The ninth round of the Qatar Equestrian Tour, a premier showcase of equestrianism in the region, commenced yesterday at the Longines Arena in Al Shaqab, Doha. The three-day competition features riders of varying skill levels, from amateur enthusiasts to seasoned professionals, vying for top honors and valuable ranking points. This event is a crucial component of the Longines Hathab series, which aims to promote and develop equestrian sports within Qatar and internationally.
Competition began with the Amateur Tour, testing riders over a 100 cm course, and the Silver Tour, featuring 130 cm jumps. The event draws significant attention from the local community and equestrian fans worldwide, highlighting Qatar’s growing prominence as a sporting destination. Organizers anticipate a strong turnout throughout the weekend as riders continue to compete for championship titles.
Qatar Equestrian Tour: Amateur and Silver Tour Results
Layan Sultan Al Thani emerged victorious in the Amateur Tour, skillfully navigating the course with Dino Bb Z in a time of 16.35 seconds. This win marks a significant achievement for Al Thani, demonstrating dedication to the sport. Mariam Abdulkarim Abdul followed closely behind, securing second place on Beyonce with a time of 17.43 seconds, while Adel Khalil Abdulrazaq rounded out the top three aboard Phoenix, finishing in 17.51 seconds.
Awards for the Amateur Tour were presented by Saeed Hamad Al Rashdi, Deputy Director of the Longines Hathab Championship, recognizing the riders’ accomplishments. The Longines Hathab series provides a platform for aspiring equestrians to gain experience and compete at a high level. This support is vital for the continued growth of the sport in Qatar.
Meanwhile, the Silver Tour saw a competitive field with Khalid Al Hadi ultimately claiming the top prize riding Carlton, completing the course in 28.84 seconds. Al Hadi’s performance showcased both speed and precision. Mohammed Abdullah Jumaa secured second place with Viahibe, finishing in 28.89 seconds, and Hussein Saeed Haidan took third place on Sausido with a time of 29.89 seconds.
Growing Popularity of Show Jumping
The increasing participation and viewership of events like the Qatar Equestrian Tour reflect the growing popularity of show jumping and other horse riding disciplines in the country. Qatar has invested heavily in equestrian infrastructure, including world-class facilities like Al Shaqab, attracting international competitions and fostering local talent. This investment is part of a broader strategy to diversify the nation’s sporting portfolio.
Ali bin Yousef Al Rumaihi, a Board member of the Qatar Equestrian Federation, presented the trophies to the Silver Tour winners. The Qatar Equestrian Federation plays a key role in regulating and promoting equestrian activities nationwide, ensuring the highest standards of competition and animal welfare. They also work to develop training programs for riders and officials.
Longines Hathab Championship and its Impact
The Longines Hathab Championship, of which this tour is a part, is a significant initiative aimed at elevating equestrian sports globally. The series includes competitions across multiple continents, providing riders with opportunities to earn valuable points towards qualification for the Longines Global Champions Tour and other prestigious events. This international exposure benefits both the riders and the host nation.
Additionally, the championship focuses on developing young riders and promoting the sport to new audiences. Through educational programs and community outreach initiatives, Longines Hathab strives to create a sustainable future for equestrianism. The series also emphasizes the importance of horsemanship and the bond between rider and horse.
The competition continues today and tomorrow with further rounds in the Silver Tour, as well as the commencement of the Gold Tour, featuring the most challenging jumps and experienced riders. Organizers are monitoring weather conditions to ensure the safety of both horses and riders. The final results and overall standings for each tour will be announced at the conclusion of the event on Saturday.
Looking ahead, the success of the ninth round will likely influence the scheduling and format of future events within the Longines Hathab series. The performance of Qatari riders will also be closely watched as they prepare for upcoming international competitions. Further announcements regarding the championship’s expansion and development plans are expected in the coming months.
