Riders set off in the early morning to embark on a grueling 120-kilometer endurance marathon through the deserts of the United Arab Emirates.
Night riders —
Riders set off in the early morning to embark on a grueling 120-kilometer endurance marathon through the deserts of the United Arab Emirates.
A convoy of land cruisers follow the horses, issuing instructions to their riders during each of the lap of the 30 km course.
Trainers on the trail —
A convoy of land cruisers follow the horses, issuing instructions to their riders during each of the lap of the 30 km course.
After each lap, the horses are subjected to medical checks. This is to ensure they are physically capable of surviving another lap.
Cleaned and cared for —
After each lap, the horses are subjected to medical checks. This is to ensure they are physically capable of surviving another lap.
Not all of the 50 horses who begin the race make it to the end, with less than a quarter of the field finishing this event.
Final few —
Not all of the 50 horses who begin the race make it to the end, with less than a quarter of the field finishing this event.
The Arabian horse is said to be a gift to mankind from Allah. Today's racing thoroughbreds can trace their DNA to three stallions imported to Britain in the 18th century.
Allah's gift —
The Arabian horse is said to be a gift to mankind from Allah. Today's racing thoroughbreds can trace their DNA to three stallions imported to Britain in the 18th century.
Alysen Miller/CNN