Doha: The Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF 2022) continued to showcase finest purebreds from the region as the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show on the third day of the 11-day event was marked by beautiful pyrotechnic lights in between the shows adding to the resplendence of the main arena of the festival at the Katara Esplanade.
KIAHF Title Show Deputy Director and Secretary-General of Qatar Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon Federation, Ali Al Rumaihi, said the qualifying rounds of KIAHF Peninsula Show have witnessed a large participation of horse owners from within and outside Qatar. He also disclosed the competition is strong and close with decimal points making a difference in the rankings and he expects the final rounds to be more thrilling.
Al Rumaihi pointed out that KIAHF competitions are supervised by an international jury of eleven judges with long experience in the field of arbitration. KIAHF is subject to arbitration systems according to specified standards and clear rules globally recognised by the European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO). This ensures the integrity of the competitions and the structure of the festival, he stressed.
Al Rumaihi wished success to all participants at KIAHF 2022, which is also one of the aspects of sports tourism in the country since it is characterised by various activities that reflect Qatar’s equestrian heritage.
Purebred mares and stallions were on show yesterday in six categories from ages 4 to 11 years old. Horses with beautiful mane and “skirt” at the tails, impressive eyes, body movement, grace, and muscles wowed horse owners, breeders, trainers and horse lovers alike.
While the mares possessed amazing balance, poise and beauty, the stallions displayed structure, strength and excellent type, Qatar horses continued to excel with horses from Al Shahania Stud, Al Shaqab, and Al Waab Farm emerging in the top three of the opening Mares 7 to 10 Years Old - Class 8A. Ehsan Al Shahania bagged the first place, followed by Mashhoorah Al Shaqab and third placer, Majda Al Waab.
Al Rayyan Farm’s horses stood out in the Mares 7 to 10 Years Old - Class 8B with Menouah Al Rayyan being a stand out. Finishing a very close second was Salma Al Bawady with her beautiful eyes and mane being very impressive, while Nawaal Al Rayyan finished third in this category.
In Mares 11 Years Old and Over - Class 9, Nardene Al Naif, owned by Sheikh Abdulla bin Nasser Al Thani, was adjudged as first. Basheer Al Waab, owned by Sheikh Meshaal Issa T I Al-Thani, stood first in the Stallions 4 to 6 Years Old (Class 10A). Meanwhile, Nhaar Al Nasser of Al Nasser Stud topped the Stallions 4 to 6 Years Old (Class 10B) category.
Today, the championship classes of the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show will happen from 4pm in the following order: Yearling Fillies Championship (Class YFC); Yearling Colts Championships (Class YCC); Junior Fillies Championship (Class JFC); Junior Colts Championship (Class JCC); Senior Mares Championship (Class SMC); and Senior Stallions Championship (Class SSC).
The second edition of KIAHF is organised by the Cultural Village Foundation, Katara in association with Qatar Equestrian Federation, Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club, and Qatar Foundation. It carries a total prize of QR17,083,500, including QR3,093,500 for the Arabian Peninsula Show which is showcasing 239 horses from five countries. It will run until February 12 with the participation of 11 countries including Europe and the USA.
