All photos copyright Sally Crane Photography

This year’s Al Shaqab International Equestrian Competition kicked off on Monday with the region’s first vaulting competition at Al Shaqab in Qatar Foundation. Some 62 athletes from 10 countries performed gymnastics and dance routines atop of horses last night at the first day of the annual event.

This is the second year that Qatar is hosting the six-day festival, which runs until March 15 and is under the patronage of 2022 World Cup bid chairman Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani, chairperson of the Qatar Museums Authority.

Competitions in dressage, show jumping and endurance rides will be held until the event concludes on Saturday.

Tickets

Access to festival area is free of charge, but access to the competition arenas requires tickets. Day tickets can be bought online at Virgin Megastores or in person at the main ticket booth in the Al Shaqab Spectator Plaza.

They cost QR35 for adults (above the age of 12), QR15 for children and free for kids below the age of 6 years old.

In addition to the competitions, there is a family zone with dancing displays, falcons, traditional crafts, food stalls and refreshments.

For those who can’t make it to the venue but still want to check out the competitions, they are also being live-streamed online.

Do you plan to go? Thoughts?