蜜芽传媒

Katie Higgins had owned and ridden horses all her life, but a move to Dubai brought about a partnership with some different four-legged friends.

Now the 29-year-old from Caherlistrane in County Galway is part of the first ever women's camel racing team in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The art teacher made history in the country when she competed in its first licensed female camel championship race at Al Marmoom Racetrack in October.

Since then, she and the other women have competed in four races.

She is proud to be Ireland's first female camel jockey.

She told Newsday "It's just great to learn the history, the culture, the anatomy of camels, as well as combining it with the UAE cultures and traditions."

Photo: Katie Higgins sits next to camel. Credit: Katie Higgins.