Dubai Municipality wants Mushrif Equestrian Club [MEC] to stop all lessons AND desert rides out in Mushrif Park, and reduce it to a PONY RIDES ONLY facility.
The consequences of this decision are:
1. Full termination of activities and events that a great deal of people - of all ages and nationality, and including many children - enjoy.
2. The loss of jobs for MEC staff
3. Loss of revenue for Mushrif Park.
4. Loss of revenue for MEC, leading to...
5. ...An uncertain future for our horses. Many unwanted animals have been given a caring home at MEC and have learned to enjoy life again after neglect and ill-treatment. Suitable homes could not be found for them all in the current economic climate if the stables had to close.
This decision by Dubai Municipality to cancel the program at Mushrif Equestrian Club has been made without considering the members of the public - whether residents or tourists - who come to the park to ride and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Mushrif Park.
So take action and sign the petition to Save Our Stables!
We the undersigned, the public riders and friends of Mushrif Equestrian Club, are upset and concerned at the decision by Dubai Municipality to soon cancel all horse riding within Mushrif Park, both in the form of lessons and in the rides in the outer areas of the park, reducing the facility to pony rides only.
Many people of all ages and nationalities enjoy the stables of Mushrif Equestrian Club, whether they are small children learning to ride, teenagers gaining their confidence or adults getting back into riding after a long time. All of us come to relax, meet friends - both human and equine - and enjoy the natural surroundings of Mushrif Park.
In our opinion, Mushrif Park provides the best horse riding in Dubai, and we all love and respect the place. Through the club's website and promotions, we have raised awareness of its existence and every new person who rides with us is amazed by its beauty. We realise we have been privileged to ride there up to this point, and wish to continue. Being aware of the Municipality's concerns regarding the impact of horse-riding in the park, we recognise that is in the best interest of everyone to ensure that we ride responsibly at all times, and in all areas.
The UAE prides itself as a nation on honouring the power and beauty of the horse. At Mushrif Equestrian Club, we have tried to follow that ideal by caring for and nurturing our horses, many of who were neglected and unwanted before they found a safe, loving home within Mushrif Park.
Therefore, we ask you to reverse the decision you have made and allow us to continue with the existing program of rides out and lessons - by doing so, you would make a great deal of people, including many children, very happy.
We thank you for taking the time to read this letter
