The Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is being recognised for his work with horses. Sheikh Mohammed is among a number of people who are being honoured by Equine Advocates, a charity based in New York, at its annual gala on Thursday night. Others include American actress Bo Derek, a life-long supporter of animal welfare.  Sheikh Mohammed (pictured during an endurance race) is to receive the Ellen and Herbert Moelis Equine Saviour Award for Philanthropy. This will recognise his charity work, such as saving aging racehorses from slaughter by retraining them in England and the US. “I am honoured to have been chosen to receive this award,” Sheikh Mohammed was quoted as saying by Bloomberg news agency. “My people have always had a great and natural affinity with the horse. The fact that horses bring people of all nationalities together in the spirit of competition and friendship will continue to be a source of immense pleasure for me.” Equine Advocates, which was founded in 1996, has rescued thousands of horses.