From left: German rider Marcus Ehning and Dutch riders Dinja van Liere and Rext van der Hulst pose with Event Director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin after the pre-event press conference.
Doha, Qatar: Marcus Ehning is a familiar name in Qatar’s equestrian fraternity. The German rider – a 2000 Sydney Olympics team gold medalist – has returned to Doha, where he has delivered outstanding performances in the past.
Ehning dominated CHI Al Shaqab in 2022 and 2023, clinching back-to-back CSI5* - 1.60m CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix titles with bay Stargold. However, his bid for a hat-trick fell short last year, finishing eighth with Coolio 42 as Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson took the crown.
“I will be with the same horse [Coolio 42] and have another horse for the event. We were a new pair last year. Stargold had surgery a few months ago, so he won’t be competing,” Ehning said in response to The Peninsula’s query at a pre-event press conference yesterday.
“I will decide on my Grand Prix horse on Friday.”
Asked about his chances for an unprecedented third title, he replied with a smile, “We will see on Saturday.”
First held in 2013, CHI Al Shaqab is the only CHI (Concours Hippique International) event in the Middle East, with just five such competitions worldwide. Ehning, 50, has always enjoyed the event’s atmosphere.
“I am happy to participate again at CHI Al Shaqab, which is exceptionally organised with top riders and world-class facilities, ensuring an ideal competitive atmosphere.”
This year’s three-day event offers over €1.3m in prize money, including €540,000 for the CHI Al Shaqab GP. A total of 247 riders from 41 countries will compete in showjumping (CSI1*, 3*, 5*), dressage (1*, 5*), and para dressage events.
“CHI Al Shaqab showcases the highest equestrian skills of elite riders and horses, promising exceptional performances over the next three days,” said Event Director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin.
“The championship underscores Qatar’s status as a global sporting hub and Al Shaqab’s commitment to becoming a leading global equestrian center. It also fosters a love for equestrianism in Qatar while honouring the country’s rich equestrian heritage.”
Dutch dressage rider Dinja van Liere, meanwhile, is eyeing victory in the CDI 5* CHI Al Shaqab Freestyle Grand Prix.
“The competition is great and I would love to win this time. My horse is in top shape, and we performed well in our last event in Amsterdam,” she said.
“The Al Shaqab facilities are fantastic, helping both riders and horses deliver their best.”
Paris Games para dressage silver medalist Rext van der Hulst echoed compatriot Van Liere’s views.
“I have competed in this prestigious championship for years, benefiting from its top-tier organisation and world-class facilities that allow riders to excel,” she said.
Exciting opening day
The championship kicks off today with 11 contests, starting at 9:30 am with CSI 3* (1.35m) showjumping at the Longines Outdoor Arena, while the Indoor Arena hosts CSI 1* at 10 am and Para Dressage CPEDI 3* at 11 am. Key events include CSI 5* (1.45m) Two Phases, the 1.05m star category and dressage competitions in the evening. The highlight, CSI 5* (1.50m), begins at 7:45 pm. Future Riders (60cm) will also compete.
Day two action
Tomorrow’s events start at 9 am with CSI 3* (1.40m) showjumping, followed by eight more rounds, including CSI 5* (1.45m, 1.50m, 1.55m with Jump-Off). The prestigious CSI 5* “Prix Hermès Sellier” (1.55m) will be a major highlight. Indoor events begin at 2 pm with five-star dressage, while Future Riders (80cm) and star category showjumping (1.1m–1.25m) take place in sub-fields.
Grand finale
Saturday’s action features the 5* Grand Prix dressage events from 10 am, including the CDI 5* Grand Prix Special and Para GP Freestyle. Outdoor events start at 9 am with CSI 3* (1.40m), Future Riders (100cm), and multiple showjumping rounds. The CSI 3* Grand Prix (1.50m) for €105,500 begins at 3:45 pm, leading up to the CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix presented by Longines (1.60m) at 7 pm.
