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Interview with President of the Ground Jury Stephan Ellenbruch

As President of the Ground Jury, Stephan Ellenbruch plays a crucial role in the orchestration of CHI AL SHAQAB. Together with five other members of the jury, he will preside over the technical judging of the competitions. Alongside a stewardsteam, Stephan will also be responsible for overseeing horse welfare during the competition, and for making sure that all riders and grooms are adhering to the official rules set by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

As President of the Ground Jury, Stephan Ellenbruch plays a crucial role in the orchestration of CHI AL SHAQAB. Together with five other members of the jury, he will preside over the technical judging of the competitions. Alongside a stewardsteam, Stephan will also be responsible for overseeing horse welfare during the competition, and for making sure that all riders and grooms are adhering to the official rules set by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

As a key member of the FEI’s international committee, Stephan has extensive knowledge of the technical elements of this event, as well as the rules of Equestrian sports. He travels all around the world administering these regulations, so is more than qualified to comment on the significance of CHI AL SHAQAB from an international perspective.

“This is one of the top events we have on the FEI equestrian calendar,” Stephan says. “First of all, this is one of the top events of the region and it brings together the top riders from all over the world in Jumping especially, and also the local riders who are becoming better and better. There are a number of Qatari riders among the world’s top ranking now and it is always good to go to places to bring all these riders together.”

CHI AL SHAQAB is globally renowned for its facilities, organisation and – from the competitors’ point of view – its challenges. “This is really a show atthe highest possible level,” Stephan enthuses, “with the Grand Prix that has an Olympic format, with two rounds and a jump off. So this is really challenging for the riders and the horses. They all come because they enjoy the hospitality of the place, but also the conditions, which are really some of the best you can find all over the world. It will be a 1.60 metre competition, and this is the maximum level of difficulty you can have at horse shows.”

Stephan confesses that he was very impressed with Al Shaqab’s offering to the world of equestrian sport.

“I am travelling all over the world and this is really one of the most fantastic places I have ever been to,” he reveals. “This is a place that has been made for the future, so it is really up to date and it has all the technical details. The arena is super big, the warm up and stable facilities is really perfect, so all the athletes competing here - the horses as well as the riders - can be really happy.”

CHI AL SHAQAB’s reputation is clearly well established on an international scale, and is vividly demonstrated by the illustrious roll call of the world’s leading riders who are competing this year.

“The entry list is the best you can have,” Stephan confirms. “We have the Longines’ World Number One and a lot of the top ten riders competing here. The list is really something you can show to everybody to impress.”

Stephan is clearly impressed as well, and as a global traveller and equestrian expert, he is better qualified than most to judge.