AFTER the competition drought of 2020, the 2021 Longings Doha CHI was for many high performance riders a welcome oasis.

Renowned as “where the best come together” it is one of the first major dates in the equestrian calendar since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. On a first visit a few years ago, I was gobsmacked by its huge airy competition arenas, a choice of warm-up arenas, a gallop track, dedicated horse wash facilities, amazing catering and even an on-site hotel for the grooms!