I think I have seen most of the world’s leading equestrian facilities but nothing really compares for grandeur or scale with the Al Shaqab facility. Designed in the shape of a horse shoe, the total area is 980,000 square metres, that’s just on 250 acres.
There is not only the most impressive outdoor arena you have ever seen, closely followed by a drop dead super indoor, but there is an Endurance Training Centre.
Then there is a Riding School, a stud producing Halter Arabians sufficiently chocolate box to have won eight world titles at the Paris Salon.
World Latte Artist Champion – Jibbi Little, from Sydney
– catches up with her favorite Arabian..
Add to that a veterinary centre, and a succession of perfectly sculptured courtyards, the most beautiful of which has a viewing area of exquisite taste, especially for the use of the Emir.
The CHI in Doha has been running since 2013, and as is proven this year, is capable of attracting a who’s who of the world top showjumpers – helped no doubt by the fact that the Longines Global Champions Doha Grand Prix was held the weekend previous, and most of the riders have stayed for the CHI. The dressage field is a little more modest, with the battle on in Europe and America for spots in the final in Gothenberg, the top riders and horses are still looking for qualifying points. I have no doubt that before too long, Doha will be able to stage a dressage World Cup qualifier, then they will draw the stars. I am told that the Para Dressage field is of a very high standard