DESERT DRAMA: ENGINEERING AL SHIRA’AA SPEED DERBY WITH ELIO TRAVAGLIATI IN ABU DHABI
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FEW NAMES IN THE WORLD OF SHOWJUMPING COURSE DESIGN CARRY THE WEIGHT AND ARTISTIC PRESTIGE OF ELIO TRAVAGLIATI.
A TRUE MAESTRO OF THE ARENA, TRAVAGLIATI IS THE ARCHITECT BEHIND SOME OF THE MOST SOPHISTICATED TRACKS ON THE INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT, BLENDING TECHNICAL PRECISION WITH AN INSTINCTIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE HORSE’S SOUL. KNOWN FOR HIS ABILITY TO WEAVE HIGH-STAKES PRESSURE INTO A SEAMLESS, FLOWING NARRATIVE, HE DOESN'T JUST BUILD JUMPS; HE ENGINEERS THE ULTIMATE TEST OF COURAGE AND SPEED, BEARING IN MIND THE SAFETY OF BOTH HORSE AND RIDER.
IN THIS EXCLUSIVE HORSE TIMES INTERVIEW, WE SPEAK TO THE ITALIAN MASTERMIND WHO’S ON-SITE AT THE AL FORSAN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS RESORT FOR THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED AL SHIRA’AA INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW. TAKING PLACE FROM 20 TO 24 JANUARY, THIS CSI4*-W WORLD CUP QUALIFIER BRINGS A FORMIDABLE LEVEL OF INTERNATIONAL SPORT TO ABU DHABI. WITH A HIGH-ENERGY SCHEDULE FEATURING THE ADRENALINE-FUELLED JUMP & DRIVE, THE CREATIVE FLAIR OF THE FANCY DRESS, AND THE RAW POWER OF THE SPEED DERBY, TRAVAGLIATI REVEALS THE SECRETS BEHIND ENGINEERING A WEEK OF WORLD-CLASS DRAMA.
1. What is your core idea for designing a derby in a sand arena?
The goal is to create something special because a sand arena is a normal environment. To make it a true derby, you need a unique track and bespoke fences; otherwise, it is simply a standard course. You have to create something distinct to give the fans that specific derby atmosphere.
2. Is there a minimum arena size for a derby, or were you able to resize the concept?
The arena here at Al Forsan is not a minimum size; it is a medium-to-large arena (120m x 65m), which is big enough for a real derby. The challenge lies in finding the right lines: incorporating good turns, plenty of gallop, and a sophisticated mix of long and short distances.
3. How does the course layout differ from a traditional grass derby?
It is quite different. In a massive grass arena - such as Arezzo or Hickstead - the track is usually around 1,200 metres and includes a lake and a bank. Here on the sand, the length is shorter, roughly 800 to 900 metres.
4. Are you using the water jump?
No. I chose not to use the water jump here because jumping water under floodlights is not ideal for the horses. Instead, I am using special fences brought directly from Hickstead to recreate that iconic atmosphere.
5. Does jumping a derby on sand change the experience for the horse?
Yes. Horses generally find grass more familiar and easier for a derby-style gallop. While you can produce great sport on sand, you cannot perfectly replicate the ground conditions of a grass field. However, for the sport and the spectacle, jumping a derby on sand is no problem at all.
6. Can you tell us about the specific height and technical specifications?
Technically, this is a Table C (speed class) rather than a traditional heavy derby. It is set at a 1.45m height, just under 1,000 metres in length, and features 17 fences including two double combinations. My aim is to create a track that feels entirely different from a standard sand arena jumping class.
7. Do riders need a specific Derby horse for this class?
In a traditional derby, yes, you need a specialist. You wouldn’t usually use a top Grand Prix horse because they are too valuable to risk, and the requirements are different.
However, for the show here in Abu Dhabi, I suspect the horses ridden on Saturday will be the ones jumping in the medium-tour classes. Because the height is 1.45m and the course isn't overly spooky, almost any brave horse can jump it. You need something fast and courageous, but not necessarily a five-star Grand Prix specialist.
8. How many competitors are you expecting?
I hope to see around 20 to 25 horses.
9. Who is your favourite to win?
That is difficult to say without the starting list! We have some of the best riders in the world here in Abu Dhabi right now. It will depend entirely on which horses they choose to ride. You can have the fastest rider in the world, but they must be on their fastest horse to win this specific Saturday class.
10. Do you think there's a question I should have asked you, but did not?
No, it’s all good. You asked me some very good questions! HT
Photo courtesy of Elio Travagliati
- The CSI4*-W - Al Shira'aa Hickstead Speed Derby will be held on Saturday 24 January at 19:30 UAE time. See full event schedule here
- This World Cup Qualifier will be leg 5 from the 8 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Arab League/Middle East Sub-League qualifiers.