Longines Hathab Tour Kicks Off 12th Round in Qatar

The 12th round of the Qatar Equestrian Tour "Longines Hathab," the ninth edition of the tour, commenced on Thursday evening, April 30, 2026. The prestigious event welcomed participants to the main arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation, where the initial competitions were held. This significant equestrian gathering is jointly organized by the Qatar Equestrian Federation and Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, reflecting a collaborative effort to promote equestrian sports in the region. The 12th round's competitions are scheduled to continue for three days, promising a full schedule of events for riders and spectators alike. The "Longines Hathab" championship holds significance as one of the most prominent local championships in equestrianism within Qatar, drawing attention to the nation's commitment to developing the sport.

Amateur Tour Results

The day's competitions at the Qatar Equestrian Federation began with the Amateur round, a category designed to provide a competitive platform for emerging talents. For this opening event, obstacles were set at a height of 100 cm, challenging riders to demonstrate precision and control. In this initial event, Al Qaqaa bin Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani secured first place, delivering a standout performance. Riding the horse "Bon Soileh," Al Thani navigated the course with remarkable speed, completing it in a notable time of 29.78 seconds. This impressive run set a high standard for the Amateur competitors.

Milena Werla claimed the second position in the Amateur round, showcasing her skill and partnership with her mount. Werla, aboard "Nevada," achieved a commendable time of 30.11 seconds, placing her closely behind the leader. Her performance noted the competitive nature of the amateur category. Following closely, Nasser Hamad Al Thani finished in third place, rounding out the top three in this challenging event. Al Thani was riding "Equinox," and their focused performance registered a time of 30.17 seconds. The Amateur round established the initial placings for the 12th round of the Longines Hathab Tour, providing an exciting start to the three-day event. The results showed the growing talent pool within Qatar's equestrian community.

Silver Tour Notes

Following the conclusion of the Amateur round, the focus shifted to the Silver Tour, which presented an increased level of difficulty for the participating riders. In this category, the obstacles were set at a height of 130 cm, demanding greater technical skill and power from both horse and rider. Madhi Al Khamees secured the top position in the Silver Tour competition, delivering a masterful performance. Al Khamees, riding the horse "Befor," completed the course in an impressive 52.18 seconds and earned a total of 65 points for his faultless round. His performance set the benchmark for the Silver Tour participants, demonstrating excellent horsemanship.

Mohammed Al Asaker then claimed second place in the Silver Tour competition, showcasing his capabilities in a highly competitive field. Al Asaker rode "Cassiano," achieving a swift time of 53.56 seconds. This placed him closely behind the leading rider, showing the narrow margins at the top of the standings. Abdulaziz Khalid Al Bukhari finished in third position, completing the top three in this demanding event. Al Bukhari, aboard his horse "Luca," registered a time of 58.34 seconds. He also accumulated 65 points during his round, indicating a clear and precise performance. The Silver Tour showcased several skilled riders and horses, contributing significantly to the day's events at the Longines Hathab Tour and noting the depth of talent present.

Tour Context and Structure

The Qatar Equestrian Tour, widely known as "Longines Hathab," is structured as a full series of competitions that plays a key role in the national equestrian calendar. The series comprises a total of 14 rounds, each featuring various equestrian disciplines and categories, ensuring a diverse and engaging competitive environment. These rounds are strategically held across different venues in Qatar, allowing for broad participation and exposure for the sport, culminating in a highly anticipated final championship event. The tour's overarching aim is to develop equestrian sports within the country, fostering growth from grassroots to elite levels, and to provide a strong platform for local riders to compete and continuously enhance their skills.

The ongoing 12th round is an integral part of this extensive competitive season, which consistently attracts a wide range of participants, from amateur enthusiasts to advanced professional riders. Each round of the Longines Hathab Tour contributes to riders' overall standings in the tour, with accumulated points and performances leading towards the final placings in the championship. This structured approach ensures continuous engagement and competitive opportunities throughout the equestrian calendar in Qatar, nurturing talent and elevating the standard of equestrianism in the nation. The careful organization by the Qatar Equestrian Federation and Al Shaqab further solidifies the tour's reputation as a premier equestrian event.