Anyone done desert hack at Emirates Equestrian Centre, Dubai?

MagicMelon

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I'm heading over to Dubai to visit my brother in a couple of weeks time and am keen to ride there, just to experience something different. I'm thinking of doing the desert hack at the Emirates Equestrian Centre which says you must be an experienced rider (which is what I want - really dont want anything dull!).

I know its doubtful on here, but has anyone actually done this exact hack? What does it consist of? Is it worth doing or is there somewhere else better?
 
The polo club is much nicer than EEC. Used to have my horse on livery there a few years ago.
Jebel Ali equestrian club is small but friendly - not sure if they still do desert hacks as there was a lot of building work going on in the dunes behind it the last time I was there. I used to go for miles and gallop up the dunes at the back of the yard.
 
Thanks Blood_Magik. Was only thinking EEC as my brother is a pilot with Emirates so thought I might get a discount, ha ha! Have emailed the polo club now to see how far in advance I should book (not sure if I should book now or can book when I get there). I did look at the club for a polo lesson but 700 AED for an intro lesson was a bit erm horrifying!
 
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Ah, good old emirates - the new terminal put me through uni and paid for my horses :tongue3:
Dhs700 works out to just over £100 (115-ish). I've never priced lessons over here so not sure how it compares. The facilities at the polo club are lovely though.
I rode at Jebel Ali for over ten years - it's a bit scruffy but it's friendly.
 
I went to the polo club, 6.30am start and all on the sand dunes, loved it but as it was winter here so I'd not give more than 45 mins a time, 2 hours of mostly canter and I was sore!! Great place though, try there. If you canter ok and hack then you'll be fine the horses were very well behaved
 
Thanks everyone - will book with the polo club, then the people with me can go and have breakfast at the club or something while I'm riding (to keep them happy!). Am planning to film it via my hat cam if they let me so I can stick it on You Tube for you guys to see :)
 
I did it in December at EEC. was an incredible experience. I was the only guest on the hack so it was just me, the guide rider and the owner of the centre accompanying in his pick up truck to take photos. PM me if you want me to send photos!!

it was about £80 including transport from and back to my hotel. the horse I rode was fantastic. I was given a tour of the facilities too which was super cool!! :D
 
have fun :smile3:
There's a restaurant that looks out onto the main arena or they can go into town.

I'm hoping to go back for one last visit before my parents move back to the UK permanently.

I have photos of my veteran from when he was out there if you'd like to see them.
 
My dad lives out in abu dhabi been quite a few times to see him but am yet to play in the sand dunes on a horsey!! Will bug him some more to book me a ride it sounds like sooo much fun!! Ive seen a few of the equestrain centres out there (dad has a friend who sj internationally) and they are amazing facilities!! :D ive just booked my flights actually... 2 weeks time and i get to play in the sun!!! :D Hope you have an amazing time!! :D
 
I went to the polo club, 6.30am start and all on the sand dunes, loved it but as it was winter here so I'd not give more than 45 mins a time, 2 hours of mostly canter and I was sore!! Great place though, try there. If you canter ok and hack then you'll be fine the horses were very well behaved

Sounds amazing (apart from the saddle sore bit!)
 
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attrac...Equestrian_Centre-Dubai_Emirate_of_Dubai.html
I would highly recommend this place... Went last year and it was the best place I've been. I've also been to EEC for both the polo lesson and the hack. The polo lesson was amazing!!! ( but expensive!!!) and the desert hack was extremely ordinary compared to al sahra. It was a big group at EEC and felt less personal than al sahra. I'm hoping to go back this winter!!
 
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