About Chi AL Shaqab (from their website – CHI AL SHAQAB 2016 ):

“Welcome to CHI AL SHAQAB 2016! Witness three brilliant equestrian disciplines and skills manifested in the only event of its kind in Asia: Four days of Jumping, Dressage and Para-Dressage; where the best national and international horses and riders will battle for one of the most coveted titles in the equestrian calendar.”

I was OVERWHELMED and COULD NOT sit still because of the sheer size of the equestrian centre, the people, the horses, the energy/ excitement in the air, I was starving but didn’t want to stop to eat for fear I’d miss something because multiple events were happening at the same time.  My VERY PATIENT, AMAZING husband followed me along as I literally bounced all over the place from watching the dressage, to trying to find a program, to finding a place to eat that didn’t have a line up but didn’t take me too far from the action, to look to see what was happening in the outdoor arena, then back to watch dressage!!!!  Happily, I was able to see some of the best of the dressage main event – Dressage Freestyle to Music.  Then, I FINALLY settled when we sat down to watch the last/main event – The Grand Prix Jump Off!!!

Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle to Music

Pictures then videos.

Pictures: Each picture is labeled. The list below identifies how each rider & horse  I photographed placed in the event.

NOR – Anne Lene Holman – Rainbow Dancer 4 – Placed 9th

GER – Bernadette Brune – Spirit of the Age Old – Placed 6th

IRL – Judy Reynolds – Vancouver K – Placed 3rd

SWE – Patrik Kittel – Deja – Placed 1st

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Videos:

GER – Bernadette Brune – Spirit of the Age Old  – Preparing to Enter the Ring

SWE – Patrik Kittel and Deja Dancing Their Way to First Place to Stevie Wonder

Grand Prix Jumping – Two Rounds with Jump Off

Michael and I stayed for the first round and left before the second to avoid getting ensnarled in the mass exodus of people and traffic leaving after the event, so I don’t have pictures of those who placed because we missed the jump off.

The event moved so quickly that I lost track of who I photographed.  That said, if you are a horse lover like myself (and Liz!!!), the pictures I share capture the supreme beauty, power and grace of these world-class horses, these world-class athletes in action!!!

ps….I used the camera in my phone  – so quality is a bit fuzzy!!

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Maybe – GBR – Michael Whitaker – Viking

If I remember correctly, while no poles where knocked down, it’s not a clean round – I think there were 4 faults.

S, 🇶🇦