The UAE has added another major international endurance title to its record, claiming both Individual and Team gold at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses 2026 at Barroca d’Alva in Alcochete, Portugal.
Salem Hamad Saeed Malhoof Al Kitbi led an outstanding UAE performance, guiding the Spanish-bred mare Moheeba to the Individual World Championship title over the demanding 120km course.
The pair set a strong but calculated pace throughout the competition, completing the championship at an impressive average speed of 23.764km/h.
Al Kitbi and Moheeba arrived in Portugal with proven form, having previously won their qualifier at Loubejac in France. The result also continued Al Kitbi’s success at Barroca d’Alva, having won the test event at the venue in 2025.
Already an accomplished international championship athlete with Individual gold, Individual silver and Team gold medals to his name, the latest title further strengthens Al Kitbi’s record at the highest level of endurance sport.
It was also a one-two finish for the UAE, with Mansour Saeed Mohd Al Faresi securing Individual silver aboard Australian-bred gelding Bullio Rembrandt.
Al Faresi crossed the finish just 3min 27sec behind his compatriot, marking another significant achievement in a career spanning more than a decade at championship level. Remarkably, his silver medal came exactly 12 years after he claimed Individual gold at the 2014 FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses.
Spain’s Omar Blanco Rodrigo and Yanna completed the Individual podium, with Yanna also receiving the Best Condition award.
The UAE’s success continued in the Team competition, where Al Kitbi was joined by Nasser Hesham Nasser Mohammad Al Suwaidi and 15-year-old Essa Abdulla Essa Ali Abdulla, riding the Spanish-bred mare Nahaba.
Their combined riding time of 16:53:34 secured Team gold ahead of France, who took silver, and Spain in bronze.
For the team at Equitrans Logistics, it is always fantastic to see UAE horses and riders achieving on the international stage.
Endurance is a truly global equestrian discipline and international campaigns often require horses to travel considerable distances by air before continuing their journey by road to competition venues.
For an endurance horse, the journey is an important part of the wider competition programme. Careful planning, appropriate handling and close attention to horse welfare throughout transportation all contribute towards ensuring horses arrive at their destination in the best possible condition.
Equitrans Logistics regularly manages international air transport for endurance horses travelling between the UAE and destinations around the world. From coordinating flights, documentation and regulatory requirements to specialist ground transportation and horse care throughout the journey, our experienced team understands the particular demands involved in moving equine athletes internationally.
Whether travelling for qualification rides, international championships, training or the next stage of a horse’s competitive career, every journey requires careful coordination between owners, trainers, grooms, airlines, veterinary teams and transport specialists.
Congratulations to Salem Hamad Saeed Malhoof Al Kitbi, Mansour Saeed Mohd Al Faresi and the entire UAE Endurance Team, together with all the horses, trainers, crews and support teams behind an exceptional World Championship performance.
And if you’re looking to fly your next endurance champion, Equitrans Logistics is ready to help get them there.
Planning international travel for your endurance horses? Contact Equitrans Logistics to discuss air and road transport, documentation and end-to-end equine logistics for your next competition.