The Riyadh International Showjumping Championship is an equestrian event that took place with the participation of eighty-one male and female riders on February 16, 2023. The event lasted for three days and was held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. It is the first show jumping championship to be held in an indoor arena in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event was organized by the Equestrian Sports Events Company, owned by the Saudi Equestrian Federation.
The arena of the Riyadh International Showjumping Championship
The arena of the Riyadh International Showjumping Championship was illuminated with colored lights, with adjustable lighting levels featuring "wash light and rotating heads" specifications. The lighting gradually changes from the moment the rider enters and maintains a steady level during the start of the rounds.
The arena's surface was prepared in stages, being compacted and having materials added to maintain its cohesion and flexibility, making it more suitable for competing horses. Additionally, a platform for VIPs was constructed, along with stands for the audience who followed the championship events.
Participating countries in the Riyadh International Showjumping Championship
Male and female riders from the Kingdom, Jordan, Algeria, Norway, Italy, Bahrain, Thailand, and Lebanon participated in the Riyadh International Showjumping Championship.
Winners of the Riyadh International Showjumping Championship
The Saudi Equestrian Federation crowned rider Abdullah al-Sharbatly with the title of the second round "Two Rounds in One" at a height of 1.40 m, in the opening of the Riyadh International Showjumping Championship. Al-Sharbatly succeeded in clinching the title of the round with a time of 26.54 seconds, while the Thai rider Janaka Bourne came second with a time of 29.05 seconds, and rider Nasser al-Shawwaf came third with a time of 29.41 seconds.
Rider Abdullah Ibrahim was also crowned with the title of the first round "Against the Clock" after successfully clinching the title and breaking the time record held by Olympic rider Abdullah al-Sharbatly, which was 49.38 seconds at a height of 1.35 m. Abdullah Ibrahim recorded a time of 48.06 seconds. Rider Bader al-Fard came in third with a time of 49.50 seconds
Saudi rider Meshari al-Harbi was crowned with the title of the sixth round "Grand Prix Round" at a height of 1.45 m, at the conclusion of the Riyadh International Showjumping Championship. Al-Harbi clinched the title with a time of 35.61 seconds, while Thai rider Jakana Bourne came second with a time of 36.58 seconds, and rider Saad al-Ajmi came third with a time of 37.52 seconds.
Rider Abdullah Ibrahim was crowned with the title of the fifth round after recording a time of 25.04 seconds at a height of 1.40 m. Rider Saleh Bin Omairah came second with a time of 26.66 seconds, and rider Bader al-Fard came third with a time of 26.79 seconds.
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