The UAE has written another golden chapter in endurance racing as Rashid Al Mehairi clinched the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors in Buftea, Romania, completing the 120 km ride in 5 hours, 33 minutes and 1 second. His victory not only earned him his first world crown but also extended the UAE’s record streak to a fifth consecutive title in this prestigious event.
UAE rider secures gold, continuing the nation’s legacy
Rashid Al Mehairi has made the UAE proud by winning the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors in Buftea, Romania. Riding Shardell Jaeger, he completed the 120 km race in 5 hours, 33 minutes and 1 second, clocking an average speed of 22.79 km/h. His victory adds yet another gold to the UAE’s decorated history in endurance racing.
Gulf riders dominate the podium
The championship turned into a Gulf showcase, with Bahrain’s Saud Mubarak finishing second in 5:34:25 and Isa Al Anezi taking third in 5:36:31. Out of 84 starters, only 45 crossed the finish line underlining the toughness of the course and the challenge of keeping horses in prime condition under strict veterinary checks.While the individual crown went to the UAE, the team standings saw France take gold, with Spain and Italy following. This contrast reflects how Gulf riders have consistently shone as individuals, while European nations rely on depth to shine in the team categories.
What the Championship is all about
The FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors is the sport’s most prestigious competition for riders aged 14–21. Held every two years, it covers 120 km of varied terrain, testing not only the rider’s stamina but also the welfare and condition of the horse, which undergoes rigorous vet checks at every stage.Endurance racing has deep roots in the Gulf, with the UAE emerging as a global powerhouse over the last two decades. The country’s focus on equestrian development, world-class training facilities, and investment in horse welfare has turned young riders into serial champions on the international stage. The event also showcased the diversity of the sport, with young riders from Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Gulf all competing for glory. While the UAE, Bahrain, and Spain featured prominently among the top finishers, the team title went to France, underlining Europe’s depth of talent and structured national programs.By hosting the 2025 edition successfully, Romania reaffirmed its growing status as a hub for endurance racing, with Buftea emerging as one of the most challenging yet rewarding courses on the championship calendar.
A historic streak for the UAE in endurance
This is the UAE’s fifth consecutive victory at the junior and young-rider world level and its eighth overall title in the championship’s history, a record unmatched by any other nation.The last UAE rider to clinch the title before Al Mehairi was Saif Al Mazrouei in 2021 at Ermelo, Netherlands, while Al Mehairi himself was runner-up in 2023 in Castelsagrat, France. His triumph in Buftea is seen as the culmination of steady progress through the UAE’s youth endurance programme, which continues to produce world-class riders.
What’s next for Rashid Al Mehairi?
At just the start of his senior journey, Rashid Al Mehairi’s victory is seen as a springboard for bigger challenges. Having moved from runner-up in 2023 to champion in 2025, he now stands as one of the UAE’s brightest prospects for senior-level world championships.Experts say that if his trajectory continues, Al Mehairi could soon join the elite ranks of Emirati riders who have made their mark not only in junior competitions but also at senior global events. With the UAE’s strong backing and his proven growth, the young champion’s next challenge may well be carrying his country’s flag to senior world titlesRashid Al Mehairi’s gold medal ride in Romania is both a personal milestone and a historic moment for the UAE. It extends the nation’s dominance in endurance racing, showcases the Gulf’s strength on the global stage, and sets the stage for a new generation of champions. For Al Mehairi, the journey has just begun, but already, his name is etched into the UAE’s proud equestrian legacy.
