First International Showjumping Tour to start January with $266,000 prize pool

RIYADH: The first International Showjumping Tour with a prize pool of more than SR1 million ($266,000) has been approved by the International Equestrian Federation.

The event will be held next year from Jan. 24 to Feb. 10 at the Trio Sporting Venue in Jeddah.

It will feature about 160 riders and 200 horses from around the world, competing for the prizes and six ministry trophies: Defense, National Guard, Interior, Education, Human Resources and Social Development, and Environment, Water, and Agriculture.

Arwa Mutabagani, head of the organizing committee, said: “There are innovative ideas that will serve the sport growth at 360 degrees. Being a tour, it offers numerous benefits for horses and riders if objectives are clear and tactics are set properly.”

Spanning three weekends, the competition will showcase 48 classes designed by the renowned international course designer Mario Breccia.

An international panel of judges and stewards will oversee the smooth running of the event.

For the first time in the Kingdom, this event introduces five World Ranking classes, allowing riders to earn points without traveling abroad with their horses.

The event also introduces new class formats, such as “Take Your Own Line,” which gives riders the freedom to choose the sequence of obstacles and a novel relay class that brings an element of teamwork and excitement.

Riders can compete with up to five horses per competition, maximizing the benefits of the three-week event.

Professionals can bring their students to compete at lower levels, while they compete on more experienced horses at higher levels.

The International Showjumping Tour promises a variety of activities for families, including a food festival, an adventure zone and more, ensuring an enjoyable equestrian experience for all visitors.