Doha, 16 November 2023 - The equestrian world eagerly anticipates the inaugural edition of the Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show, set to make a grand entrance onto the global stageunder the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani.
Scheduled to take place from November 17th to 18th, this prestigious event will unfold at the iconic Al Shaqab indoor and outdoor arena, marking a significant milestone for Arabian horse enthusiasts. This equestrian spectacle is poised to be an unforgettable experience, uniting a total of 272 horses, including 70 from outside Qatar.
Hailing from Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, these magnificent creatures will compete for top honors in an exhilarating display of skill and grace.
The inaugural edition of the show boasts an esteemed panel of judges who will bring their expertise to evaluate and appreciate the prowess of these equestrian teams, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition: Renata Schibler (Switzerland), Josy Everars (Belgium), Helen Hennekens-van Nes (Belgium), Marek Trela (Poland), Robbie Den Hartog (Netherlands), Terry Holms (USA), Christine Valette (France), Soheil Sanati (Iran), Bassem Badr (KSA), Mohamed Mohsen (Egypt), Barbara Pfisner (Switzerland), Mohammed Hammad (Egypt).
At a press conference to officially launch the event, Khalid AL-Jehani, Breeding & Show Manager, Al Shaqab, and Event Director, Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show, said: “we believe that, within just a few editions, this show will establish itself as a “not-to-miss” yearly event for Arabian Show Horse owners, both locally and internationally.
“We are immensely proud to have the support of our sponsors who have made this event possible. The Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show has garnered significant attention from equestrian enthusiasts and experts worldwide, and the sponsors have played a vital role in shaping this prestigious event.”
Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show is classified as a B show by the European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO), allowing winning horses to qualify for international shows of higher classification. This show not only showcases the beauty and grace of purebred Arabian horses but also celebrates the traditional and cultural significance of owning these magnificent creatures, reflecting the deep-seated love for Arabian horses in the community.
By highlighting the uniqueness of purebred Arabian horses both locally and internationally, the event underpins Qatar’s rich Arabian heritage, further strengthening its global presence in the equestrian community.
