SALALAH: The Khareef Dhofar Tent Pegging Championship 2026 came to a close at the equestrian arena at Al Haffa Beach, following three days of competitive action as part of the equestrian programme accompanying the Khareef Dhofar Season.
The championship was organised by the Oman Equestrian and Racing Federation in cooperation with the Dhofar Equestrian Committee, with support from the Office of the Governor of Dhofar, Dhofar Municipality and the Festival Department at Dhofar Municipality.
Five teams representing government cavalry units and private stables took part in the championship, competing across a series of tent pegging events that tested the riders' speed, precision, concentration and ability to control their horses.
The final day featured six rounds, including two rings and peg, two lemons and peg, as well as relay events involving different peg sizes. The competitions produced close contests among the participating teams and riders as they battled for the final day's honours and overall championship standings.
Royal Cavalry takes final-day team title
The Royal Cavalry secured first place in the team competition on the final day. The winning team was represented by Salim bin Mohammed al Amri, Hamad al Raisi, Saif al Ashkhari and Safwan al Maamari.
Sultan's Armed Vehicles (B) finished second, with Khalid al Maamari, Hisham al Bakri, Badr al Khasibi and Zaid al Saeedi representing the team.
Third place went to Sultan's Armed Vehicles (A), represented by Ahed al Balushi, Mohammed al Siyabi, Ali al Balushi and Nasser al Siyabi.
In the individual competition on the final day, Hamad al Raisi of the Royal Cavalry claimed first place. Hisham al Bakri of Sultan's Armed Vehicles finished second, while Ahed al Balushi took third.
Al Raisi tops overall individual standings
The Royal Cavalry also secured the overall team title, finishing first in the championship standings. The winning team consisted of Salim al Amri, Hamad al Raisi, Saif al Ashkhari and Safwan al Maamari.
Sultan's Armed Vehicles (B) took second place overall, represented by Khalid al Maamari, Hisham al Bakri, Badr al Khasibi and Zaid al Saeedi.
Sultan's Armed Vehicles (A) completed the overall team podium in third place, with Ahed al Balushi, Mohammed al Siyabi, Ali al Balushi and Nasser bin Mohammed al Siyabi.
In the overall individual standings, Hamad al Raisi of the Royal Cavalry claimed the championship title after a consistent performance throughout the competition.
His Royal Cavalry teammate Safwan al Maamari finished second, while Hisham al Bakri of Sultan's Armed Vehicles secured third place.
Tent pegging is one of the traditional equestrian disciplines that combines speed, accuracy and horsemanship. Riders must maintain precise control of their horses while attempting to strike and collect targets at speed, making concentration, coordination and technical skill essential to success.
At the conclusion of the Khareef Dhofar Tent Pegging Championship 2026, Ammar Ghawas, Director of the Events and Awareness Department at Dhofar Municipality, presented the awards to the top-ranked teams and individual riders.
The successful staging of the championship underlined the growing role of equestrian competitions within the Khareef Dhofar programme and provided a platform for riders to develop their skills while promoting tent pegging as an important part of Oman's equestrian heritage and sporting culture.
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