FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET
April 1 2026
Participation in the AlUla endurance events, particularly the upcoming FEI World Championship, involves a massive global coordination effort centered on National Federations (NFs). The participation framework is structured around strict team compositions, complex logistical support provided by the Organizing Committee (OC), and a tiered qualification system.
Global Reach and Team Composition
The events in AlUla are designed to accommodate a vast international field. The 2024/2025 season competitions and the test events have attracted approximately 200 elite athletes from more than 60 nations, with recent reports indicating participation could reach 300 riders from over 70 countries.
For the FEI Endurance World Championship specifically, the participation rules for NFs are rigorous:
- Team Size: Each National Federation may enter a team of five (5) participating combinations (Athlete/Horse).
- Reserves: NFs are permitted two (2) reserve horses or combinations.
- Support Staff: Official invitations allow for a non-riding Chef d’Equipe (Team Manager) and an FEI-registered Team Veterinarian per Federation.
- Grooms: The ratio is set at a minimum of two crew members/grooms per horse.
Logistical Support for National Federations
To facilitate global participation, the Organizing Committee (OC) provides significant financial and logistical subsidies to the NFs.
- Covered Costs: The OC covers flight tickets and accommodation for the five competing athletes, the Chef d’Equipe, and the Team Vet. Additionally, the OC covers flights and on-venue accommodation (in a temporary grooms' village) for two grooms per horse.
- NF Responsibilities: National Federations are responsible for the costs of any reserve athletes/horses, NF delegates (Presidents, Secretary Generals), and additional bedding or feed beyond the initial provision.
- Prize Money: Financial rewards are paid directly to the National Federation, not the individual athletes, based on bank details provided by the NF.
Horse Transportation and Quarantine Hubs
A major aspect of NF participation is the complex "quarantine region" system used to transport horses to the desert venue. The OC manages and covers import/export costs for horses from designated hubs.
- Europe: A charter flight operates directly from Liège to AlUla.
- South America: Scheduled flights transport horses from Montevideo, Buenos Aires, or Santiago to European hubs (Frankfurt/Amsterdam) for a charter connection to AlUla.
- North America: Horses fly from Houston to Europe (Luxembourg/Liège), then transfer to Riyadh or AlUla.
- Oceania & Africa: Horses from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa face stricter protocols, often requiring residency in Europe or the UAE prior to arrival. Specific options are discussed directly with the respective NFs (e.g., RSA/NAM NFs).
NF Governance and Selection
National Federations are currently in the process of selecting their teams for the November 2026 Championship.
- Selection Process: NFs, such as Equestrian Australia, have issued calls for "Expressions of Interest" (EOI). They utilize specific selection policies, often requiring combinations to complete specific CEI3* 160km events within a qualification period (Sept 2024 – Sept 2026).
- Feedback Role: NFs play a critical active role in shaping the event. During the Chef d’Equipe Seminar at the test event, NFs provided feedback on the "excessive technicality" of the course, leading directly to the removal of deep sand sections and the re-routing of the Green Loop.
Competitive Landscape
The participation is dominated competitively by Gulf nations, though the field is global.
- Dominant Federations: The test events have been swept by riders from the region. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain secured the top spots in the CEI3* 160km Mutadil Cup, while Saudi Arabia (KSA) retained the title for the CEI2* 120km race.
- Performance: The events underscore the high level of preparation from these NFs, with the winner of the 160km race finishing just one second ahead of the runner-up after over 7 hours of racing.
