MUSCAT: Oman began hosting the World Cup Qualifying Championship for Tent Pegging 'Oman 2026 – Group Three' at the Royal Oman Police Cavalry in Al Wattayah on Thursday. The event is being organised by the Oman Equestrian and Racing Federation under the supervision of the International Tent Pegging Federation.
The qualifying championship has brought together a group of riders and national teams competing for places at the upcoming Tent Pegging World Cup, with Oman seeking to make the most of home advantage in a competition that tests riders’ accuracy, speed and horsemanship.
The opening day on Thursday featured a series of technical and organisational activities ahead of the official competitions. The programme began with a technical meeting attended by members of the organising committees and representatives of the participating teams.
During the meeting, officials reviewed the technical aspects of the championship and discussed the regulations, competition rules and organisational requirements governing the event. The session also provided team representatives with details on the competition procedures and arrangements for the days ahead.
The technical meeting was followed by the horse draw, through which the participating riders were allocated horses. The riders then took part in a practical horse familiarisation session, giving them an opportunity to assess the horses and become accustomed to their movement and handling before the start of the official competitions.
The first day concluded with an official reception for the participating delegations. The gathering welcomed the visiting teams and riders to Oman while providing an opportunity for participants to meet and strengthen the sporting and friendly ties within the international tent pegging community.
INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM EVENTS
Competition continues through a varied programme of individual, pairs and team events involving the lance and sword. The championship programme also includes ring and lemon events, as well as lance and sword relay competitions.
The events will test the riders’ precision, speed, coordination and ability to control their horses as they compete for results that could secure progression in the qualification pathway to the World Cup.
Oman is represented by a five-rider team supported by an administrative and technical staff. Mohammed bin Salem al Maliki serves as team manager, Hilal bin Hassan al Balushi as coach, Obaid bin Lahiq al Qarini as coordinator and Khamis bin Khada Bakhsh al Balushi as team affairs officer.
The national team riders are Hamad bin Saif al Raisi, Hamad bin Nasser al Riyami, Nasser bin Rashid al Siyabi, Waleed bin Zahir al Shraiqi and Hisham bin Ali al Bakri.
The Omani team will be looking to produce strong performances on home soil and secure a positive result in its bid to advance through the World Cup qualification process.
Oman’s hosting of the qualifying championship underlines the country’s continued involvement in tent pegging and its role in staging international equestrian events. The sport combines speed, precision and horsemanship, while maintaining strong links with the region’s equestrian heritage.
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