The organizing committee of the “Doha Equestrian Tours” announced its success in operating two emergency flights to safely transport the horses participating in the tournament from Doha to Europe, in light of the exceptional circumstances that the region is currently witnessing, in cooperation with the competent authorities and relevant partners, stressing that the operation was carried out according to the highest standards of safety and care, and in a way that ensures the safety of the horses and the participating teams.
The organizing committee said: “The process of transporting the horses that were in Doha to participate in the tournament rounds was carried out according to precise organizational procedures, after obtaining the necessary approvals from the competent authorities to organize two emergency flights to transport the horses and participating teams to Europe, which allowed all 147 horses to be returned safely to Europe within just 36 hours.”
She indicated that the transportation process took place through close coordination and intensive efforts between the Doha Equestrian Tours team and the competent Qatari authorities, as part of the intensive efforts to ensure the safe implementation of the transportation process in these exceptional circumstances.
The organizing committee said: “The two flights headed to the city of Liege in Belgium, where 74 horses were transported on the first flight, and 73 horses on the second flight, while a number of accompanying crew members were able to travel with their horses on the special flights.”
The organizing committee also provided additional logistical solutions to support the rest of the crew members, given the current situation, the continued closure of Qatari airspace, and the suspension of commercial flights from Hamad International Airport, where a number of cars were provided to transport horse crews and trainers who were unable to travel on emergency flights due to limited capacity, through land transportation service from Doha to Riyadh and also the Sultanate of Oman, where the airspace is still open, to enable them to travel and join their horses in Europe.
The organizing committee confirmed that the risk assessment plans and emergency procedures for the Doha Equestrian Tours that were prepared in advance proved effective, as all necessary measures were applied in line with developments in the current situation, while maintaining the highest levels of safety and organization.
The organizing committee indicated that some riders, teams, horses and horse trainers are still in Doha in the Longines Arena in Al Shaqab, along with local riders and participants from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, continuing their preparations to complete the season’s competitions.
Muhammad Al-Khayareen: The safety of the horses and participants is our top priority
Muhammad Jaber Al-Khayarin, Director of the Doha Equestrian Tour Championship, confirmed that organizing an operation of this size to transport horses in light of the current exceptional circumstances required a high level of coordination and teamwork, especially since the process of transporting horses in its nature is a very complex process, but we succeeded in achieving this in exceptional circumstances. He added that the safety of the horses and the security of all participants remained a top priority throughout the transportation process.
Al-Khayareen explained that at that time, regular air travel options were not available, but the close relations with the main partners and the speed of coordination between the various concerned parties contributed to providing the necessary resources and arranging two private flights within a short period of time, with all veterinary and transportation documents required for international transportation completed.
He stressed that the process required smooth coordination between all parties, including veterinary authorities and operational partners, pointing out that the procedures were not simple due to the multiple elements, but the commitment of all participants and the strength of teamwork were the decisive factor in its success.
Al-Khayarien explained that thanks to the close coordination between the Doha Equestrian Tours team, the relevant Qatari authorities, Qatar Airways Cargo and veterinary officials, the necessary approvals were obtained, two special flights were operated, and all horses were returned safely to Europe within just 36 hours, which confirms our commitment to providing a safe environment for the horses and the participants.
Al-Khayareen thanked all the official partners and competent authorities who contributed to the success of the safe transportation of horses, in cooperation with the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) at the Ministry of Interior, the Amiri Guard, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Civil Aviation Authority, Qatar Airways, the official airline partner, Saleh Al-Hamad Al-Mana, the official transportation partner, and the Qatar Olympic Committee.
Christine Vanderveen: I feel comfortable in Doha
For her part, American horsewoman Christine Vanderveen praised the measures taken by the organizing committee of the Doha Equestrian Tours to ensure the safety of everyone, as those in charge of the tournament were keen to support the riders and facilitate the transportation of horses for those who preferred to leave under the current circumstances.
Vanderveen confirmed that she feels comfortable in Doha, in light of the family atmosphere she enjoys here, praising the efforts made to ensure the continuation of competitions and providing a safe environment for riders and horses, and expressing her hope that five-star competitions will be held at the end of this series of the tournament.
Full readiness to resume competitions
The organizers of the Doha Equestrian Tours confirmed their full readiness to resume competitions as soon as conditions improve, as there are three tournaments remaining at the end of the tournament, namely the Qatar Olympic Committee Cup, the Al Shaqab Cup, and the Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup. This is when the competent authorities allow sporting events to be held, and the International Equestrian Federation is able to send the required supervisors and referees. Over the past few days, we have proven our full readiness and ability to resume competitions.
Monitor the regional situation
Qatar continues to closely monitor the changing regional situation, giving the highest priority to safety and stability. While the main impact will be on airspace and international travel, the Doha Equestrian Tour is fully prepared to resume competitions as soon as the relevant local authorities and sporting institutions allow it.