Why Horse Health Comes First at Al Jiyad Stables: From Australian Farms to Dubai Desert

When you think of horse riding in the Dubai desert, you might picture the golden dunes, the graceful movements of the horses, and the bond between rider and animal. But at Al Jiyad Stables, the story begins long before the saddle is placed on a horse’s back. It starts in the lush green pastures of Australia—thousands of kilometers away—where the journey of our horses’ hay begins.

Our philosophy is simple: a healthy horse is a happy horse, and nothing matters more to us than ensuring our horses receive the very best care possible. That’s why the hay they eat isn’t just bought from a local supplier or ordered through a broker. Instead, it comes directly from the harvest at a trusted Australian farm, selected personally by our team after months of research and travel.

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Putting Horse Health Above All Else

For us, horse care goes far beyond regular feeding and grooming. A horse’s health is the foundation of everything they do—whether it’s a calm desert trail ride or competing in top endurance races. Their nutrition, training, and environment all play critical roles in their performance and well-being.

Unfortunately, not all hay is created equal. Poor-quality feed can lead to digestive issues, weight problems, or a lack of energy. That’s why Al Jiyad Stables made the decision to take full control over one of the most important aspects of horse care: nutrition.

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The Search for the Perfect Hay

Our journey began with one question: What is the absolute best hay in the world for our horses?

We knew we didn’t want to rely on middlemen or imported feed from unknown sources. We wanted to know exactly where our hay came from, who grew it, and how it was harvested. This led our team all the way to Australia—a country famous for its world-class equine industry and strict agricultural standards.

We didn’t just rely on samples or recommendations. Our team personally visited farms, inspected the pastures, and met the farmers face-to-face. We wanted to see the soil, smell the hay, and understand every step of the process. Only then could we be certain we were bringing back the very best for our horses in Dubai.

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Meeting the Farmer: A Veterinarian and Champion Horse Breeder

The farm we chose wasn’t just any farm. It belongs to a renowned Australian veterinarian who also breeds top-tier competition horses—the kind that perform at the highest international levels.

This wasn’t a coincidence. A veterinarian who owns and trains champion horses understands exactly what elite equine athletes need in their diet. He knows that every bale of hay can make a difference in a horse’s health, performance, and longevity.

From the soil quality to the timing of the harvest, every detail on this farm is managed with precision. This is not mass-produced hay—it’s premium feed grown with the same care and dedication the farmer gives his own champion horses.

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Why Australian Hay Stands Out

You might wonder: Why go all the way to Australia for hay when there are suppliers much closer to Dubai? The answer is in the details.

• Nutrient-rich soil: Australian farmland, particularly in certain regions, produces grass with an ideal balance of fiber, protein, and minerals.
• Strict agricultural regulations: Farms must meet high standards for safety, cleanliness, and environmental sustainability.
• Perfect climate for hay quality: Mild, predictable weather allows for optimal harvesting times, ensuring the hay retains maximum nutrients.
• Zero chemical shortcuts: The farm we chose avoids unnecessary chemical treatments, ensuring the hay is as natural as possible.

These factors combine to produce clean, dust-free, high-fiber hay that supports digestive health, muscle development, and sustained energy—exactly what our horses need for both leisure and competition.

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From Harvest to Stable: A Direct Journey

One of the most important decisions we made was removing the middleman entirely. Many stables buy hay from distributors who store and transport it from multiple sources. This can mean lower freshness, higher contamination risks, and inconsistent quality.

At Al Jiyad Stables, the process is completely transparent:

1. Harvest in Australia – The hay is cut, dried, and baled at peak freshness.
2. Quality Check – Every batch is inspected by the farmer and our team.
3. Direct Shipping – The hay is loaded into containers and shipped directly to Dubai.
4. Arrival at Al Jiyad – We store it in climate-controlled conditions until it’s fed to our horses.

This direct chain means that when a horse at Al Jiyad takes a bite, we know exactly when and where that hay was harvested—often just weeks earlier.

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The Impact on Our Horses

The results speak for themselves. Horses on a diet of high-quality Australian hay show:

• Shinier coats – A sign of overall health and good nutrition.
• Better digestion – Thanks to the right balance of fiber and nutrients.
• Improved performance – More stamina for long trail rides and endurance events.
• Stable weight and muscle tone – Essential for both active and resting horses.

Our trainers and riders have noticed a clear difference in energy levels, focus, and recovery times. Simply put, healthy horses are happier horses, and happy horses create unforgettable riding experiences for our guests.

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Why This Matters for Riders and Visitors

You might think horse feed is a behind-the-scenes detail that only stable managers care about—but at Al Jiyad, it’s a difference you can feel the moment you step into the saddle.

A well-fed horse moves with ease, responds better to cues, and has a calm, confident temperament. Whether you’re a beginner enjoying your first desert hack or an experienced rider tackling a challenging trail, the horse beneath you is healthy, comfortable, and eager to share the journey.

This is part of what makes Al Jiyad Stables “More than just horses.” We don’t just offer rides—we offer the chance to connect with an animal that’s cared for like family.

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Our Commitment to Ethical, High-Standard Care

In an era when shortcuts are common, we believe in doing things the right way, even if it takes more time and effort. Bringing hay from Australia isn’t the easiest or cheapest route, but it’s the right one for our horses.

Our commitment to ethical horse care is seen in everything we do:

• Spacious, air-conditioned stables for comfort in Dubai’s climate.
• Daily grooming and exercise routines tailored to each horse.
• Regular veterinary checks to monitor health and performance.
• Professional training programs to ensure physical and mental well-being.

By combining world-class nutrition with expert care, we create an environment where horses thrive—and riders can enjoy the magic of the desert with complete peace of mind.

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Final Thoughts: The Journey Continues

For us, the story doesn’t end with one trip to Australia. We maintain a close relationship with the farmer, keeping up-to-date on crop conditions, seasonal changes, and new techniques for hay production. Our goal is to ensure that every horse at Al Jiyad Stables receives the best feed, year after year.

When you ride with us, you’re not just experiencing the desert—you’re experiencing the result of thousands of miles traveled, expert selection, and an unwavering dedication to horse health.

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Ride with Healthy, Happy Horses

Whether you’re here for a sunrise ride, a group hack, or a private desert adventure, know that the horse beneath you is cared for with the highest standards in the industry.

Come and see for yourself why our horses are full of energy, grace, and heart—because at Al Jiyad, we believe that every great ride starts with great care.

📞 Book your desert ride today and meet our horses in person. Experience the difference that true dedication makes.

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