Assistant Deputy Director of the Doha Equestrian Tour Sheikh Talal bin Khalid Al-Thani, Director of Communications and Public Relations at Visit Qatar Jassim Al Mahmoud, American para dressage rider Fiona Howard and Director of Marketing and Communications Abdullah Al Qashouti pose for a group photo after the press conference.
Doha, Qatar: World-class equestrian sport continues in Doha as the star-studded Concours Hippique International (CHI) Al Shaqab Presented by Longines gets underway today. The prestigious event brings together the world’s best horse-and-rider combinations, promising four thrilling days of competition at Al Shaqab.
CHI Al Shaqab marks the sixth round of the ongoing Doha Equestrian Tour, following four rounds of the inaugural H H The Father Amir’s Prix in January and last weekend’s H H The Amir’s Sword.
Staged in only five destinations worldwide, CHI events - featuring an integrated format combining show jumping, dressage, and para dressage in a single world-class showcase - rank among the most prestigious fixtures on the international equestrian calendar. Al Shaqab, hosting its 13th edition this year, remains the only venue in the Middle East and Asia to stage this competition.
This year’s edition carries a total prize purse of €1,373,000, with over 300 riders from 40 countries taking part in the showjumping events across CSIY-B, CSICh-B, CSI1*, CSI3* and CSI5* competitions. The dressage programme includes CDI5* competition featuring 14 riders and 14 horses, as well as CDI1* with 12 riders and 12 horses, complemented by CPEDI3* para dressage, which will see 12 riders partnered with 12 horses.
“CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines reflects our continued commitment to delivering world-class equestrian sport that reinforces Doha’s position on the international calendar,” Assistant Deputy Director of the Doha Equestrian Tour Sheikh Talal bin Khalid Al-Thani told a pre-event press conference yesterday.
“With a total prize fund of €1,373,000 and a strong international field across all three disciplines, the programme builds towards a Grand Prix weekend, headlined by Saturday’s CSI5* Grand Prix presented by Longines.”
Director of Communications and Public Relations at Visit Qatar Jassim Al Mahmoud, said: “CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines reflects Visit Qatar’s continued commitment to supporting world-class international events that reinforce Qatar’s position as a global destination for sport and excellence. Equestrian holds a special place in Qatar’s cultural heritage and national identity, and this championship provides a valuable platform to showcase that legacy to international audiences.”
American para dressage rider Fiona Howard hailed Al Shaqab as one of the world’s premier equestrian venues.
“CHI Al Shaqab is always my favourite competition of the year. This is my third time attending, and the weather is incredible, and the people here are so welcoming. I love bringing my horses here. I brought a young horse this time, and I’m very excited to be back in Doha. I want to give my horse a very special experience,” said Howard, who won the Para Grand Prix A (Grade II) at CHI Al Shaqab 2023.
As the Doha Equestrian Tour continues, Britain’s Scott Brash (GBR) leads the CSI4*/5* standings on 199 points, followed by compatriot Harry Charles on 144, and France’s Megane Moissonnier on 113. Qatari riders lead the CSI1* standings, with Saad Ahmed S A Al Saad on 66 points, ahead of Hussain Said A M Haidan on 43, and Ali Omar A H Al Ansari on 32.
