The Doha Equestrian Tour resumed Wednesday with Al Shaqab Cup, while the Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup will be held from April 2 to 4.
The competitions, which is being held at Al Shaqab Arena, feature elite international riders alongside competitors from across the region and Qatar, contesting multiple categories at varying heights.
On the opening day of the Al Shaqab Cup Wednesday, American rider Kristen Vanderveen claimed victory in the CSI5* Faults and Time 150cm class, guiding Bull Run's Jireh to a clear round in 66.77 seconds. Saudi Arabia's Abdullah Alsharbatly finished second aboard Frenchy Vds with a time of 69.38 seconds, while Austria's Gerfried Puck secured third place on Equitron Naxcel V in 73.48 seconds.
Earlier, Qatar's Bassem Mohammed delivered a strong performance to win the CSI5* Two Phases 140cm class on Wathnan Chaccball, completing the course with two clear rounds in 35.79 seconds. Qatar’s Rashid Towaim Ali al-Marri also impressed to take second place riding Navaronne in 36.70 seconds, while his compatriot Faleh Suwead al-Ajami finished third aboard Wathnan Quality Street in 40.52 seconds.
The Al Shaqab Cup, which features one-star, three-star and five-star classes, has attracted more than 150 riders and offers a total prize purse of €784,000. The Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup is expected to host more than 200 riders competing across one-star to five-star categories, with an identical prize purse of €784,000.
Both events are of particular importance as they serve as qualifying rounds for Group VII of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) individual competitions.
Deputy Director of the Doha Equestrian Tour Mohammed Jaber al-Khayarin said preparations to conduct the events were carried out with meticulous planning and strict adherence to the highest safety standards due to the current regional tensions. He noted that competitions are being held without spectators in a controlled environment, in line with official guidelines and in coordination with partners and relevant bodies, including the FEI.
He stressed that the safety of all participants, including horses, remains a top priority, adding that the championship holds special significance within the season as it provides riders with an opportunity to qualify for the FEI Group VII finals. He also highlighted the continued presence of elite international riders competing for titles until the closing stages.
Al-Khayarin added that the substantial prize money has been a key motivator for riders, contributing to the high level of competition seen throughout the tour so far, while also attracting top-ranked riders from around the world to a series that is growing in importance on the international equestrian calendar.
In the overall standings for the four-star and five-star categories, Great Britain's world number one Scott Brash leads with 199 points, followed by compatriot Harry Charles with 144 points. Saudi Arabia's Alsharbatly sits third with 125 points, ahead of France's Megan Moissonnier (113 points) and American rider Eve Jobs (109 points).
In the one-star standings, Qatar's Saad Ahmed al-Saad leads with 75 points, followed by Khalid Jassim al-Suwaidi with 49 points and Hussein Saeed Haidan with 43 points. Egypt's Fatima Mohand El Kashawi is fourth with 34 points, while Ali Omar al-Ansari and Ghanem Nasser al-Qadi are tied with 32 points each.
Launched in 2025, the Doha Equestrian Tour is a prestigious international showjumping and dressage series comprising 10 championships held at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, one of the world's leading equestrian venues. The tour brings together elite riders and showcases top-level competition, further strengthening Doha's status as a global equestrian hub.
