The Peninsula
Thirteen-year old rider Haya Khalid Al Hitmi completed an impeccable routine in the second round of Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour Hathab as the crowd burst into a rapturous applause yesterday.
At the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s Indoor Arena, Al Hitmi was competing in her first season in the Small Tour after having previously taken part in the Futures Riders category at the hugely popular Equestrian Tour. But Haya seldom showed any nerves as she outwitted experienced riders to claim the Small Tour title in the second round of fifth edition of Hathab.
Riding with her 18-year-old mare Dusty, Haya did not put a foot wrong as the teenager blazed through the tricky course in 24.87 and 28.45 seconds to emerge triumphant. As her experienced rivals stumbled, Haya was mobbed by her friends and well-wishers as she celebrated her maiden title.
“I didn’t expect to win today. Today there were lot of experienced riders but I did expect to finish in top 10 but not in the first place,” Haya admitted with a cheeky smile.
“I am very happy. The victory was not easy because the competition was strong. Initially I was afraid but I managed to keep my nerves in control,” she added.
The podium winners of the Small Tour competition in Round 2 of the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour, Haya Khalid Al Hitmi and Mohammed Jabor Al Naimi with officials during the presentation ceremony.
Haya, who said her dream is to compete at the Olympics, started riding when she was nine years old and a year later took up showjumping. The sprightly teen said ‘her love for the horses’ is why she took up showjumping.
Haya also paid due credit to her mare Dusty, calling it a ‘dream horse’. “I have been riding Dusty for the last four months. She is a new horse for me but she is a dream one,” the talented youngster said.
Haya also competed with her second horse – an eight-year-old Ina – yesterday, with which she finished 35th out of 68 combinations. Meanwhile, Mohammed Jabor claimed second and third place with Naville Z and Baina respectively in the Small Tour.
In the Medium Tour, Mohammed Saeed Haidan emerged triumphant with D Saucedo. Haidan, who won the Big Tour class in the first round, clocked 28.78 seconds with his 12-year-old stallion.
In second placed was Rashid Towaim Al Marri astride Mira V/D Roshoeve, while France’s Cyrine Cherif finished third with Brennus Villelongue.
Haidan was pleased two win his second title in a two. “I participated in this tour with two horses, but I was not successful with the first horse, but I managed to do well with D Saucedo. The competition was very strong,” he said.
Round 2 Results
Small Tour: Special Two phases, 100/110cm
1. Haya Khalid Al Hitmi; Horse: Dusty; Time: 24.87 & 28.45 secs
2. Mohammed Jabor Al Naimi; Naville Z; 24.69 & 29.09
3. Mohammed Jabor Al Naimi; Baina; 24.76 & 30.15
Medium Tour: One round against the clock with jump off, 120/130cm
1. Mohammed Saeed Haidan; Horse: D Saucedo; Time: 66.46 & 28.78 secs