No Global Champions Tour stage next weekend in Doha

Several German show jumpers are at home themselves, because although they competed in Doha at the beginning of the year, they had other commitments in the meantime. However, their horses, with which they wanted to continue competing in Al Shaqab in the coming weeks, have remained on site together with their grooms. In addition to Philipp Weishaupt, who spoke to dpa yesterday, Christian Ahlmann, Hansi Dreher and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann are affected from a German perspective. Max Kühner is also affected, although he will be competing for Austria.

Meyer-Zimmermann’s comments on NDR today were similar to those of Philipp Weishaupt yesterday – the main thing is to get the grooms and horses out of the country. But it doesn’t look like that at the moment. “At the moment we don’t know when my staff and the horses will be able to leave the country, it depends on how the situation develops and whether the airspace is cleared,” she explained.

National coach Otto Becker is also worried. He spoke to those affected on site and explained to NDR: “The nurses can hear it banging everywhere. They are not doing so well. We hope that nothing happens to them or the horses. And also that the horses won’t remember anything.”

The problem, as already described, is that the Iranian drones that want to hit the US military base Al Udeid in Doha fly right over Al Shaqab. Before they land there, Qatar’s air defense systems are supposed to render them harmless. This is precisely the danger that Becker sees: “The fear is also that one will be shot down and then the debris will fly around.”

Tournament canceled

As expected, the Global Champions Tour stage planned for the coming weekend in Doha will not take place. The corresponding statement has just been issued. However, the entire Doha Equestrian Tour has not yet been canceled. The statement reads as follows:

“The Longines Global Champions Tour and the Doha Equestrian Tour confirm that the event planned for March 4-7, 2026 in Doha will not take place due to the current situation in the region.

This decision was made after careful consideration of airspace restrictions, participants’ travel plans and general operational restrictions.

It is currently planned to resume the Doha Equestrian Tour program from 11 March. Further information on the remaining events will be announced in the coming days.”

“All horses and employees in good health”

The organizers also address the current situation of those affected on site. Everyone is currently doing well.

“The safety and welfare of horses, athletes, teams, partners, staff and spectators is our top priority. Both organizations are working closely together and we confirm that all horses and staff on site are safe and well.”