ENGLISH TEXTS main difficulty faced by the SAHA( Syrian Arab Horse Association), which manages the entire Purebred Arabians in Syria, both shows and racing, is finding sponsors to fund prize money. Indeed, betting does not take place there. Most sponsors are private companies, alongside many volunteers who make it possible to organize races throughout the year. With this objective of attracting sponsors, SAHA will host, for the first time, a stage of the UAE President’ s Cup on October 9, 2026. The entire race day will be sponsored by Emirati entities. The main race will be run over 2,000 meters and will be open to four-year-olds and older. The prize money is $ 40,000, and the other races will offer between $ 8,000 and $ 12,000 each. Suhail Zbibi, Syria’ s representative at the IFAHR and a member of its executive committee as well as the racing committee at SAHA, explains that this is the result of several years of work.“ We are very pleased to have been included in the UAE President’ s Cup calendar, and we hope to welcome many runners as well as foreign delegations to introduce them to our racing and our country.” On a daily basis, the racecourses attract large crowds, both locals and foreign dignitaries. Enthusiasm is very strong. To conclude this interview, Suhail Zbibi explains that“ one of the projects we aim to complete within SAHA is the creation of a Jockey Club. We would also like the Syrian community living abroad, which has expertise in racing, to return occasionally or permanently in order to share their knowledge.”
PONEY ABC OF A RACE PONY OWNER
BY BÉRENGÈRE ROSSIGNOL
BACK TO ARTICLE
More and more professionals are choosing to support the future of racing by buying a race pony and then making it available to one or more young riders, allowing them to experience the great emotions of horse racing. But why do they do it? Crossed exchanges or memories gathered in the form of an ABC with adults who have chosen to let their inner child express itself.
LOVE OF THE HORSE – Adrien Fouassier“ I went through pony racing in the west when I was a kid. When I was still a jockey but already building my future career as a trainer, the association launched by Cécile Madamet was just starting. I got involved out of a desire to support the pony sector that had made me happy, a desire to have a pony for my son who had just been born, and a desire to look ahead to the future. I am very attached to pony racing. It is a pool of jockeys, the best school, an opportunity to meet great prospects but also to see the kind of love for the horse that I like the most. The old bitter and rough rider, I can’ t stand that anymore, neither in the morning nor at the races. On the contrary, joyful and grateful kids, that’ s great to experience. They talk to their ponies while getting them ready, bury their heads in their necks when emotion overwhelms them after a win, whisper to them after brooding over a disappointment, think about the little treat whatever happened on the track. Their smiles at the races, seeing them hugging and kissing their ponies, that really touches me deeply.”
Three words to encourage others to become owners: transmission, passion, generosity
TENDERNESS – Pascal Détré Seeing Zoé’ s progress is very touching, she radiates happiness on horseback or on a pony. She keeps reaching new milestones, multiplying disciplines, training her pony and training herself. But no pressure, only pleasure!‘ We’ ll see’ with her Cottage Flower how it turns out, but I see maturity, confidence and gratitude growing in Zoé and that delights me. It is also a story of deep affection for her parents to support her.”
Three words to encourage others to become pony owners: sharing, hope, future
COMMITMENT – Richard Evain“ Having a race pony that you make available to one
173 # 18