Sana'a: The second Al-Habbari Equestrian Championship for show jumping categories kicked off on Friday in Sana'a, organized by Al-Habbari Equestrian Stable, and will continue until 4 September.
According to Yemen News Agency, the championship features riders from the junior, cub, youth, and senior categories, representing the Military College, Police College, Al-Wahda Academy, Al-Wahda Club (Al-Rahba), Capital Club, Sa'ada Club, Al-Habbari Stable, Al-Dakkam Stable, Al-Amir Stable, and Al-Hurriya Stables.
The opening ceremony was attended by Military College Director Major General Mohamed Shizer, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports for Planning Dr. Jaber Al-Bawab, Deputy Director of Police College for Financial and Administrative Affairs Brigadier General Omar Al-Shaghadri, and Al-Habbari Stable Chairman and businessman Yahya Al-Habbari. The event included show jumping races for the cubs and juniors categories.
Fifty cub riders competed on a track consisting of six obstacles, with heights ranging from 50 to 70 cm, while fifty junior riders competed on a course of five obstacles, with heights between 40 and 60 cm. The races, overseen by six judges headed by Sadiq Marsh, resulted in 31 cub riders and 40 junior riders winning first place by completing the course without faults.
Al-Habbari Stable Chairman explained that the championship, held on the occasion of the ninth anniversary of the late Haj Ali Mohamed Al-Habbari and coinciding with celebrations of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, aims to contribute to the development of equestrian sports, honoring the tradition of the ancestors, and expanding its practice base.
He added that the championship features broad participation from riders of various organizations and age groups, with a special focus on younger categories as the core foundation for equestrianism in Yemen.
According to the competition schedule, next Monday will see show jumping races for the youth category, while the championship will conclude on Wednesday with the senior category races, followed by a closing ceremony honoring the winning riders.