World-class riders to take centre stage at CHI Al Shaqab

The 12th edition of CHI Al Shaqab, Presented by Longines, is all set to kick off today at the Longines Arena of Al Shaqab. This three-day championship will feature some of the world’s best showjumping and dressage riders (five-star classification) and offers a total prize money of over 1.3mn euros, making it one of the most valuable events on the International Equestrian Federation (FEI)’s calendar.
This prestigious event has attracted 247 riders from 41 countries, with Qatar represented by 76 riders. Competitions will include showjumping rounds for CSI1*, three-star, and five-star classifications, as well as dressage competitions for one-star and five-star classifications, and para dressage. CHI Al Shaqab is considered one of the most important events on the international equestrian calendar and is one of the championships approved by the FEI worldwide. It serves as a platform for top-ranking local and international equestrian stars to compete in the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage, and para-dressage. First held in 2013, CHI Al Shaqab is one of only five CHI competitions worldwide and the first and only equestrian event of its kind in the Middle East and Asia regions.
Addressing the media yesterday, Event Director Mohammed Jaber al-Khayarin, said: “CHI Al Shaqab embodies the highest equestrian skills of elite riders and horses in exciting performances that showcase the exceptional levels the championship will present over the next three days. It includes three Olympic disciplines: showjumping, dressage, and para-dressage, confirming Al Shaqab’s position as the cradle of equestrianism in Qatar and a global destination for equestrian sports.”
The Event Director explained that CHI Al Shaqab has become a unique event not only in Qatar but globally, as event witnesses the participation of an elite group of riders. “The championship reflects Qatar’s ability as a global destination for hosting major sporting events and embodies Al Shaqab’s commitment to achieving its vision of becoming a leading global centre for equestrianism. It enhances the love of equestrianism within the Qatari community and contributes to consolidating our pride and appreciation for the long history of equestrianism that characterises Qatar,” he said.
“The total number of horses participating in the championship has reached 445 across all categories. The organising committee has allocated a special area for the public, offering many entertainment facilities, including a variety of food and beverage options, as well as cafes and shops. Additionally, many events will cater to all age groups from every segment of society,” al-Khayarin added.
German veteran Marcus Ehning – a CHI Al Shaqab champion in 2022 and 2023 – was excited to return to Al Shaqab, where he said he has “fond memories.”
“I am very happy to be back here in Qatar. The weather here is better than in Europe,” he said with a smile. “I have a few fond food memories here in Shaqab. It’s a venue that is close to being my second home. The facilities here are world-class, and they’re brilliant for the horses. I hope I can reclaim my title this weekend,” the 50-year-old added.
Dressage rider Dinja van Liere of the Netherlands, who is on her third visit to Al Shaqab, expects tough competition and praised the state-of-the-art facilities. “I would love to win this time. There are lots of good competitors, and it will be a tough decision for the judges to choose a winner. It’s going to be difficult and hard to predict,” she said.
“I have a good feeling as my horse is in good shape. My last competition was in Amsterdam, and he did well. It’s a really good venue, and the facilities for the horses are excellent, which helps them perform better,” Liere added.
Para dressage silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Rext van der Hulst of the Netherlands, said: “The level of competition is so high here, with lots of good riders. It’s a good learning experience for the horses and one of the most beautiful shows in the world.”
Exciting three day s of
Action on Cards
The first day of the championship will feature 11 rounds, with competitions starting at 9:30am at the Longines outdoor arena with CSI 3-star showjumping (1.35m). Action at the indoor arena will begin at 10:00am with CSI1* showjumping, followed by Para Dressage CPEDI 3* at 11:00am.
The CSI showjumping (1.45m) will start at 1:00pm at the outdoor arena, followed by the 1.2m star competitions and the CSI 5* competitions (1.45m), Two Phases, followed by the 1.05m star category competitions. At 5:30pm, the indoor arena will host primary dressage competitions, followed by the Prix St. George classification dressage. The showjumping CSI 5*(1.50m) will take place at the outdoor arena from 7:45pm. The opening day will also feature a round for the Future Riders at a height of 60cm.
Action on the second day will begin at the outdoor arena at 9:00am with CSI 3* (1.40m). It will be followed by eight more categories, including CSI 5* (1.45m, 1.50m, and 1.55m with Jump Off). This edition of CHI Al Shaqab will feature the CSI5* “Prix Hermès Sellier” class at a height of 1.55m. Action at the indoor arena will begin at 2:00pm with dressage competitions for the five-star category, followed by dressage competitions for the star category. The sub-fields will also host Future Riders’ competitions at a height of 80cm and Star Classification Showjumping competitions at heights from 1.1m to 1.25m.
On the final day, Saturday, the indoor arena will stage the 5-star dressage competitions for the Grand Prix, starting at 10:00am, followed by the Dressage CDI 5* Grand Prix Special, Para-Dressage CPEDI 3* Para GP Freestyle, and Dressage CDI 5* CHI Al Shaqab Freestyle Grand Prix, presented by Longines, with a €100,000 prize. The outdoor arena will feature action from 9:00am with Jumping CSI 3* (1.4m), followed by the Future Riders (100cm), Jumping CSI 5*(1.45m), Jumping CSICh 60cm/Optimum Time (1.10m), and Jumping CSI 1* (1.15m).
The Jumping CSI 3* Grand Prix with Jump-Off (1.50m) for €105,500 will begin at 3:45pm, while the CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix (Two Phases 1.60m), with a prize of €540,000, will start at 7:00pm.