The endurance levels of horses and riders will be tested when they take part in a 200 km race through the lakes and mountains of Wicklow on August 14th, writes Alison Healy
The two-day Al Maktoum Endurance Cup will take place over the shoreline of the Blessington Lakes, and through mountains and forests from Valleymount to Hollywood village.
While it is a race, the speed will be mainly at a trot or canter until the competitors break into a gallop as they approach the finishing line.
There are no man-made obstacles but horses will have to cross rivers and other natural obstacles.
More than 100 riders are expected to travel to the event from 11 countries including Britain, Australia, France, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
About 50 riders are expected to compete for the Endurance Cup while other riders will compete in a 100 km event - the Rambo Cup being held two days earlier.
Equestrian endurance riding is growing in popularity, according to Mr John Stanley, event organiser. Ireland is hosting the European Championships in equestrian endurance riding next year. The event will be held in Punchestown by the Irish Long Distance Riding Association.
"Worldwide it's very popular but particularly in France," he said. "It's probably the biggest equestrian sport in Dubai and the UAE (United Arab Emirates)."
He said he expected the event to be included in the Olympics within ten years.
Arab horses are particularly suited to the challenge due to their hardiness.
This is the fifth year of the event, which is sponsored by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, deputy ruler of Dubai and Minister for Finance for the UAE.
Mr Stanley said Sheikh Hamdan had set two conditions for the race - it must be well run and must present no danger to horses. He said the event would be held under strict veterinary control no horse would be allowed to start or continue unless it was declared fit.
The Irish Endurance Festival has been built around the event and will run from August 7th to August 18th in Valleymount. It will include music and vintage car displays.