Happy to see young Qatari youngsters attracted to horse riding: Ali Yousef Al Rumaihi
DOHA: The Fourth edition of Qatar Equestrian Tour Hathab Series is making a positive impact on the young riders in the country.
The 12-round show jumping series has allowed young Qatari riders to take active part in the annual championship, paving way for Qatar to add to its rider-base.
“We are happy with the way young riders are getting the exposure,” said Event Director Ali Yousef Al Rumaihi.
Al Rumaihi said Qatar welcomes the participation from overseas entries that have contested from Kuwait and Kyrgyzstan.
The former Qatari rider thanked QEF and Asian Equestrian Federation (AEF) President Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Attiyah, Omar Al Manai, Vice-President of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), and Badr Al Darwish, a member of the LOC, for the setting up ‘an environment of excellence’ for the young riders of the country.
“The competitions at Al Shaqab provide excellent conditions to these riders. Their improved performances are a result of the riders getting competitive exposure at a young age,” said the 39-year-old Qatari Olympian.
“We allow each rider to register six horses in the Small, Medium and Big Tour competitions. The young riders also get coaching at our training centres from qualified coaches engaged by Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) and Al Shaqab,” he added.
Al Rumaihi said the next round of the Longines Qatar Equestrian Tour Hathab Series will be held from January 16 to 18. The experienced Qatari rider said he remained eager to return to regular training.He also said that riding is in his blood as his father was also into show jumping for many years.
“I've been busy with my roles at QEF and during the course of setting up and running the Hathab Series. My busy schedules kept me away from show jumping,” added Al Rumaihi, who has taken a sabbatical from the sport to regain total fitness.
