Currently underway in Doha, Qatar, the 13th edition of CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines (18–21 February) is one of the world’s few CHI events — and the only competition of its kind in the Middle East and Asia.
CHI stands for Concours Hippique International, a multi-discipline format bringing show jumping, dressage and para dressage together in one premium event.
CHI Al Shaqab forms part of the Doha Equestrian Tour (DET), a leading international show jumping series inaugurated in 2025. This year’s tour includes ten competitions with a huge season prize pool of €10.747 million.
As the sixth 2026 DET event, CHI Al Shaqab welcomes a strong international field, offering €1,373,000 in prize money.
In show jumping, more than 40 countries are represented, with 303 riders and 469 horses competing across CSIY-B, CSICh-B, CSI1*, CSI3* and CSI5* levels. The dressage programme includes a CDI5* with 14 combinations, a CDI1* with 12 combinations, and a CPEDI3* para dressage competition featuring 12 combinations.
Australians in the jumping arena
The CSI3* and CSI5* classes feature renowned names from around the globe, with Australia once again represented at CHI Al Shaqab. In recent years, riders such as Edwina Tops-Alexander, Jamie Kermond, Amber Fuller and Amelia Douglass have enjoyed success in the Longines Arena.
This year, Tops-Alexander has returned once again, saddling up her Paris Olympic mount Fellow Castlefield (Je T’aime Flamenco x Twister) in the CSI5*, alongside mares Caetlin Vd Heffinck Z (Chacco-Blue x Cabrio Vd Heffinck) and Labantrix (Eldorado Vd Zeshoek x Abantos Nra Stb 83 4). The five-time Olympian also has gelding Iron Dames Cydello (Cascadello x Forsyth FRH) in the CSI3*.
Fellow Australian Georgina Harvey Lazarus — who is based in Valkenswaard in the Netherlands, not far from Tops International Arena — is also competing in the CSI3* with her mare Butterfly Ennemmel (Quaprice Bois Margot x Lux Z).
The duo had a very successful outing on Thursday, jumping clear in a quick time to place sixth from over 70 combinations in the CSI3* 1.30m (Faults & Time – Art. 220.2.1.1).
Dressage spotlight
In the dressage arena, 14 combinations are set to contest the CDI5* Big Tour, while a further 12 are entered in both the CDI1* Small Tour and CPEDI3* para dressage classes.
The CDI5* Grand Prix, taking place on Friday (20 February), features an interesting field led by British Olympian Carl Hester and Fame, Polish favourites Sandra Sysojeva and Maxima Bella, and Germany’s young star Evelyn Eger with Dancing Darkness 4.
Peak action to come
Saturday (21 February) promises to be the highlight of CHI Al Shaqab, with multiple feature finals across disciplines, including the CDI5* Grand Prix Special, the CPEDI3* Para Grand Prix Freestyle, and the CDI5* Grand Prix Freestyle.
In show jumping, the day culminates in three Grand Prix showdowns: the CSI1* Grand Prix 1.30m (Jump-Off), the CSI3* Grand Prix 1.50m (Jump-Off), and the feature class CSI5* Grand Prix 1.60m (Jump-Off).
Watch the action with ClipMyHorse.TV
CHI Al Shaqab is broadcast via ClipMyHorse.TV. To watch the action live and on-demand, click here.
