First CHI Shaqab Wraps Up, Shroeder Wins Top Prize

Doha, March 30 (QNA) - The Concours Hippique International (CHI) Al Shaqab wrapped up its final competitions on Saturday after it showcased Qatar's long tradition of equestrian over the course of the four-day competition. The equestrian event included endurance, show jumping and dressage contests. CHI Al Shaqab 2013 Event Director Omar Al Mannai said today that hosting the event for the first time in the Middle-East "was a great opportunity for us as a nation to honor Qatar's centuries-old tradition of equestrian excellence." He added that everyone were "delighted by what a huge success CHI Al Shaqab has been." Al Mannai then thanked Gerco Schroder from the Netherlands who won first prize. The Dutchman said that his experience with CHI Al Shaqab "was very special and I have been very lucky so far in my life to have ridden some very good horses, but this is definitely the best one I have ever had." The afternoon kicked off with a dressage and show jumping competition that were held in the main arenas. Made open to the public and offering a family-friendly spectators zone, 14 riders battled for first place in the dressage CDI4* Al Shaqab Grand Prix Freestyle event. After an impressive win in yesterdays dressage competition, Nathalie Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein (DEN) was "very pleased to win." (QNA)