Mission

To promote education and horsemanship as part of Qatar’s equestrian heritage.

Riding Academy Programs 2023 - 2024

Welcome to Al Shaqab’s Riding Academy.

Our mission is to promote education and horsemanship as part of Qatar’s equestrian heritage in line with the overall vision of Al Shaqab to be the leading equine center of excellence.

Al Shaqab Riding Academy continues to implement an educational curriculum that consists of riding, theory and practical (stable management) knowledge during the 2023-24 academic year. The curriculum followed will train students to be proficient riders and eventually prepare them for both local and international competitions.

Ladies Program (14 years and older) 2023-2024

Ladies can now register for ladies only riding classes in a private indoor arena. This program is for ladies aged 14 years old and above. Students receive 12 riding lessons per month in groups of 6. Each lesson is 45-minutes long. Students also receive optional practical stable management classes and online theory classes.

Class Days: (Saturday – Monday – Wednesday) or (Sunday - Tuesday – Thursday)

Classes Timing: 3:30PM / 4:30PM / 5:30PM / 6:30PM

Registration fees: QR 1,000 and Monthly fees: QR 4,200.

Location: EED Indoor Arena at Equine Education Department

Location Map Link:

https://goo.gl/maps/31YNv3JR7yGUQXZf8

The facility is an indoor closed and air-conditioned arena.

* Fees must be paid in full at registration and fees are non-refundable & non-transferable.

Children Pony Ride (3-5 Years Old) 2023-2024

This program is a game-based introduction to horse riding for children. It develops the children’s balance, coordination and encourages them to feel comfortable around horses. Total classes per month: 8 classes. Each riding session is 30 minutes long.

Classes Days: (Saturday and Wednesday) / (Sunday and Tuesday) / (Monday and Thursday).

Class timings: (3:00PM – 3:30PM), (3:45PM – 4:15PM), (4:30PM – 5:00 PM), (5:15PM – 5:45PM) or (6:00PM – 6.30PM)

Monthly fees: QR 1,500

Location: Longines Indoor Arena at Al Shaqab

Location Map Link:

Https://goo.gl/maps/CEXmTtPLJptDqMCi9

The facility is an indoor closed and air-conditioned arena.

* Fees must be paid in full at registration and are non-refundable & non-transferable.

Riding Academy Program (6-18 Years Old) 2023 – 2024

This program comprises of 12 riding lessons per month in groups of 6 students. Each riding lesson is 45 minutes long. Students also receive practical stable management classes and online theory classes.

Class Days: (Saturday – Monday – Wednesday) or (Sunday - Tuesday – Thursday)

Classes Timing: 3:30PM / 4:30PM / 5:30PM / 6:30PM

Registration fees: QR 1,000 and Monthly fees: QR 3,000.

Location: Longines Indoor Arena at Al Shaqab

Location Map Link:

Https://goo.gl/maps/CEXmTtPLJptDqMCi9

The facility is an indoor closed and air-conditioned arena.

* Fees must be paid in full at registration and fees are non-refundable & non-transferable.

Adult (18 years and above) Group Classes - 2023 – 2024

Students above 18 years receive 12 riding lessons per month in groups of 6. Each lesson is 45-minutes long. Students also receive optional practical stable management classes and online theory classes.

Class Days: (Saturday – Monday – Wednesday) or (Sunday - Tuesday – Thursday)

Classes Timing: (6:00AM / 7:00AM / 8:00AM / 9:00AM)

Registration fees: QR 1,000 and Monthly fees: QR 3,000.

Location: Longines Indoor Arena at Al Shaqab

Location Map Link:

Https://goo.gl/maps/CEXmTtPLJptDqMCi9

The facility is an indoor closed and air-conditioned arena.

* Fees must be paid in full at registration and fees are non-refundable & non-transferable.

Adult (18 years and above) Private Classes (Morning only) 2023 – 2024

Adults above 18 years have the option of enrolling in private riding lessons in the morning. Students receive 12 one on one riding lessons per month. Each lesson is 45 minutes long. Students also receive optional practical stable management classes (in a group) and online theory classes. Riding timings are limited to the morning only.

*Please note that the lesson is 1-1 with a coach but does not include a private arena.

Class Days: (Saturday – Monday – Wednesday) or (Sunday - Tuesday – Thursday)

Classes Timing: (6:00AM / 7:00AM / 8:00AM / 9:00AM)

Registration fees: 1,000QAR and Monthly fees: 6,000QAR

Location: Longines Indoor Arena at Al Shaqab

Location Map Link:

Https://goo.gl/maps/CEXmTtPLJptDqMCi9

The facility is an indoor closed and air-conditioned arena. Please note this program does not include private arena.

* Fees must be paid in full at registration and fees are non-refundable & non-transferable.

Equine Assisted Therapy Program

The Equine Assisted Therapy Program is a specialized program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children who participate in equine assisted therapy experience improvements in social interactions, communication, motor skills, positive emotions and their ability to manage stress. Al Shaqab is currently offering Therapeutic Riding and Stable Management activities combined in 45- minutes sessions.

Equine Therapy sessions are

SAT-WED / SUN-TUE / MON-THU.

Class Timing

(5:00PM / 5:45PM / 6:00AM / 6:45AM)

Fees: QAR 2000 per Month per Student (8 Classes)

Age group: 3-12 years old

Applicants will be called for assessment before accepting the application.

Location: EED outdoor Arena at Equine Education Department

Location Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/31YNv3JR7yGUQXZf8

Program Start Date: 14 October 2023.

Program End Date: 31 May 2024.

* Fees must be paid in full at registration and fees are non-refundable & non-transferable.

One-Time Riding Classes

This one-time riding session is intended to provide an introduction to riding before applying for the monthly Riding Academy Program.

Class timings for this session are conducted only in the morning:

(6:00AM / 7:00AM / 8:00AM / 9:00AM)

Fees: QAR 350

Location: Longines Indoor Arena at Al Shaqab

Location Map Link:

Https://goo.gl/maps/CEXmTtPLJptDqMCi9

*Fees must be paid in full at registration and are non-refundable & non-transferable.

.Please note that the registration for all programs depends on first come first serve basis*

Riding Academy programs follow a curriculum that is split into different levels

1. Newcomer Level,

2. Beginner Levels 1 & 2,

3. Intermediate Levels 1,2 & 3,

4. Advance Levels 1 & 2.

1, Newcomer Level

This level is tailored to students who have never rode a horse before. This level is the foundation of developing the student’s riding skills. Students develop essential skills such as balance, posture, ability to mount and dismount, steer, and building up riding confidence. The estimated time to complete this level is 1 month, however it may vary depending on the individual rider.

2. Beginner Levels 1 & 2

This level is designed to solidify the student’s basic skills, and enhance their ability of using leg, seat and rein commands. Students will learn more skills that aid their riding including; riding in walk and trot and canter in a group, riding a half halt, simple school figures, correct use of commands/aids, and increase balance and ability to maintain good postures. Estimated time to complete this level: 8 to 12 months (4 to 6 months per level).

3. Intermediate Levels 1, 2 & 3

The Intermediate Level is designed to bring forth higher education relating to showjumping and dressage. Students begin their showjumping journey at this level, as well as enhance their flatwork in preparation for future specialization in showjumping or dressage. As the student moves from one level to the next, training sessions will become more technical and intense to prepare them for the advanced levels. Estimated time to complete this level: 1 1/2 to 3 years (6 months to 1 year per level).

4. Advance Levels 1 & 2

Students get to choose the discipline (showjumping or dressage) that they would like to specialize in at this level. Students will be trained to ride higher levels of showjumping or dressage. This level is designed to prepare students to compete in local and international competitions. Estimated time to complete this level: 2 to 4 years (1 to 2 years per level).

Safety

Students must always remain aware of their actions around horses. Students should never approach horses from their rear end both in the arena and at the stables.
There are risks involved with riding and interacting with horses. Horses are unpredictable animals that may react to abrupt motions or sounds. Therefore, students must follow all instructions given by Al Shaqab designated staff for their own safety.
Instructor or Equine Education Administration may refuse students’ request to ride for safety or operational reasons.
Students are responsible for all their personal items and Al Shaqab will not be responsible for loss or damage to those items.
When competing at internal or external shows, the level that the student enters in must be approved and chosen by the instructor to ensure that the student is ready to compete safely.
Students who find themselves in an unsafe situation or are not experienced enough to resolve the issue, should notify their instructor immediately.

Code of Conduct

Students joining the academy, must adhere to our code of conduct. This is to ensure their safety as well as that of their fellow students:

Students are expected to arrive and be ready for their classes in a timely manner. Students should present themselves a minimum of 10 minutes prior to the start of the class to avoid any disruptions or delays.
No student will be allowed to participate in a class if they arrive later than 10 minutes after the scheduled start time of the class.
All students must be respectful behaviour towards their instructors and all staff members of Al Shaqab.
Any aggression or abuse directed towards Al Shaqab Staff, fellow students or horses will not be tolerated.
Dress code to be followed for every class:
- Form fitting shirt
- Long or short riding boots
- Riding helmet with approved safety standards
- Riding breeches (trousers)
- Riding gloves
- Body protector
Parents are not allowed to give instructions to their child from the outside of the arena or cause disruption of any kind during the class. If parents have any queries or concerns, they may discuss them with the instructor before the class starts or at the end of the class.
No student is to be mounted unattended on a horse unless permission is given to do so by the instructor.
Students must always handle all horses and equipment with utmost care and respect.
No loud shouting or running is permitted in and around arenas, stable areas or administration buildings.
Students will be made responsible for any intentional damage caused to Al Shaqab property
In case of any emergency, students are to communicate with an instructor/staff member immediately as their main focal point.
Failing to comply with the code of conduct will result in disciplinary action and could result in permanent expulsion if the offenses are repeated.

For more information or to enquire about your application, please contact us:

Phone: 44546185

Mobile: 66625379

Email: eeinfo@qf.org.qa

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which days of the week will my riding lessons be?

Riders aged 6 years old + will receive three riding lessons per week (12 lessons per month). You can choose to ride on:

Saturday, Monday and Wednesday

Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday

Where will my riding lessons be?

The riding lessons are held at the Longines Indoor Arena for all programs except the Ladies only program. Ladies only riding lessons are held at the EED Indoor arena. Both arenas are airconditioned and have changing rooms and lockers available.

What are the client services working hours?

The administrative team can be found at the Equine Education Department building from 7.30 am to 7.00 pm.

What should I wear for my first riding lesson?

For your first riding lesson make sure you are wearing a comfortable top that is not too loose so that it does not flap around when you are riding. You must wear a riding helmet. You should also wear short or long boots, and breeches or jodhpurs.

Do you provide helmets?

We have a limited number of helmets available which may or may not be your size. Therefore, we recommend that you purchase your own properly fitting helmet.