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HATHAB – CHAMPIONS IN THE MAKING

New equestrian competition series for Qataris and residents of Qatar A total of QAR1 million in prize money to be won

Doha, QATAR: The Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) and AL SHAQAB, member of Qatar Foundation are pleased to announce a new series of equestrian competitions named “Hathab”.
“Hathab”, meaning “Canter” in Arabic, is an initiative of H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee. It is aimed at improving the standard of horse riding among Qatari youths while encouraging the involvement of private stables and individual horse owners to grow awareness of horsemanship as part of Qatar’s history and tradition.
The vision for Hathab is to be “a national series of equestrian competitions to inspire Qatar’s next generation of international champions”
Event Director of QEF, Mr. Ali Al Rumaihi, an Olympian who represented Qatar in the Rio Olympics last year, stated, “Hathab will provide a structured competition which will ensure continuity in organizing local equestrian competitions. It will also be the first time that a points system will be implemented with defined participants for each class of competition. In addition, prize monies will be awarded to horse owners in order to encourage horse ownership and more Qataris to be involved with the sport”
The first competition will be held from 12 - 14 October 2017 at AL SHAQAB, member of Qatar Foundation. There will be a total of 12 competitions in the series which will be held either at AL SHAQAB or Qatar Equestrian Federation. Results of the competition will be used in the selection process of riders to represent Qatar in future international competitions.


Commercial Manager AL SHAQAB, Mr. Omar Al Mannai said that “Beyond the competition, we are also using the event to engage the community through local sponsorships and encouraging local entrepreneurship by providing food & beverage sales opportunities. More importantly, Qatari trainees will also be engaged to help in various functional areas to provide them with the necessary experience to organize future events of a similar nature”.

Competition details of Hathab are as follows:
Riding Disciplines: Competition Categories:

1. Future Riders Program / 6 – 12 years old
2. Children / 12 – 14 years old
3. Junior (Small Tour) / 14 – 18 years old
4. Young Rider (Medium Tour) / 16 – 21 years old
5. Senior (Big Tour) / Over 21 year old

Period of Competition: 2nd week of October 2017 – April 2018
Eligible Participants: All Qatari and residents of Qatar registered with QEF


ABOUT QATAR EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

Established in 1979, the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) is dedicated to celebrating and encouraging the country’s equestrians. A member of the Federation Equestrian International (FEI) since 1980, QEF is focused on the advancement of good horsemanship, and good sportsmanship, in a family orientated environment.

By way of its visionary Board of Directors, QEF consistently delivers world-class events and fair play competition. Through enacting and enforcing rules and regulations in accordance with international standards, the Federation hosts dozens of annual events designed to permit its riders to develop and showcase their talent. QEF is committed to providing its riders with a safe learning environment and challenging stage. The Federation is steadfast in its dedication to fostering courage, confidence and commitment within its riders; and this dedication has catapulted Qatari athletes to the world stage. In recent years equestrians from the country have qualified for the Asian, Olympic and World Equestrian Games.

ABOUT AL SHAQAB

Since its establishment in 1992, AL SHAQAB’s vision was to build on Qatar’s Arabian horse heritage and be a leading global centre for equine professionals while providing an engaging experience for the community. Global leadership has not only meant preserving, improving and promoting the Arabian horse breed, but also encouraging the community in this unique, traditional cultural sport.

In 2004, AL SHAQAB became a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development to continue its mission to promote the breeding and showing of Arabian horses, and to provide educational and competitive opportunities in the equestrian arts.

Today, AL SHAQAB’s impressive facilities, which are distinctively designed in the shape of a horseshoe, cover 980, 000 square metres. With a state-of-the-art Main Arena comprising both an indoor and outdoor venue capable of holding over 5000 spectators, AL SHAQAB is part of Qatar’s growing reputation on the world stage that showcases its ability to host major international sports event at the highest level.