SAEED AL HARBI CLAIMS INDIVIDUAL GOLD AT THE FEI ENDURANCE ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
The United Arab Emirates’ Saeed Ahmad Jaber Abdulla Al Harbi and the nine-year-old mare Ras Flor Del Pago rode to victory in the 120km FEI Endurance Asian Championship 2025, securing the individual gold medal in a nail-biting contest that showcased the best of horse welfare, precision, and endurance performance.
This was the mare’s first championship appearance, though her record leading into Pattaya (THA) was formidable, three consecutive wins at 120km level, including victories in Belgium and the United Kingdom in 2025.
For Al Harbi, the gold medal marks another milestone in an already glittering career. He previously earned individual silver at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors 2024 in Monpazier (FRA).
Bahrain’s Saud Mubarak Salem Sabt and Faraon De Mouss clinched the individual silver medal, adding to his growing reputation on the world stage. The 21-year-old athlete’s performance in Pattaya mirrored his result from just two months earlier, when he also earned individual silver at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders and Juniors in Romania.
However, it was a day of mixed fortunes for Bahrain. Despite fielding one of the strongest squads on paper, the team’s hopes of a collective medal were dashed after only one of their five members successfully completed the ride. The reigning World Champion, HH Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, suffered a shock elimination after crossing the line in second place with his trusted partner Everest La Majorie. The combination was unable to pass the decisive final veterinary inspection, a reminder that in Endurance, success hinges not just on speed but on meticulous horse welfare.
Host nation athlete Prutirat Ratanakul Serireongrith, making his sixth championship appearance, delighted the home crowd with an outstanding and consistent performance aboard Shardell Electric Silver to secure the individual bronze medal.
His result capped a remarkable championship for Thailand, which also achieved team gold — the only nation to complete the event with the required three successful combinations.
Thailand’s squad demonstrated the depth and maturity of its Endurance programme. Phatcha Sawatkitthamrong (24) made an impressive debut with the 13-year-old gelding Rider, finishing sixth, while Mathawin Numauim (25) and Hadrian, a nine-year-old gelding, followed closely behind in seventh.
Their combined efforts sealed Thailand’s dominance, with the team finishing ahead of Bahrain, the UAE, and China.
Team Results:
Neither the United Arab Emirates nor Bahrain were able to complete with the minimum three finishers required for a team result, while China, who started with just three athletes, also fell short of a team classification.
Endurance remains welfare-focused, with rigorous veterinary checks at every phase. The final veterinary inspection is pivotal — a horse must demonstrate soundness and fitness to continue in order for the result to stand. The eliminations, though disappointing for some top contenders, underscored the discipline’s integrity and the FEI’s commitment to ensuring horse welfare above all else.
A Championship of experience and emerging talent:
The FEI Endurance Asian Championship 2025 brought together 18 combinations from five nations at the Thai Polo Club, one of Asia’s premier equestrian venues. Athletes from the UAE, Bahrain, Thailand, China, and Chinese Taipei competed over a technical 120km course across varied terrain designed to test endurance, strategy, and partnership.
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Individual results here
Team results here
Photo by FEI/Yong Teck Lim