Doha, Qatar – The eighth edition of the Longines Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Tour continued with its second leg, showcasing impressive performances from local talent. Held at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s indoor arena, the event featured both amateur and medium tour classes, with riders vying for top honors in a series of competitive showjumping rounds.
The event drew significant attention from equestrian enthusiasts, highlighting the growing popularity of equestrian sports in Qatar. Riders from across the country demonstrated their skills, precision, and speed, competing in front of an enthusiastic audience that supports the development of equestrian talent in the region.
Khalid Jassim Al Suwaidi Dominates the Amateur Class
In the Amateur class, Khalid Jassim Al Suwaidi stole the spotlight by securing the top spot with an exceptional performance on his horse Pepsi. Competing over a course featuring obstacles with a height of 100 cm, Al Suwaidi completed the round with a time of 24.49 seconds, narrowly beating his competition.
The second-place finisher, Abdullah Saleh Al Obaidli, was just 0.32 seconds behind Al Suwaidi, completing the course on Valonivada with a time of 24.81 seconds. Faisal Mohammed Al Nuaimi secured third place in the Amateur class, clocking in at 24.9 seconds on Tulipards.
The winners were honored by Fahad Rashid Al Ameri, Director of the First Equestrian Team, who presented the awards to the top three finishers. The tight competition in the Amateur class demonstrated the rising standard of Qatari equestrian sports, as riders continue to push themselves to excel in national and international arenas.
Saeed Hamad Jumaa Wins the Medium Tour Class
The Medium Tour class, which featured higher stakes and larger obstacles, saw Saeed Hamad Jumaa clinch victory aboard his horse Amber. Jumaa completed the challenging course in 43.7 seconds, securing his position at the top of the leaderboard. The Medium Tour class featured obstacles with a height of 130 cm, testing both the agility and speed of the riders and their horses.
Rashid Tuwaim Al Marri, riding Navarone, finished in second place with a time of 45.78 seconds, while Ali Saeed Al Misnad took third place, completing the course on Calgary in 46.31 seconds. The Medium Tour is known for its demanding courses, and the competition was fierce, with riders displaying remarkable control and skill in navigating the obstacles.
Team Competition: Al Fardan Takes the Lead
In the Medium Tour team competition, the stakes were even higher as teams competed for the top spot. The Al Fardan team emerged victorious, finishing with a total of 130 points and a combined time of 96.96 seconds. Their performance was closely followed by the Wathnan team, which secured second place with 130 points and a time of 101.42 seconds. The Lekhwiya team rounded out the podium with 126 points and a time of 106.5 seconds.
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The team competition added another layer of excitement to the event, as riders worked together to ensure their teams performed at the highest level. The results of the team competition are a testament to the collaborative nature of equestrian sports, where teamwork and precision are crucial for success.
The awards for the Medium Tour were presented by Faisal Al Kahla, Tournament Director, and Abdullah Al Qashouti, Director of the Media and Live Broadcast Committee. Their contributions underscore the importance of the Longines Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Tour in promoting equestrian sports and supporting the growth of local talent.
Technical Advancements in Qatari Equestrian Sports
Badr bin Mohammed Al Darwish, President of the Qatar Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon Federation, praised the progress of Qatari riders across the first two rounds of the Longines Hathab series. He noted a significant improvement in the technical level of the participants, which he believes will have a positive impact on Qatar’s national equestrian teams as they prepare for regional and international competitions.
“We are witnessing an increasing number of participants across various categories, many of whom are capable of representing our national teams in external competitions,” Al Darwish said. His remarks reflect the continuous efforts by the Qatar Equestrian Federation to foster a competitive environment where local riders can develop their skills and excel in the sport.
Al Darwish also encouraged the public to attend and support the local riders in the upcoming rounds of the Longines Hathab, noting that audience participation plays a vital role in the success of the event.
A Key Event in Qatar’s Equestrian Calendar
The Longines Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Tour is one of the most important events in the region’s equestrian calendar. Spanning 14 rounds, the tour provides riders with numerous opportunities to compete in a high-stakes environment and improve their skills over the course of the season. The events are held at both the Qatar Equestrian Federation and Al Shaqab’s Longines arenas, two of the country’s premier venues for equestrian competitions.
For participants, the Longines Hathab series is more than just a competition—it is a platform to showcase their abilities and prepare for future international events. For spectators, it offers the chance to witness world-class equestrian talent and be part of Qatar’s growing equestrian community.
Conclusion
The second leg of the eighth Longines Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Tour demonstrated the impressive talent and competitive spirit of Qatar’s equestrian athletes. With standout performances from Khalid Jassim Al Suwaidi and Saeed Hamad Jumaa, as well as a highly competitive team event, the tour is off to a thrilling start.
As the tour progresses, the improvement in technical skills and the increasing number of participants are clear indicators of a bright future for Qatari equestrian sports. The ongoing support from the Qatar Equestrian Federation and the Longines Hathab series will continue to provide riders with the opportunities they need to excel on both the national and international stage.