First edition of International Show Jumping Championship kicked off on Kalba Beach

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

A total of 156 riders representing 27 countries kicked off the first international show jumping championship held on Kalba Beach.

Organized by the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, the championship was a part of the 5th Kalba Sharjah Equestrian Festival.

This marks the second show jumping event on Kalba Beach, following local competitions held last season. Due to its success, it has been elevated to the status of the first international two-star championship held on a beach in the UAE. The championship includes 10 competitions held over four days from Thursday to Sunday.

Al-Karbi Wins Kalba Municipality Prize in the Opening Ceremony

The tournament was opened on Thursday evening with the presence of Sultan Mohammed Khalifa Al-Yahyai, the General Manager of the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club and the tournament director.

The first competition, held under the sponsorship of Kalba Municipality, featured 59 riders competing over a course with obstacles reaching a height of 110 cm. Twenty-two riders completed both stages without errors. The first-place prize went to the emerging rider Ali Mubarak Al-Karbi.

The second-place prize was awarded to Dutch rider Jasmin Stein.

UAE riders maintained their positions in the top six, and the opening competition winners were honored by Mohammed Al-Jassmi, representing Kalba Municipality, the sponsor of the opening event.

The second victory for UAE riders was achieved by the emerging rider Mabkhout Al-Karbi in the second competition of the championship.

This event, with obstacles set at 120 cm, was sponsored by Equinest, a company specializing in natural horse therapy.

A total of 85 riders participated, with 35 completing both stages without errors. Karbi secured the first-place prize after completing the second stage in a fast time of 24.25 seconds. Aymen Al-Hajj, representing Equinest, honored the winners.