By Sports Reporter/Doha

It was also the second edition of the annual summer activities at Al Shaqab, which made its final representation with the participation of the 46 athletes and trainees (males and females) of the Performance Team.

The main focus of the Ramadan camp was on two of the most famous equestrian disciplines: show jumping and dressage. In show jumping for instance, the riders were introduced to different techniques and taught how to jump at different heights and with different types of barriers.

The courses were also aimed to strengthen the ties between the young riders and the tradition of horsemanship. The camps gave them the chance to gain new skills in archery, fencing, shooting and swimming. Those activities were included in order to increase the overall level of fitness of the participants.

The riders’ programme also included practical lessons that put an emphasis on their equestrian education. They also learned the basics of breeding, which helped them identify the types of breeds present in Al Shaqab. Educational day- trips were also part of the programme.

The Summer Camp programme for its part included leisure and sport activities, such as riding, swimming, indoor football, shooting, bowling and billiards along with planned excursions.

The trainees aged 10 to 18 years old came to Al Shaqab daily for horse back riding and equine educational events.

The two weeks programme was also the occasion for the participants to learn about the history of Al Shaqab, its divisions and its achievements.

In addition to the sports and leisure activities, an introduction to the basics of equine education was provided: how to deal with the horse and how to care for them. They were also introduced on how best to use and select their equipment, on how to put the saddle and bridle on the horses and how to care and feed them amongst many other equine activities.

The following week was dedicated amongst other activities, in riding ‘the traditional way’, thus enabling them to take part in performance shows and presentations in the final day.

In addition, the riders have been introduced on how to use the sword, while riding theoretically and practically.

The graduation of the athletes that completed the course on riding ‘the traditional way ‘saw the riders performing in their traditional riding clothes during the finale.

At the closing ceremony, Al-Qahtani distributed prizes and certificates to the winners and to all participants of the camps. Three winners were awarded following the results of the practical and theorical tests, taken the week prior. The first place went to Rashid Mohammed al-Nuaimi, the second place was awarded to Mohammed Mubarak al-Dosari and the third place to Mohammed Hamad al-Nuaimi. Mohammed Salem Aloven received the prize of “the ideal rider”.

For the best Riders category: Dana Ali al-Qahtani won the  first place, the second and third place went to Fatima bint Jabor al-Thani and Buthaina bint Isa al-Thani received the award of “the  ideal rider”

“Al Shaqab organises such courses in order to improve the overall skills of the  Riding Academy riders. The aim is to help them mature, and thus giving them the possibility of competing at a local and international level. We are also very keen in encouraging young people into practicing in equestrian sports,” al-Qahtani said.

He also added that these camps were part of a framework supported by Al Shaqab chairman HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad al-Thani and vice-chairman Her Excellency Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, to build a generation of athletes capable to compete at a worldwide level.”