Roberto Recchia: Exploring Egypt’s potential as a regional equestrian training hub
Egypt has firmly established its position as a rising force in the global equestrian landscape by successfully hosting the 25th World Military Equestrian Championships at the newly inaugurated Kian City Equestrian Club.
This landmark event, coinciding with the club’s official opening in the New Administrative Capital, has garnered widespread international praise for its exceptional organisation, world-class facilities, and the high caliber of competition.
The Egyptian Gazette was on the ground to capture the reactions and insights from participants and organisers alike.
The Kian City Equestrian Club has swiftly earned international recognition, with the International Military Sports Council (CISM) accrediting it as a premier facility for training camps and courses for its 149 member nations.
This significant accreditation came following an inspection visit just weeks before the championship, a testament to the club’s adherence to the latest international standards and its potential to host future global equestrian events.
Colonel Mohamed El-Borai, technical director of the Egyptian Military Equestrian Team, highlighted the immense interest in Egypt’s young equestrian talent.
He proudly noted that the national team includes a distinguished junior contingent, aged 12 to 21, already achieving accolades at Arab and international levels. Approximately 30 young Egyptian riders have qualified for the Arab Junior League finals in Doha (November 2025), and Colonel El-Borai emphasized that hosting the World Military Championship serves as a powerful motivator and reflects global recognition of Egyptian equestrianism’s advancement.
Karim El-Sayed Hamdy, coach of the Egyptian military equestrian team, affirmed that championship preparations were executed to the highest international standards under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.
He lauded the event as the pinnacle of international military championships in terms of venue, equipment, and the quality of the Armed Forces’ horses. Hamdy also commended the exceptional skill of Egyptian riders, including Lieutenant Colonel Shady Ashraf, Captain Nour Hazem (Republic’s first-class champion), andColonel Ismail El-Borai (Egypt Cup first-class champion), all possessing significant international experience.
Both Colonel El-Borai and Hamdy acknowledged the pivotal role of Dr Ismail Shaker, President of the Egyptian Equestrian Federation, in fostering equestrian sports development in Egypt with the support of the political leadership.
Lieutenant Colonel rider Shady Ashraf described the championship’s opening ceremony as “legendary,” drawing parallels to the Olympic Games.
He emphasized the event’s importance for international cooperation and the exchange of expertise. Egypt’s selection as host, based on rigorous international standards and multiple inspections, reflects global confidence in the nation’s organizational capabilities. He credited the intensive training camp, led by Colonel El-Borai and Coach Hamdy, for preparing both riders and horses to world-class levels, akin to Olympic preparations. Lieutenant Colonel Shady also expressed profound gratitude for President El Sisi’s patronage and the Armed Forces’ support, recognizing their crucial role in the rapid progress achieved.
Captain rider Nour Hazem expressed his delight in participating, emphasizing the championship’s role in strengthening international ties and cultural exchange.
He underscored Egypt’s pioneering equestrian heritage, which complements global equestrian schools, facilitating genuine experience sharing.
The presence of young spectators, he noted, instills a sense of responsibility and the spirit of equestrianism, allowing them to learn from diverse riders.
Captain Hazem affirmed Egypt’s capacity to compete and host major championships independently.
Major Hadeel El-Haddad echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in the positive feedback from participating delegations impressed by the training camps at Kian City Equestrian Club and the Egypt Olympic Games Club, as well as Egypt’s unique climate and environment.
She revealed Egypt’s participation with 60 horses and highlighted the increasing convergence of international equestrian techniques, enhancing Egypt’s future hosting prospects. Major El-Haddad also announced Egypt’s successful bid to host the championship after a competitive vote.
Horse trainer Salah Mohamed detailed the meticulous horse care regimen, from stable to showground, emphasizing proper nutrition and veterinary attention. He explained the daily lottery system for horse allocation, ensuring transparency and rider experience exchange. The horses, trained to international standards, are adept at overcoming obstacles.
Amidst widespread international acclaim for the organization and technical prowess, numerous team leaders and international riders conveyed their astonishment at the championship’s “world-class” level, recognizing Egypt’s exemplary professional model.
Colonel Frederic Agedesan, head of the French delegation, lauded the comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere and the highest standards of organization. He emphasized the cultural exchange aspect of their visit and expressed surprise at the capabilities of Egyptian military equestrianism, recognizing Egypt’s leading position in Africa and the Arabian Gulf. He also mentioned upcoming training with Portugal and his hope for future training camps in Egypt to leverage its expertise.
Navy Captain Roberto Recchia from Italy, CISM Secretary General, praised the tournament’s outstanding level and the warm welcome received. He highlighted the value of such professional competitions in understanding the impact of equestrian sports and identified Egypt as a preferred partner for military and training cooperation. He stressed the importance of exploring Egypt’s potential as a regional equestrian training hub, given its international support, organization, and facilities.
Equestrian Mohamed Saif Mohamed from Bahrain described his experience as “the most wonderful,” impressed by the exceptional organisation and fair horse distribution.
Despite it being his first visit, he was surprised by the championship’s caliber, noting the unprecedented participation of 20 teams, enhancing experience exchange and capability discovery.
Sub-Lieutenant rider Mohammed Al Hadrami from Oman echoed this sentiment, praising the unforgettable opening and the world-class organization, including the meticulously prepared field and facilities.
Judges of the 25th World Military Equestrian Championship lauded the advanced infrastructure and professional organization. He explained that the tournament field, facilities and barriers were prepared according to a long-term strategic vision.
Karim Badaro, head of the international arbitration committee and a Lebanese international judge, stated that Egypt exceeded his expectations. Having previously participated in events at the Olympic Village, he was astounded by the facilities and equipment at Kian City Equestrian Club, deeming it a competitor to European facilities. Badaro highlighted the fair horse lottery system, ensuring equal opportunities for riders and adding excitement and professionalism to the tournament. He noted the provision of 69 horses for 60 riders, with spares for emergencies, emphasizing the importance of rider-horse chemistry. He also underscored the significance of young spectators, providing early exposure and fostering a love for horses, a “message of peace shared by all.”
Dr Mohamed El-Sherbiny, a member of the International Arbitration Committee, emphasized the international significance of hosting 20 countries for the first time, with President El-Sisi’s attendance. He noted a clear improvement in the Egyptian team’s performance throughout the tournament.
El-Sherbiny highlighted the Armed Forces’ strategic investment in advanced sports infrastructure, exemplified by Kian City Equestrian Club and the Olympic Village, alongside human resource development. He stressed the crucial partnership between rider and horse, advocating for training on diverse horses.
Mahie Nour Mohi El-ddin, an international judge and show jumping rider, described Egypt’s current equestrian landscape as a “true renaissance,” noting the top-tier quality of grounds, stables, emergency hospitals, and horse isolation areas.
She emphasized the strong bond between Egyptian riders and their horses, giving them a competitive edge.
Mohi El-ddin also praised the fairness of judging in Egypt, aligning with international standards.
She affirmed that “Egypt now has riders capable of competing in international tournaments and achieving advanced positions,” recognizing the military championship as the culmination of significant developments in the equestrian sector over the past five years. The enthusiastic presence of young riders demonstrated renewed energy and a keen interest in learning from international experiences.
Equestrian Lilly Hassan, a member of the Egyptian Junior Equestrian Team, hailed the championship as a “major and exceptional event.” She expressed pride in Egypt’s hosting and the outstanding results achieved by Egyptian riders amidst excellent organization.
Lilly Hassan
Hosting the championship provided young riders with invaluable opportunities to observe diverse techniques and exchange experiences.
She noted the transformative experience of participating in a world championship on home soil, boosting their international competitive confidence. Lilly, a 2024 Republic Champion and a previous Arab Equestrian Championship participant, credited the development of Kian City Equestrian Club for providing a stimulating environment for progress.
Equestrian Jana Hamouda, another member of the Egyptian junior national team, emphasised the experience’s importance in building rider character, learning about diverse training methods and horse handling. She noted the challenge of competing on unfamiliar horses and the valuable exposure to various situations in international championships.
Adel Ayman Fares, one of the youngest junior participants at 13, expressed his joy in participating and following the championship. A first-place winner in the junior category with local horses, he considered his participation a great honor.
He follows major international events and hopes to see Egypt host five-star championships or even the Olympics, believing the current infrastructure positions the country well for such future endeavors.
