Qatar has been abuzz with equestrian excitement, hosting a thrilling series of events that have captivated horse racing and equestrian sports enthusiasts alike. From the exhilarating H H The Amir Sword Racing Festival to the high-caliber competitions at the H H The Amir Sword Equestrian Festival and the CHI Al Shaqab 2025, the nation has once again proven its reputation as a global center for world-class equestrian action. With the Longines Global Champions Tour looming on the horizon, the excitement shows no signs of fading.
The high-profile action kicked off with the H H The Amir Sword Racing Festival, a highlight of Qatar’s racing calendar, featuring 26 fiercely contested races and a record prize pool of $10m. Among the unforgettable moments, Al Ghadeer dominated the prestigious H H The Amir Sword race, defending his Doha Triple Crown title in spectacular fashion.
Taking place simultaneously was the H H The Amir Sword Equestrian Festival at world-class Al Shaqab, where riders from across the globe gathered for three days of thrilling showjumping and dressage competitions. The event attracted 194 riders from 35 countries, including top competitors from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Europe. One of the standout moments came from Germany’s Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, who claimed the prestigious H H The Amir Sword title in the CSI5* Grand Prix 1.60m, showcasing exceptional skill aboard Messi Van ‘T Ruytershof. The Festival also highlighted the growing talent pool in Qatar, with over 350 horses competing for a share of the €718,000 prize pool.
The momentum continued as the CHI Al Shaqab 2025 unfolded, an event that stands as the only CHI competition in the Middle East. This prestigious event concluded yesterday brought together elite competitors from 41 countries to vie for top honours in showjumping, dressage and para-dressage. The event reinforced Qatar’s position as a key destination for equestrian excellence with world-class performances in every arena. It was another captivating showcase that left an indelible mark on the global equestrian community.
With the Longines Global Champions Tour 2025 scheduled from February 27 to March 1, Qatar’s equestrian fever is set to reach new heights. The elite showjumping series promises to bring the world’s top riders to Al Shaqab for yet another unforgettable spectacle. From the adrenaline of horse racing to the finesse of equestrian sport, Qatar has reaffirmed its position at the forefront of the global equestrian scene. With the Longines Global Champions Tour just around the corner, the excitement is set to rise even higher, with Qatar at the center of it all.
