This weekend, Ireland was represented at the CHI AL SHAQAB in Doha by Paralympian Sarah Slattery and Katie Reilly, riding their mares Savona and Keystone Dawn Chorus (Lottie).
The prestigious event, hosted at the Al Shaqab Equestrian Center in Qatar has become a key highlight on the international equestrian calendar, drawing competitors from various disciplines including Dressage, Show-jumping, and Para Dressage.
Both riders competed over the weekend in the Para Grand Prix A, Para Grand Prix B, and Para Grand Prix Freestyle over the course of the weekend. The competition marked a special moment for Katie Reilly as she competed internationally for the first time with Lottie. Sarah Slattery also continued her journey after her impressive debut at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Sarah Slattery had an incredible competition, securing three 3rd place finishes, with the highlight being a personal best in the Grade V Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday, earning an impressive score of 72.792%.
Katie Reilly also had a great showing earning third place finish in the Grade III Grand Prix Freestyle.
Katie was part of the Futures Program that travelled to Paris last summer to experience the Paralympic Games first-hand. The program provided an invaluable opportunity for all participants to gain crucial insights into how the Games operate, as well as to evaluate what would work—and what wouldn’t—for them as athletes. It offered a chance to better understand the entire experience, ensuring that if Katie has the incredible opportunity to compete at a future Games, she will be fully prepared for what lies ahead.
Speaking about the competition Sarah Slattery said: “It’s been an absolute incredible experience, from flying Savona for the first time to the great stables and arenas, the fabulous hotel and to being at this incredible competition along with the top 5* Dressage, Show-jumping and Para dressage riders.”
