By Isabel Ovalle
Qatar is currently hosting the first international equestrian competition to be held in the Middle East and Asia. The venue is Al Shaqab, which boasts 980,000 square metres of world-class facilities inside Qatar Foundation’s Education City.
The organisers expect 10,000 spectators to attend over the four days of the event, with special attendance by members of the ruling family and other guests of honour from the GCC states.
CHI (Concours Hippique International — International Equestrian Competition) is the official title given by the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) to international equestrian competitions with three or more equine disciplines, like the one taking place in Doha.
“Many prestigious equestrian events have taken place in the Gulf countries; however, this combination of disciplines hasn’t been done before,” said Dr Andras Tatar, Venue Director at Al Shaqab.
The event, which began yesterday, will conclude on March 30 with participation by the best riders in the FEI ranking.
The city will host at least three more events like this, which will serve as tests for Doha and Al Shaqab, which ultimately aims to host the World Equestrian Games in 2022.
Al Shaqab wants to use the opportunity to the full.
“We are about to develop the facility to be multifunctional. We have control rooms to run three different disciplines at the same time, with the outdoor area destined for showjumping and the indoor area for dressage,” said Dr Tatar, who has been working at Al Shaqab for over five years.
Al Shaqab has three major areas, and a fourth one will be the arena and events area. The others are a zone dedicated to breeding and one for endurance, both focusing on Arabian horses, and the riding academy. The institution is developing programmes to build dressage teams and at present has competing teams only in endurance. The academy has 1,156 members — half of them expatriates of various nationalities and the rest Qataris, said the venue director.
“This facility has been twice included in the application of the Qatari Olympic committee and our intention is to build this venue to the Olympic level. In addition, we are hoping to host the World Equestrian Games in 2022, after three successful editions of CHI”, he said.
A total of 480 horses live in Al Shaqab, where they spend the summer in air-conditioned stables. The centre also has first-class exercise facilities and a state-of-the-art clinic, and will soon get a veterinary hospital.
During the event, a 17,000-square metre spectator plaza is open to members of the public who wish to celebrate Qatar’s heritage in equine culture and sport.
The competitions are in three equestrian disciplines spread over
four days: Showjumping CSI five-star and three-star, dressage CDI four-star and Endurance CEI two-star.
CSI (Concours de Saut International), CDI (Concours de Dressage International) and CEI (Concours de Raid d’Endurance International) are ranking systems for these equestrian events where more competitive events with more prize money have a higher number of stars.
Al Shaqab is expecting participation by about 150 riders and 200 horses from more than 25 nations. The top 30 showjumpers and top 15 dressage riders from the International Equestrian Federation’s world ranking were invited to compete, together with top regional and international teams who are due to take part in the endurance race.
CHI Al Shaqab 2013 features activities for the general public. In addition to seeing some of the best riders in the world in action, visitors can watch an international exhibition and multiple cultural and equine events.
The spectator plaza comprises more than 40 tents filled with vendors, food courts, game zones and child-friendly areas. Other events during the festival include equine demonstrations as well as pony and carriage rides for families.
Access to Al Shaqab is free of charge but admission to the competition area requires tickets. Day tickets are priced at QR30 for adults and QR15 for children above the age of six years. Children below six can watch the competitions free of charge.
About Al Shaqab
The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani founded Al Shaqab in 1992 to preserve and develop Arabian horses in Qatar. The facility is led by H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and encompasses an endurance team, a breeding and show division, and a riding academy.
In 2004, it became a member of Qatar Foundation. Its mission is to be a global leader in preserving, improving and promoting the Arabian horse breed by setting the highest standards in breeding, equestrian arts and equine welfare while encouraging community participation.
