The 2026-27 season features 14 rounds of show jumping and dressage, alternating between the indoor and outdoor arenas.
Doha, Qatar: The Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour begins its 10th season today, with a packed opening round at the indoor arena of the Qatar Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon Federation and high hopes for another competitive campaign.
The opening round runs until October 3, marking a decade of a championship that has played a key role in developing show jumping and dressage and expanding the base of male and female riders in Qatar.
Veterinary inspections for participating horses were held yesterday in morning and evening sessions, while riders also had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the arena courses ahead of the competitions.
The three-day opening round features competitions across several categories.
Action begins today with the Amateur Class (100cm) at 5pm, followed by the Silver Tour (130cm) at 7pm. Tomorrow, the Future Riders (aged 6-12) will compete over 70cm fences at 4pm, followed by the Open Class (110cm) at 5:30pm.
The day concludes with the Gold Tour, featuring individual and team competitions at 110cm, at 8pm.
The opening round concludes on Saturday with the Future Riders (aged 12-16) over 90cm fences at 4pm, followed by the Bronze Tour, featuring individual and team competitions at 120cm, at 5:30pm. The Diamond Tour (150cm) at 8pm will bring the first round to a close.
Secretary-General of the Qatar Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon Federation Sheikh Ahmed bin Nouh Al Thani also the Chairman of the Longines Hathab Organizing Committee, said reaching the 10th season reflected the tour’s success and longevity.
“The tenth season marks a significant milestone in the journey of the Longines Hathab series. Over the past decade, the series has successfully established itself as a consistent competitive platform for male and female riders in Qatar, offering a regular schedule that meets international standards.”
“It has fostered an environment conducive to enhancing the technical and physical readiness of both riders and horses, adhering to organizational and technical criteria that align with the requirements of international competitions.”
He said the new season’s calendar was designed with a progressive technical approach, allowing sufficient time for preparation and competition.
“This strategy serves the various categories of riders and maximizes the technical benefits derived from the events. We deeply value our ongoing partnerships with the championship’s sponsors and look forward to a season filled with fierce competition and outstanding performances, reflecting the continued growth of equestrian sports in Qatar.”
The 2026-27 season features 14 rounds of show jumping and dressage, alternating between the indoor and outdoor arenas.
Following the opening round, October will feature three more rounds, including show jumping and dressage competitions, while November will have three rounds. The first phase concludes in December with three further rounds.
The tour will then take a break of around four months while the 10-leg Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 takes place, before returning in May 2027.
The 11th round will be held from May 6 to 8, followed by the 12th from May 27 to 29. The final two rounds will take place in June, from June 3 to 5 and June 10 to 12, with the latter bringing the 10th season to a close and crowning champions and top-ranked competitors across the various categories.
