Riders during vet check ahead of the opening round of the sixth edition of Qatar Equestrian Tour - Longines Hathab.
Doha: Qatar’s top riders are set for exciting action as the sixth edition of the Qatar Equestrian Tour - Longines Hathab - supported by The Social and Sport Contribution Fund (Daam) kicks off at Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) Indoor Arena, today.
An initiative of H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Shaqab, Longines Hathab is the country’s premier equestrian competition series and fulfils a vital role for the horse-riding community.
It seeks to inspire Qatar’s next generation of international champions as well as increase awareness of horsemanship as part of Qatar’s culture and tradition.
The season will get underway with the Small Tour event today, offering QR20,000 to the riders followed by the Medium Tour, which is carrying a prize purse of QR60,000.
Riders will compete in Open Tour and Future Riders categories before the Big Tour event tomorrow. The hugely-popular series also involves Dressage competitions.
Qatari rider Saeed Nasser Al Qadi will defend his overall Big Tour title while Rashid Towaim Al Marri will look to retain his Medium Tour crown.
Mohammed Jabor Al Naimi will start as the defending champion in Small Tour while Jessica Waldon and Khalid Al Nuaimi will defend their dressage titles.
