National Guard Minister Prince Miteb bin Abdullah presents the trophy to Khaled Al-Mobty, winner of the under 18 group at the third King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Show Jumping Festival 2014 held in Riyadh on Thursday.

National Guard Minister Prince Miteb bin Abdullah inaugurated the third King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Show Jumping Festival 2014 at Nofa Equestrian Resort on Thursday under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Prince Turki bin Mohamed bin Saud Al-Kabeer, undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Riyadh Gov. Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and Prince Fahd bin Abdullah, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation.

The competition — Lel Watan — was for Saudi participants of all ages, while the subsequent competition will be opened for international participants.

Prince Miteb appreciated the efforts of the organizers who have been promoting such festivals which attract global interest. He pointed out that this event has been listed in the agenda of the International Equestrian Festivals.

Prince Miteb said the aim of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Show Jumping Festival 2014 was to provide Saudi equestrians with the opportunity to improve by competing with expert equestrians from other countries. However, the main aim of the festival is to showcase Saudi heritage at one of the most beautiful resorts in the Arab world, the Nofa Equestrian Resort, he said.

The resort is located in central Saudi Arabia, close to Tebrak some 85 kilometers from Riyadh along the Makkah Highway.

In his speech, Riyadh Gov. Prince Turki bin Abdullah said: “We are witnessing a series of remarkable developments in the local equestrian events each succeeding year.” He thanked the generous leadership of Prince Miteb, who offers the right guidance for its progressive activities.

“The enthusiasm shown and the tremendous developments made in equestrian sports in Saudi Arabia in particular, and the Arab world in general, is part of our heritage,” the governor said, adding that the Kingdom’s equestrian sports have gained regional as well as global recognition.

Expressing his happiness, Khaled Al-Mobty, who won the under 18 championships said: “It was not an easy win, but I have to also thank my horse Vimera for my victory.”

Prizes were awarded to several winners of all age groups at the end of the competition. The awards ceremony was attended by a number of distinguished personalities including Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ed bin Abdul Aziz, General President of Youth Welfare, and other VIP and equestrian fans.

 
[wpResize]