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When in full glow of lights, Al Shaqab, the state-of-the-art equestrian centre in Doha is a sight to behold. The horse riding activities inside the stunning 980,000 square-metre horse-shoe shaped arena are all the more thrilling.
Established in 1992 with the vision, foresight and passion to preserve and perpetuate the Arabian horse in Qatar by the Father Amir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, Al Shaqab underwent an expansion in 2006 and developed into a world-class equestrian centre.
Al Shaqab is unique in its ways of preserving the Arabian breed and producing horses that are beautiful and athletic, and have great moral character and kindness as well.
Al Shaqab horses have been winning global awards at global shows and racing events.
The breeding and care of horses and the way it is done la Al Shaqab class is also something that makes every connoisseur visiting the centre drop jaw.
Adding to its glory each year is the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) -- the showjumping competition held in world’s top cities including Paris, Rome, Monaco and Shanghai, and which culminates in a grand finale in Doha. It draws the best of horses and riders to Qatar.
The LGCT Doha leg is a classic mix of tradition and modernity where the event offers spectators a superb mix of sport, culture and entertainment. It is awaited excitedly by almost all from around the globe and in Qatar. Little wonder that the vast expanse has its stands packed during the event.
One happened to run into one such enchanted and excited visitor during the recent LGCT event in Doha. While she seemed like any other spectator going about and talking to people at Al Shaqab, a brief encounter saw her reveal that she had actually come all the way from Ukraine!
“I’m here on my own,” said Saliuta Tetiana, a horse rider herself.
The Kiev resident had been checking things about Al Shaqab and couldn’t resist the idea of being here for the very first time.
“I was interested in LGCT and trying to make reservations in several countries. I then came to know from the internet source that the Qatar competition will be the last and exactly in this place will be the most strong horse riders. So, I decided to be here for the very good watching experience.
“The Al Shaqab arena is splendid and atmosphere brilliant.
“Besides, I saw that Qatar is a very beautiful country, young in its growth with high level for future development economically and politically, with a spiritual aspect. And I have been really surprised by this event and country,” said Tetiana,who spent close to a week staying in Doha.
Asked if she would want to be back again, she quipped. “Of course! And, perhaps professionally as a rider qualifying for the event.”
Be sure, she’s not the only one!
Established in 1992 with the vision, foresight and passion to preserve and perpetuate the Arabian horse in Qatar by the Father Amir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, Al Shaqab underwent an expansion in 2006 and developed into a world-class equestrian centre.
Al Shaqab is unique in its ways of preserving the Arabian breed and producing horses that are beautiful and athletic, and have great moral character and kindness as well.
Al Shaqab horses have been winning global awards at global shows and racing events.
The breeding and care of horses and the way it is done la Al Shaqab class is also something that makes every connoisseur visiting the centre drop jaw.
Adding to its glory each year is the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) -- the showjumping competition held in world’s top cities including Paris, Rome, Monaco and Shanghai, and which culminates in a grand finale in Doha. It draws the best of horses and riders to Qatar.
The LGCT Doha leg is a classic mix of tradition and modernity where the event offers spectators a superb mix of sport, culture and entertainment. It is awaited excitedly by almost all from around the globe and in Qatar. Little wonder that the vast expanse has its stands packed during the event.
One happened to run into one such enchanted and excited visitor during the recent LGCT event in Doha. While she seemed like any other spectator going about and talking to people at Al Shaqab, a brief encounter saw her reveal that she had actually come all the way from Ukraine!
“I’m here on my own,” said Saliuta Tetiana, a horse rider herself.
The Kiev resident had been checking things about Al Shaqab and couldn’t resist the idea of being here for the very first time.
“I was interested in LGCT and trying to make reservations in several countries. I then came to know from the internet source that the Qatar competition will be the last and exactly in this place will be the most strong horse riders. So, I decided to be here for the very good watching experience.
“The Al Shaqab arena is splendid and atmosphere brilliant.
“Besides, I saw that Qatar is a very beautiful country, young in its growth with high level for future development economically and politically, with a spiritual aspect. And I have been really surprised by this event and country,” said Tetiana,who spent close to a week staying in Doha.
Asked if she would want to be back again, she quipped. “Of course! And, perhaps professionally as a rider qualifying for the event.”
Be sure, she’s not the only one!
