Qatar Team Prepares for 2008 World Endurance Championships
Final Entries Due on Oct. 1 for Championship in Malaysia

25, September, Doha, Qatar - After two years of preparation and competition the Qatar Endurance Team has qualified eight riders for the FEI World Endurance Championship to be held 6th-9th November in Terengganu, Malaysia.  

Although eight riders have qualified only six riders are allowed to compete. Qatar team officials must trim the list to six and submit the final entries to the sports governing body, Federation Equestre Internationale, by October 1.

The eight riders include: Faleh Nasser Abugnaim, Ali Yousef Al Malki, Abdulla Towaim Al Marri, Hassan Tahous Al Nuaimi, Khalid Sanad Al Nuaimi, Mohammed Tahous Al Nuaimi, Mohammed Sultan Al Suwaidi, and Atta Mohammed Beer.

Owaida Al Hajeri serves as Chef d'Equipes for the 2008 Qatar Endurance Team and Hadi Nasser Al Naimi trainer.  

The Qatar roster is entirely made up of riders from Qatar Foundation's Al Shaqab Endurance Team. During the past two years the riders have competed in various international events to qualify for the championship. 

Over the past 10 years, Endurance riding has grown as one of the most popular equestrian events. The sport requires the teamwork of rider and horse as they work to maintain pace over the grueling 158.1 km cross-country course. To assist, riders are allowed to run, walk or jog alongside their horse during any point in the race.

Endurance racing is regulated to ensure the welfare of the horse during the competition. If at any time a horse fails to pass one of the nine physical examinations conducted by veterinarians, they are immediately eliminated from the competition. Examinations are held prior to the race, at seven intervals during the running of the event, and at the finish.  

A record 41 teams competed in the 2006 championship held in Aachen, Germany as France won the team competition and Spain earned individual honors.

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