Falsterbo's criticized sponsor breaks the silence

« For me, riding is not just a sport – it is a lifestyle, a passion that unites generations and a bridge between past and future. »

It storms a lot around the classic equestrian competition Falsterbo Horse Show, after presenting its new title sponsor Al Shira'aa Stables, run by HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza bin Zayed al Nahyan last week.

When the news about the sponsor was presented, the message also came that the competition changes its name to Al Shira'aa Falsterbo Horse Show.

« I'm certainly naive, but I don't know if anyone could dream that it would take these proportions, » said Falsterbo Horse Show's chairman Jan-Olof Wannius In an interview with DN.

The sponsorship contract has – Due to the sponsor coming from the United Arab Emirates – being questioned from several different aspects, including sports swaining, women's rights and horse welfare.

« First, we do not have an agreement with the United Arab Emirates but with Al Shira'aa Stables, a stud and who also conducts competition activities, » Jan-Olof Wannius told DN.

HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan rarely gives interviews, but on Tuesday the newspaper Ridsport published the answers she had sent to them via e -mail.

“Falsterbo is more than just a competition – it's a tradition, a tribute to equestrian excellence, a bridge between generations. I see Falsterbo as a platform for young talents – for riders who may not come from traditionally dominant equestrian nations or who lack the financial resources to compete everywhere. « 

She writes Also that she wants to make equestrian sports accessible to everyone, and that every woman should have the right to follow her dreams no matter what they come from.

Al Shira'aa Stables has previously sponsors a big competition in Hamburg and the classic derby (a combination between regular jumping and terrain obstacles) in Hickstead.

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