The latest round of the Al Shaqab Showjumping League in Doha, Qatar, took place at the state-of-the-art Longines Indoor Arena, showcasing exciting equestrian action by young riders. The event focused on promoting opportunities for female and junior riders, with enthusiastic participants competing in seven categories. In the Ladies’ class 90 cm event, Ghada Thani Al Sowaidi emerged victorious riding Sandro Girl, finishing ahead of 24 other riders. Al Sowaidi’s impressive performance secured her the win in the final event of the League, with a time difference of 0.06 secs. Aseel Ali Al Ibrahim and his horse Godette came in second, followed by Noora Abdulaziz Al Rumaihi riding Fanta Sparta in third place.
In the Intro 60cm class, Fatima Bader Al Darwish stood out as the top rider, riding Whistler to victory with a time difference of 0.22. Fahad Nasser Al Thani on Coco Chanel SB came in a close second with a time difference of 0.26, while Mohammed Fahad Al Attiya on Fornite secured the third position with a time difference of 0.29. The awards for this category were presented by Al Shaqab Breeding and Show Manager Khalid Al Jehani. The winners of the Intro 40 cm category also had their moment of glory as they posed for a photograph with officials, celebrating their achievements.
Shaikha Mohamed Al Thani took the top spot in the Intro 40 cm class, riding Bay Barney to victory with a time difference of 0.4 secs, closely followed by Ali Omar Al Ansari with a time difference of 0.42 seconds. Khalifa Joaan Hamad Al Thani completed the podium with a time difference of 0.64 riding Ardfry Apollo. The awards for this category were presented by Al Shaqab Legacy and Heritage Specialist Ahmed Khaled Al Hemaidi. On a previous day of competition, Khaltham Thani Al Swadi (80cm), Amer Hamad Jaber Al Mansori (100cm), Abdualla Khalid Aljulandani (110cm), and Ghanim Mohammed AlBinali (90cm) emerged victorious in their respective categories.
The Al Shaqab League has been meticulously designed to cater to riders of various age groups, offering points for each finish in different categories. The points system aims to determine the top-performing riders, regardless of gender, at the end of the season. The League provides a platform for young riders to showcase their skills and compete in a supportive environment, encouraging participation and development in the sport of showjumping. The event not only highlights the talent of the riders but also promotes gender equality and inclusivity in equestrian sports.
Overall, the Al Shaqab Showjumping League celebrates the passion and dedication of young riders in Doha, Qatar, as they strive for excellence in equestrian competition. The League’s commitment to promoting opportunities for female and junior riders, as well as recognizing top-performing individuals across various categories, reflects its dedication to fostering talent and growth in the sport. With each round of competition, riders have the chance to test their skills, build camaraderie, and showcase their abilities in a competitive yet supportive environment. As the season progresses, spectators can look forward to more thrilling displays of equestrian skill and sportsmanship at the state-of-the-art Longines Indoor Arena.
