A young rider competes during the opening round of Hathab at Al Shaqab’s Indoor Arena on Saturday.
Organisers of the Hathab showjumping series are thrilled with the outcome of the new QR1m series, saying Qatar’s riding landscape looks promising.
A total of six competitions were held over the weekend at Al Shaqab’s Indoor Arena where riders as young as 12 years old regaled fans with their routines watched by showjumping fans from across the country.
Hamad Nasser Al Qadi, astride SIEC Lonnie, grabbed the top spot in the feature competition of the opening round of the 12-leg series on Saturday.
“Everything went smoothly. The participation particularly was very impressive from the young riders. They were not that many but what pleased us (the organisers) that they put out great routines,” Ali Al Rumaihi, Executive Director of the event, said.
“This is exactly what we were thinking about when we set plans for the new series. I think we had 12 young riders and they got a great outing in terms of competition and other relevant matters,” he said.
“You will know that you can’t force your horses to go full throttle so early in the season. The riders did really well, keeping the right pace while competing. The course was well laid out. Al Shaqab is also setting things up for the new season,” Al Rumaihi explained in a chat with The Peninsula.
Al Rumaihi, a member of Qatar’s equestrian squad that featured at the Rio Olympic Games last year, said he expects more riders queuing up for entry.
“I am sure in the next round - to be held in about two weeks’ time - we will see more young entries coming in. I say that because there were so many people seeking information from us during these two days of competition,” Al Rumaihi said.
“They wanted to know more about the series and how they could have their children present in competitions.
“I must say I did not expect such an overwhelming response from fans in Qatar. The showjumping fans want more from us. We will be having dressage competitions in the next rounds and now we expect more people coming in.
“Now we will get ready for the Champions of Champions tour next week and that will be followed by the second round of competition in the Hathab series.
“I can see this championship growing in weeks and months to come. This is a sport that is close to our culture of horse riding,” Al Rumaihi said.
“This was an international event for the young riders, for the organising team and even the judges. Like I said the enthusiasm of participation was just great. Just by announcing the details of this new series we have attracted the interested riders. Everyone involved with jumping and dressage will come in and compete in the coming rounds,” he said.
When asked about his Rio Games show, Al Rumaihi said: “It was fantastic experience. It was my first time competing with the best at the Games. As a team we did really good. In the individual run, I ended in the 16th spot. Small faults cost us but overall it was just amazing being there.”
He added: “Being at the Games is a target for any rider in the world. The difficult thing was to qualify for the Games. That was more tough actually. When you reach the Games, you know what to do and how to go about your competition. I will try to continue but it is difficult (smiles). Officially I haven’t ridden for a long time but I can resume anytime.”
