TO his credit, Lee Carey won a class in Doha at the weekend, but he was not alone in representing Ireland at the latest leg of the Doha Tour 2024 in Qatar, organised by the Qatar Equestrian Federation to provide a regional alternative to the Wellington Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida, USA, and the European sunshine tour venues in Spain and Portugal.

Irish equestrian commentator, Paul Nolan has just returned home from Doha: “I spent three weeks working as the English language speaking main arena commentator, MC for prize giving ceremonies and arena TV interviewer at the CSI5*/CSI4*/CSI2* Doha Tour 2024.

“John Kyle and I were invited to provide the English-speaking broadcast and commentary services for the tour from January 11th to 27th,” said Paul, as he adjusted to the current Irish weather conditions, before he heads back again for another two weeks.

Another Irish connection, Kirsteen Reid was appointed as one of the FEI Stewards for the opening three legs, while Irish-based former South African team manager Peter Morrison was invited in his capacity as an arena surface expert to oversee the maintenance and preparation of the warm up and Longines outdoor main competition arena surfaces for the duration of the first three legs of the tour.

FEI Steward Kirsteen Reid pictured at the Doha Tour 2024

The Doha Tour 2024 consists of four tours; the first three weeks (January 11th to 27th January) featured five-star, four-star and two-star competitions in the Longines outdoor arena in Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre, while the prestigious His Highness the Amir’s Sword Championship, which constitutes the fourth week of the Doha Tour, will take centre stage from February 15th to 17th, showcasing the skills of the best riders and horses in five-star, three-star, one-star, Young Rider, Junior and Children on Horses international show jumping, along with some national dressage classes.

February 22nd to 24th sees their big annual Doha CHI show, while the opening leg of the 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour from February 28th to March 2nd will complete six weeks of top-level international equestrian action in Qatar.