HH The Emir 23rd International Sword Festival kicked off in fine fashion as the stunning opening ceremony of the festival was conducted in the Open Air equestrian club on Thursday evening. The star of the show was the talented veteran of horse performances, Mario Luraschi. A French based Italian born horse genuis, Luraschi dazzled the expectant crowd with his stallion and his performers who flew in from France to show off their skills to the horse loving Qatari public. This was his first show in Qatar since 2002 for the veteran of three Bond movies, including A View To A Kill, heavily featuring the horse industry.

QREC general manager Sami Jassim Al Boenain inaugurated the eight day festival in front of a packed gathering. “I have the pleasure to welcome you all to HH The Emir 23rd International Equestrian Sword Festival which is being held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar.”

“This year, the Festival acquires special significance as it features HH the Emir Trophies and Sword, making it the most valuable edition. It is the only festival in the world that involves various equestrian events and disciplines over eight days,” Sami added.

“This year the Festival includes the Purebred Arabian Horse Show, the Straight Egyptian Arabian Horse Show and a range of international races, which culminate with HH The Emir Trophies and Sword Day. All such events are part of the ongoing efforts made to enhance our activities, maintain the remarkable standing of Qatar’s equestrian sport and accomplish even more achievements.”

The QREC general manager also welcomed the various dignitaries who have assembled in Doha for the mega event. “We are also pleased to have with us this year the members of the European Conference of Arab Horse Organisations (ECAHO) and the members of the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) to attend the various events of the Festival and their annual meetings, which will be held alongside the Festival.”

Sami thanked the leadership for their continued support for equestrian sport. “I take this opportunity to extend heartfelt thanks to HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani for the unlimited support to Qatar’s sports, especially the equestrian sport being the sport of our forefathers, which has seen massive progress at all levels over the recent years”

The sponsors were also thanked for their enormous contributions to the development of the sport. “I would like also to thank the sponsors Total E & P Qatar, Longines, Al Emadi Enterprises, Qatari Diar Real Estate Company, Qatar Petroleum, Nasser Bin Khaled (NBK) and AL KASS TV for their remarkable role in making the Festival a success.”

The evening was punctuated by performances from Fire showman and a laser show. The evening ended with a performance of horse skills by riders from France including the forward fender, one foot drag, spritz stand, shoulder stand, back drag, hippodrome, and spin the horn.