Mission

To promote education and horsemanship as part of Qatar’s equestrian heritage.

Riding Academy Programs

Welcome to Al Shaqab’s Riding Academy.

Our mission is to promote education and horsemanship as part of Qatar’s equestrian heritage in line with the overall vision of Al Shaqab to be the leading equine center of excellence.
 

Al Shaqab Riding Academy continues to implement an educational curriculum that consists of riding, theory and practical (stable management) knowledge during the 2022-23 academic year. The curriculum followed will train students to be proficient riders and eventually prepare them for both local and international competitions.

 

We currently offer five different riding programs:

 

Children Pony Ride: Age Group: 3-6 years old - 2022-2023

This program comprises of 8 classes it is a game-based introduction to horse riding for children. It develops the children’s balance, coordination and encourages them to feel comfortable around horses. Each riding session is 30 minutes long. Children have the option of riding on Saturday and Tuesday or Monday and Thursday. Class timings are on a first come first serve basis, however parents have the option to choose from the following timings: - 3:00 – 3:30 pm, 3:45 – 4.15 pm, 4:30 – 5:00 pm,  5:15 – 5:45 pm or 6:00 – 6:30 pm.

 

Monthly fees: QR 1,500

Location: Longines Indoor Arena

*Fees must be paid in full at registration and are non-refundable & non-transferable.

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Riding Academy Program for students from 6 to 18 years:

This program comprises of 12 riding lessons per month in groups. Each riding lesson is 45 minutes long. Students also receive practical stable management classes and online theory classes.

 

Registration fees: QR 1,000 and Monthly fees: QR 3,000.

*Fees must be paid in full at registration and are non-refundable & non-transferable.

Register Now

 

 

One-Time Riding Classes

This one-time riding session is intended to provide an introduction to riding before applying for the monthly Riding Academy Program.

Class timings for this session are conducted only during morning hours from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM from Saturday to Thursday, for 45 minutes.

 

Fees: QAR 350

*Fees must be paid in full at registration and are non-refundable & non-transferable.

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Adult Group Classes:

Students above 18 years receive 12 riding lessons per month in groups. Each lesson is 45-minutes long. Students also receive optional practical stable management classes and online theory classes.

 

Registration fees: QR 1,000 and Monthly fees: QR 3,000.

*Fees must be paid in full at registration and are non-refundable & non-transferable.

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Adult Private Classes:

Private riding lessons are available to adults 18 and older. There are 12 sessions per month for 1-on-1 riding lessons. In addition to theoretical classes, students can take practical stable management classes (in groups).

 

Riding sessions are given during the morning hours from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM for 45 minutes.

 Registration fees: QR 1,000 and Monthly fees: QR 6,000.

*Fees must be paid in full at registration and are non-refundable & non-transferable.

Register Now

 

Ladies Program (Age Group: 14 and above)

This is an exclusive program that is offered by female instructors. This program offers riding classes for ladies aged 14 and above in a private indoor arena. Through the program, students receive 12 riding lessons each month in groups. Each lesson is 45 minutes long. Students also can partake in optional practical stable management classes and online theory classes.

 

Class timings for this session are conducted 3:30pm – 4:15pm ,  4:30pm - 5:15pm ,  5:30pm - 6:15pm ,  6:30pm -7:15pm  

Our Classes are first come first serve. 

Registration fees: QR 1,000 and Monthly fees: QR 4,200.

*Fees must be paid in full at registration and are non-refundable & non-transferable.

Register Now

 

Equine Assisted Therapy Program - 2022-2023

The Equine Assisted Therapy Program is a specialized program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children who participate in the program will experience improvement in areas such as social interactions, communication, motor skills, positive emotions and their ability to manage stress. 

 

The sessions will run everyday from 9:00AM-3:00PM & registrations are open for children aged 3-12

 

Location: Equine Education Department

 

 Register Now

 

Riding Academy programs follow a curriculum that is split into different levels

 

1. Newcomer Level,  

2. Beginner Levels 1 & 2, 

3. Intermediate Levels 1,2 & 3,  

4. Advance Levels 1 & 2. 

1, Newcomer Level

This level is tailored to students who have never rode a horse before. This level is the foundation of developing the student’s riding skills. Students develop essential skills such as balance, posture, ability to mount and dismount, steer, and building up riding confidence. The estimated time to complete this level is 1 month, however it may vary depending on the individual rider.

 

2. Beginner Levels 1 & 2

This level is designed to solidify the student’s basic skills, and enhance their ability of using leg, seat and rein commands. Students will learn more skills that aid their riding including; riding in walk and trot and canter in a group, riding a half halt, simple school figures, correct use of commands/aids, and increase balance and ability to maintain good postures. Estimated time to complete this level: 8 to 12 months (4 to 6 months per level).

 

3. Intermediate Levels 1, 2 & 3

The Intermediate Level is designed to bring forth higher education relating to showjumping and dressage. Students begin their showjumping journey at this level, as well as enhance their flatwork in preparation for future specialization in showjumping or dressage. As the student moves from one level to the next, training sessions will become more technical and intense to prepare them for the advanced levels. Estimated time to complete this level: 1 1/2 to 3 years (6 months to 1 year per level).

 

4. Advance Levels 1 & 2

Students get to choose the discipline (showjumping or dressage) that they would like to specialize in at this level.  Students will be trained to ride higher levels of showjumping or dressage. This level is designed to prepare students to compete in local and international competitions. Estimated time to complete this level: 2 to 4 years (1 to 2 years per level).

 

Safety

• Students must always remain aware of their actions around horses. Students should never approach horses from their rear end both in the arena and at the stables.
• There are risks involved with riding and interacting with horses. Horses are unpredictable animals that may react to abrupt motions or sounds. Therefore, students must follow all instructions given by Al Shaqab designated staff for their own safety.
• Instructor or Equine Education Administration may refuse students’ request to ride for safety or operational reasons.
• Students are responsible for all their personal items and Al Shaqab will not be responsible for loss or damage to those items.
• When competing at internal or external shows, the level that the student enters in must be approved and chosen by the instructor to ensure that the student is ready to compete safely.
• Students who find themselves in an unsafe situation or are not experienced enough to resolve the issue, should notify their instructor immediately. 

Code of Conduct

Students joining the academy, must adhere to our code of conduct.  This is to ensure their safety as well as that of their fellow students:

• Students are expected to arrive and be ready for their classes in a timely manner. Students should present themselves a minimum of 10 minutes prior to the start of the class to avoid any disruptions or delays.
• No student will be allowed to participate in a class if they arrive later than 10 minutes after the scheduled start time of the class.
• All students must be respectful behaviour towards their instructors and all staff members of Al Shaqab.
• Any aggression or abuse directed towards Al Shaqab Staff, fellow students or horses will not be tolerated.
• Dress code to be followed for every class:
  • Form fitting shirt
  • Long or short riding boots
  • Riding helmet with approved safety standards
  • Riding breeches (trousers)
  • Riding gloves
  • Body protector
• Parents are not allowed to give instructions to their child from the outside of the arena or cause disruption of any kind during the class. If parents have any queries or concerns, they may discuss them with the instructor before the class starts or at the end of the class.
• No student is to be mounted unattended on a horse unless permission is given to do so by the instructor.
• Students must always handle all horses and equipment with utmost care and respect.
• No loud shouting or running is permitted in and around arenas, stable areas or administration buildings.
• Students will be made responsible for any intentional damage caused to Al Shaqab property
• In case of any emergency, students are to communicate with an instructor/staff member immediately as their main focal point.
• Failing to comply with the code of conduct will result in disciplinary action and could result in permanent expulsion if the offenses are repeated.

 

For more information or to enquire about your application, please contact us: 

Phone: 44546185 

Mobile: 66625379 

Email: eeinfo@qf.org.qa

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which days of the week will my riding lessons be?

Riders aged 6 years old + will receive three riding lessons per week (12 lessons per month). You can choose to ride on:

• Saturday, Monday and Wednesday

OR

• Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday

 

Where will my riding lessons be?

The riding lessons are held at the Longines Indoor Arena for all programs except the Ladies only program. Ladies only riding lessons are held at the EED Indoor arena. Both arenas are airconditioned and have changing rooms and lockers available.

 

What are the client services working hours?

The administrative team can be found at the Equine Education Department building from 7.30 am to 7.00 pm.

What should I wear for my first riding lesson?

For your first riding lesson make sure you are wearing a comfortable top that is not too loose so that it does not flap around when you are riding. You must wear a riding helmet. You should also wear short or long boots, and breeches or jodhpurs.

 

Do you provide helmets?

We have a limited number of helmets available which may or may not be your size. Therefore, we recommend that you purchase your own properly fitting helmet.