The countdown is on for Team UAE, with four dressage combinations preparing to fly the flag at the 20th Asian Games in Japan later this month.
From everyone at Equitrans Logistics, we would like to wish Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri, Bianca Schütz, Mohamed Jassim Al Serkal and Natalie Lankester, their horses and the entire UAE support team the very best of luck as they prepare for one of the biggest competitions of their season.
Dressage takes place from 25–27 September at JRA Equestrian Park in Tokyo, bringing together leading combinations from across Asia to compete for team and individual honours.
It will be only the second time the UAE has fielded a dressage team at the Asian Games. The nation’s historic debut came at Hangzhou 2023, where the UAE finished sixth in the team competition. Three years later, the team returns following an extensive qualification campaign across Europe and the UAE.
Meet Team UAE
Representing the UAE in Japan are:
Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri and Lotus-S
Al Jahouri returns for his second Asian Games appearance in dressage, this time partnering 10-year-old KWPN gelding Lotus-S. The pair began competing internationally together in October 2025 and have since built considerable Small Tour experience across Europe.
Bianca Schütz and Le Grand Ayden HB
Another returning Asian Games rider, Schütz will partner 10-year-old KWPN stallion Le Grand Ayden HB. The combination has enjoyed a strong international campaign, including victory in the Intermediate I Freestyle at CDI1* Kronberg in June with a score of 72.340%.
Mohamed Jassim Al Serkal and Zen Liquidity
Al Serkal also returns following his Asian Games debut at Hangzhou 2023. His partnership with Zen Liquidity began internationally at the start of this year, with the combination claiming the CDI1* Small Tour title in Abu Dhabi in February as part of their qualification campaign.
Natalie Lankester and Tesla DXB
Lankester produced the UAE’s best individual dressage result at the 2023 Asian Games, finishing 12th and becoming the first UAE dressage rider to qualify for an Asian Games individual Freestyle final. For Japan, she partners Tesla DXB, a 2015 KWPN stallion by Vitalis out of a Johnson mare. Their partnership only began in April this year, but the combination successfully achieved the Minimum Eligibility Requirements during their European campaign.
Three days, two titles
Competition begins on Friday 25 September, with the opening tests determining the team medals as well as acting as the first stage of individual qualification.
Saturday 26 September continues with the individual qualifiers, before the leading 15 combinations progress to the Individual Final on Sunday 27 September.
The venue itself has plenty of equestrian history. JRA Equestrian Park previously hosted equestrian competition at both the 1964 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and will host dressage, eventing and show jumping during the 2026 Asian Games.
Behind every championship campaign
At Equitrans, we know just how much work goes into getting a horse-and-rider combination to a major championship.
The few minutes we see inside the arena are the culmination of months and years of training, qualification, veterinary care, planning and travel, supported by an entire team of owners, trainers, grooms, vets and other professionals behind the scenes.
International travel is an increasingly important part of modern equestrian sport. Horses competing at this level routinely cross borders and continents throughout a season, and careful planning around their movements, health requirements, recovery and welfare forms an important part of ensuring they can arrive ready to perform.
It’s a world we know well.
For almost 24 years, Equitrans has helped horses travel around the globe for international competition, breeding, sales and relocation, with more than 60,000 horses transported worldwide. From a single horse beginning a new chapter to large-scale movements for major international championships, the principle remains the same: every journey matters.
Good luck, Team UAE
The growth of UAE dressage over the past few years has been exciting to watch. From fielding a first Asian Games team in 2023 to four combinations now returning to compete for the nation in Japan, the discipline continues to build its presence on the international stage.
We are proud to work with so many members of the UAE equestrian community and even prouder to see our clients representing the country at championship level.
To Ali and Lotus-S, Bianca and Le Grand Ayden HB, Mohamed and Zen Liquidity, and Natalie and Tesla DXB, as well as everyone working behind the scenes to support them: the entire Equitrans team wishes you safe travels and the very best of luck in Tokyo.
We’ll be cheering you on from the UAE.
Good luck, Team UAE! 🇦🇪