Delight as European horses arrive home safe after ‘week of uncertainty’ owing to Middle East air strikes

All the 147 horses in Doha for the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) leg have arrived safely home, organisers have confirmed.

H&H reported last week that the LGCT competition that had been due to run from 4-7 March in Doha had been cancelled, after the US-Israeli air strikes in the area that weekend. A group of riders, grooms, and horses was stranded for a week at the Al Shaqab equestrian complex.

An LGCT spokesperson said on Monday (9 March) that two horse flights from Doha had landed in Europe.

“We are delighted to confirm that all 147 horses are safely home,” the spokesperson said.

“In challenging circumstances, we are incredibly grateful for the extraordinary efforts made to organise these flights at the earliest possible opportunity. The Doha Equestrian Tours team, local authorities and Qatar Airways worked tirelessly to ensure the horses could leave as quickly and safely as possible.”

The spokesperson thanked all those who had worked around the clock for a week, especially the Doha Equestrian Tour team and everyone who had been involved in getting horses and people home safely.

“While we’re disappointed not to have started the season in Doha as planned, we look forward to returning to Al Shaqab in the future. Our attention now turns to Miami Beach for the 2026 season kick-off,” the spokesperson added.

Belgian company European Horse Services (EHS), a partner of the Belgian equestrian federation, played a key role in organising the transport of the hoses. The company was responsible for the logistical coordination of the flights and further transport after arrival in Europe.

“The operation had to be organised under considerable time pressure,” a spokesperson for the Belgian federation said. “While preparing an international horse charter normally takes several days, this transport had to be arranged in a very short time. This also involved practical challenges, such as administrative formalities, the temporary closure of airspace and on-site organisation during Ramadan.

“After arriving at Liège airport, the horses were unloaded, checked, and prepared for their onward transport. Most horses were able to depart for their home stables that same day, while some remained briefly at the airport for final paperwork.

“For riders, owners and grooms, the return to Europe was a great relief after a week of uncertainty.”

The Doha Equestrian Tour said the safety of horses and people had been the “absolute priority” throughout, adding: “Thanks to our relentless team working 24/7 to make this happen, horses and grooms finally set course for the next arenas of the season.”

Scott Brash shared a video on social media on 9 March, of his horses arriving back in their stables – and enjoying a good roll.

“Happy to be home,” he said.

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