www.poloclubdubai.com/en/category/equestrian/

http://www.jebelali-international.com/properties/jagrs/SportsLeisure/HorseRiding.aspx

 

[blood_magik]

which riding school?
I learnt to ride at jebel Ali EC and kept my first horse there.
my dads horse is at the polo
club and it's lovely

the farriery was good from what I remember - we had a lovely farrier..

diets are similar to out here, assuming you mean for the horses. if you didnt, then it's still petty similar although local food is dirt cheap compared to things like pork, which is pretty dear. my mum pays £6 for a pack of sausages

the tack is the same for riding school although some may have zilco stuff as endurance is a big thing.
all the horses are well cared for and a groom will usually have about 5 or 6 in his care.
it's totally different to the uk. in dubai you can tell your groom that you'll be riding at x time and your horse will be ready and waiting for you to hop on.
it's mostly Indian and Pakistani guys that are grooms. it's very rare to see a female groom - I don't think I did in the 18 years I live there.

turnout depends on which yard you're at. the polo club have sand and a grass paddock for turn out and I sure they get used during the summer. obviously the grass is seeded.
the stable blocks have doors than can be closed to keep the heat out and have Large fans or a/c units to keep the horses cool.
Winter is normally around the 20 degree mark but feels totally different to 20 degrees in the uk.

i think it would be a great experience personally, but then again I know what to expect.
can you ask her which school
it is and I'll try to give you more info

 

[misterjinglejay]

The horses I've seen out there are in very good condition and well cared for.

 

[LissyBear]

Tell your sis to GO FOR IT!!!

I grew up in various countries in the middle east and learnt to ride out there. The standard of equine care is very good although she may see some poorly looking work donkeys if she ventures into remote villages. Horses are generally stable kept as it is usually just too hot to have them out. Most stables are air conditioned. You usually find turnout paddocks which are used for horses to stretch their legs at either dawn or dusk. Very few places have pasture turnout unless they are able to seed, water and manage it. but generally speaking it is not really needed.

Saddlery and tack is the same as in the UK and there are some tack shops in Dubai. However, I know a lot of tack shops in the UK that provide very mail order services into the middle east. Traditional Bedouin arabian saddlery is usually only used for ceremonial purposes.

We had a fantastic life in the middle east and some of the nicest horses I have every riden where out there. I would highly recommend anyone to go if they have the opportunity!

 

[AbFab]

I grew up in dubai (blood_magik and I went to the same school and rode at the same yard) and the horses are generally better cared for than the grooms They want for nothing and I know my instructors there all seemed to enjoy their jobs. It's a very quick way to get a tan! Although people don't tend to ride in the summer (45deg and humid!), so it could just be seasonal work.

 

[itsonlyme]

Well the school isn't actually built yet! It's in the process. It's in Abu Dhabi though
Thank u all. sounds like i had totally the wrong idea in my head! Will definitely tell her to sod off over there & i can visit for holidays! x