(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Riders marshalled their horses on the highly technical track, coursing through challenging twists and turns while clearing the wide oxers; on the other side of the marquee, horses and their riders demonstrated the highest expression of horse training, through an elegant display of the equine's measured and stately trots, during the dressage and para-dressage events; from clearing high stakes to the sedate trot, CHI Al Shaqab 2017 was the success it was envisioned to be, offering something for everyone.
Into its fifth year, CHI Al Shaqab 2017 had the greatest round up of outstanding riders, with most of the top-10 ranked riders from around the world participating. Spectators were treated to a great demonstration of the equestrian arts in show jumping, dressage and para-dressage. Among those competing were several Qatari riders including those who represented Qatar at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.
Community caught up with a couple of Qatari riders, to find out more about their love for the sport.
Faleh al-Ajami has been riding since he was ten, as he had a love for horses from an early age. What began as a childhood hobby is today his profession. A member of Qatar's national equestrian team, al-Ajami has received training from several renowned institutes in Europe and he currently trains in Holland.
'Horse riding as a profession is quite challenging and that is what drew me to the sport; I love challenges. What endears me to riding is the patience and skills required to develop a bond between the horse and the rider. Your horse is not a machine that you can just turn on or off at your whim. Communication with your equine is crucial; it can take six to eight months to get to know your horse and form that bond. While it is not easy, it is an amazing experience, he explains.
'There are no short cuts. You have to spend quality time with your horse. While in the stable, single minded dedication and focus are basic requirements, points out al-Ajami, who takes part in show jumping in the five star category.
While watching people ride, it is easy to underestimate the hard work behind the sport. To stay on top of the game, al-Ajami and his teammates practise very long hours every day, taking off only during the weekends. Al-Ajami believes the most challenging aspect of his profession is competing in races.
'You never enter the ring without a challenge. In every class you compete against several other riders who are all in it to win. We train very hard, practising for weeks and months together at a time, but once inside the arena you and your horse get just two minutes; there is no place for any error, he clarifies.
Over the years, this young rider has had victories at national and international levels; 2016 was a very successful year as he clinched the championship at the CSI4* Doha Tour Grand Prix besides emerging runner-up for the CSI5* at the HH The Emir's Sword International Show jumping Championship 2016. Al-Ajami also had the privilege of being part of the equestrian team that represented Qatar at the Summer Olympics in Rio last year.
Rashid Towaim al-Marri, another Qatari rider, is one who turned around a disappointment effectively to his advantage. A professional tennis player and former member of Qatar's national tennis team, he suffered a knee injury a few years ago. It was severe enough to force him to discontinue the sport. It was while he was looking out for another fulfilling activity to turn his attention to, that he was invited by his brother for a horse riding experience. Today, not only has al-Marri found the passion of his life, he has already earned a place in Qatar's national equestrian team, in show jumping: two star category, although he has been riding only since 2011.
'Horses interact with people very well and the unique connection you can have with a horse is amazing. The feeling you get when you are astride a horse, especially while jumping is special, and of course, as a professional rider you have the privilege of going around the world taking part in competitions. Working with a horse is an incredible feeling; I could talk for hours on my love for horses and horse riding, he says with passion.
Al-Marri reckons the key to success in the sport especially in jumping, is the relationship between the rider and his animal. 'Besides the thrill of the adrenalin rush you get while clearing hurdles, it has always been considered a royal sport. The bonding that is required between the horse and the rider is very special in show jumping. You cannot clear even low hurdles, without that bond. There are several challenges associated with the sport, but it's important to bear in mind, that every day is a new day and it brings with it new surprises. You never know if you will win or not; but that's what makes it fun, as you are challenging yourself, he elucidates.
'Without a doubt, participating in the CHI Al Shaqab has been my greatest experience. The incredible facility, the varied events held under one name, and the entire atmosphere make it truly incredible, he adds.
According to al-Marri bringing a horse back to condition and getting it ready to ride after an injury, is the most challenging aspect of riding. 'The only thing worse is losing a horse to injury, says the rider whose favourite mare was severely injured last year during a competition.
Al-Marri is no stranger to competitions, having taken part in several premiere show jumping events all over the world, including the Global Champions Tour League in Europe. His sweetest moment of victory was in Qatar, when in 2016, when he won the Grand Prix in the CSI2* category.
Commenting briefly on the progress of the Qatar National Equestrian Team, Fahad al-Marri, Team Manager says, 'Qatar's equestrian team is still young and green; we commenced formally only in 2010, following the Kentucky World Championship Horse Show. We are currently focussing on gaining experience and becoming a strong team so we can represent Qatar effectively. Our country has shown immense support to our team and our sport. Our riders are being trained in Europe and get some of the best training possible and we have great expectations from them.
'We currently have nine riders many of whom are quite young and still gaining experience. Our top riders are, of course Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani, Bassem Hassan Mohammed, and Ali al-Rumaihi. CHI Al Shaqab is a very important event for us. Holding such a premium equestrian event in our country is something we are proud of. So naturally our team will participate with great enthusiasm and we expect good outcomes.
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