Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – January 18, 2025 –  The third day three of week two at the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show delivered an extraordinary blend of competition and creativity, headlined by the highly anticipated €30,000 K.AR Sport Horses Costume Class CSI 4*-W. Riders captivated the audience with their speed and imagination, donning spectacular costumes, from Darth Vader to Winnie the Pooh and everything in between.

Ireland’s Michael Pender (IRL) dazzled in the K.AR Costume Class, winning the crowd and the competition with a lightning-fast time of 71.69 seconds on HHS Fortune, dressed as a Leprechaun.

Constant van Paesschen (BEL), as Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, riding Mixcoac LS La Silla, sped into second place in 72.14 seconds.

The third spot went to a zombified Shady Ghrayeb from Syria, riding Caberbet du Mars clear in 73.70 seconds. Special mention goes to the best-dressed winners, Nina Barbour, in her Seaworld-inspired outfit and Mohammed Ghanem Al Hajri, who rode into the area in traditional Arabic costume accompanied by a falcon.

Commenting on the day’s events, a K.AR Sports Horses representative said, “We are proud to be part of this grand event organised by the Al Shira’aa team here in Abu Dhabi. It’s an honour to be here at this world-class show and see equestrian sports take centre stage in the United Arab Emirates. We look forward to working with the Al Shir’aa team again in the future.”

Final Results – €30,000 K.AR Sport Horses Costume Class CSI 4*-W

1) Michael Pender (IRL) & HHS Fortune – 0 / 0 – 71.69

2) Constant van Paesschen (BEL) & Mixcoac LS La Silla – 0 / 0 – 72.14

3) Shady Ghrayeb (SYR) & Caberbet du Mars – 0 / 0 – 73.70

Source: Press Release (edited) by Hannah McCabe / Dark Horse Communications for the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show

Photo: © Al Shira’aa International Horse Show / Helen Cruden

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