Doha Diaries

Thankfully, I was given yet another opportunity to travel with and play groom for one of my best friends, Kate Dwyer... this time it was to the 5* Dressage Show at Al Shaqab, Doha!

Even though, I get married only a couple of weeks after my return, there was no way I was turning down the chance to be part of the experience. (And Yes, my "husband to be" is a very understanding man! Thank you John!!!).

Our trip to get there was made up of many legs, and was daunting logistically. Fabio needed to be in Liege Airport, Belgium at 9am Monday morning. We weren't due to leave Ireland until Friday morning, but of course Storm "whatever its name was", threw a spanner in the works and we had to leave Thursday evening. The journey to the Liege consisted of a Ferry, an overnight drive, a trip on the channel tunnel and another overnight drive. We stopped for rests at a couple of places along the way where Fabio could be in a stable, loosen up and rest for the next part of the journey. Fabio isn't phased by travelling and since he gets the full attention of two of "his women", I think he rather enjoys it!

Fabio & Nosher (AKA Espoire) teamed up in Holland and were on the same pallet for the flight. It never ceases to amaze me how trusting horses are as they both just walked in!

Francesca, Groom for Team Ireland member Dane Rawlins and Espoire, flew with the horses and saw they had everything they needed. I flew on a commercial flight from Brussels and was in Al Shaqab awaiting the arrival of the horses in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Both boys travelled really well and possibly even got married on the way! #bromance.

Myself and Fran spent the rest of Tuesday hand-walking the boys and getting them settled in. The riders were due to arrive on Wednesday morning and the first arena familiarization on Wednesday afternoon.

Thursday morning was the vet inspection and as usual for Fabio, he doesn't think this particular occasion warrants any special effects and so, Shire mode engaged!

Both Irish horses successfully through the trot up and that evening was the second of the arena familiarization, this time with a group of other riders. A little manic, but lots to enjoy.

Maureen, Kate and Fabio... Dream Team

Friday was Grand Prix Day! With afternoon times, we hand-walked the horses in the morning, letting them rest when they needed and slowly got them ready.

Both horses (and riders) did brilliant tests and in such an imposing arena, grew in confidence. With both Kate and Fabio not having competed since last October, admittedly, they were a little "ring rusty" but still managed a 68.33% for a top 10 finish!

Dane and Nosher scored 67.35% for 12th!

For the Grand Prix Special on Saturday morning, Kate was last in at 9.15am. With the help of Maureen (Kate's Mum and trainer), they yet again, warmed up beautifully and any nerves from the previous day, seemed to have vanished.

As we all watched on, they rode a beautiful and harmonious test, showing confidence, ease and the potential for even more!

Photo Credit: Horse & Hound Uk

While we waited in the tunnel for Kate and Fabio, the result came in... THEY DID IT!!! They broke the 70% barrier and were TOP of the podium! Tears all round! We couldn't believe it! ....and yet we could. This team of Kate, Fabio and Maureen have worked so hard for so long and overcome so much that it was only a matter of time before they would get the result they deserved! Hard work DOES pay off! Having the Irish National Anthem play for Kate and Fabio was emotional to say the least... I think I can speak for us all and say, we have never felt more proud! (To watch the winning test, click here).

As part of Fabio's winning "get up", he wore the fabulous Al Shaqab purple rug. However, as standard with Fabio, being 17.2hh and part Shire, he wore it as a mini skirt! and having been pretty much naked since his arrival in Doha, he was pretty hot under it. Anxious to cool him off, myself and Fran got him back to the stables asap where he was bathed and given as many carrots as he wanted! Clever boy!

Next up was Dane and Nosher! They did a lovely Freestyle to Music test to score 70.9% for 9th place! All in high spirits, that evening, we went to Souq Waqif for dinner to celebrate!

Sunday morning, Fran and I repacked the trunks for pick-up. Hand-walked the boys and prepped them for pick-up that evening. They underwent a brief vet check and loading began for the airport at 6pm. Fran once again travelled with them through the night and as their are stables at Liege Airport, they were able to have a break before the lorry came to bring them back to the yard in Holland.

Myself, Kate, Maureen and Dane, all flew out on Monday morning. I arrived home on Monday evening where the focus quickly changed from Doha to Wedding!

Kate and Maureen, continued the journey via road and ferry with Fabio and arrived back into Dunboyne on Wednesday morning.

It was such a brilliant experience, made better, knowing that Fabio (and Nosher) travelled so well, taking it all in their stride. And of course, the icing on the cake, was the amazing performances for Team Ireland!

Thanks to Fran for the help, words of wisdom and the laughs! Also, a big thank you to my own team at home, Mum, Dad, Emma, Rachael, Katie and the rest of the

'E Team' for keeping the show on the road and allowing me to travel. I am so grateful to be a small part of Kate and Fabio's journey and I'm so excited for the year ahead!

Sarah x

To help the Irish Dressage Team achieve their TOKYO 2020 goals, they need our help. Please donate whatever you can here

However small, Your help is so much appreciated!

For more footage of the trip, see "Doha Highlights" tab on my Instagram page Sarahelebert_Eventing !

Cover Photo Credit: Horse Sport Ireland.ie