Tribune News Network
Doha
The Qatar Equestrian Federation & Modern Pentathlon (QEF&MP), represented by the Higher Organizing Committee of HH The Amir’s Sword Showjumping and Dressage Championship, held a press conference on Monday to announce the details of the 13th edition of the prestigious championship to be held February 16-18 at the outdoor arena of QEF in Al Rayyan.
On the occasion, a signing ceremony was also held with the various sponsors at the Qatar Equestrian Federation headquarters in the presence of Bader Al Darwish, President of the Qatar Equestrian Federation, and Sheikh Ahmad bin Noah Al Thani, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee for the Championship and the Secretary-General of QEF, and Ali bin Yousef Al Rumaihi, Championship Director, and member of the board of directors of the federation, in addition to representatives of the sponsors and companies.
The list of partners and sponsors include Al Shaqab (Organizing partner), Vodafone Qatar (Main sponsor), The Social & Sport Contribution Fund, Al Emadi Projects Company, Al Hazm, Baladna Food Industries, Abdullah Abdulghani & Brothers, Mazaya Real Estate Development Company, Gulf Craft, Loom Company (Media sponsors), and AlKass TV (Live broadcast sponsor).
Bader Al Darwish announced the preparations for HH The Amir’s Sword Championship for show jumping and dressage.
“It is the prestigious and one of the most expensive events held by the federation every year,” he said: “The Qatar Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon Federation highly appreciates the role and contributions of the sponsors for this championship.
“We appreciate and thank them because they really contribute to the continuation and development of equestrian sport in the country, support the federation in organizing and holding tournaments, and support the emergence and development of generations of promising Qatari riders to raise the flag Qatar in equestrian at international forums.
“We have intensified our great efforts to host this important event and present it to the public in the best way. We have also made all the necessary arrangements that make every day of the tournament exceptional.
“The championship is a quantum leap in the march of showjumping riders of various levels, and it is unique because it comes in conjunction with the activities of His Highness The Amir’s Sword Festival, which is organized by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) at Al Rayyan Racecourse, and His Highness the Amir’s Sword Endurace Race - organized by the Qatari Endurance and Racing Club, and therefore it is a comprehensive championship for all equestrian lovers,” he added.
Sheikh Ahmad bin Noah Al Thani, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, said: “We, at the Qatar Equestrian Federation, have been keen to prepare and present a distinguished version of the HH The Amir’s Sword Championship for showjumping and dressage.
“The most important goal for us is to provide sports competitions that raise the level of the Qatari riders and enhance their capabilities which was reflected in three basic elements that we took into account for this championship: paying attention to future riders; striving to raise the level of competition by providing overseas participations; and keenness to develop our strategic partnerships with the local community, institutions and Qatari companies.”
The federation also revealed the official schedule for the championship competitions.
Ali bin Yousef Al Rumaihi, the tournament director, said: “With the competitions, we hope that this edition will be the largest of its kind in terms of the participation of riders as registrations will close on Wednesday and we expect to witness strong competitions which will be held for three consecutive days in showjumping, dressage and future riders’ competitions that are being arbitrated according to international regulations of FEI, and the door for riders from outside has also been opened.”
HH The Amir’s Sword Showjumping and Dressage Championship will begin with the mandatory examination of participating horses, after which the dressage competitions for Level 1 and Level 2 will take place.
On February 17, showjumping competitions in three categrories, starting with the Small Tour (100-120cm) will be followed by the Medium Tour (120-135cm), and the Big Tour (135-145cm).
February 18, the final day will see competitions for the title of the precious HH The Amir’s Sword with riders competing in the Small Tour which will be followed by the Medium Tour for Future Riders in 70-85cm and 85-100cm classes.
