Qatar Airways Cargo has flown over 100 champion horses from Amsterdam for the annual CHI AL SHAQAB equestrian event in Doha.

The horses flew on board a Boeing 777 Freighter for the event of jumping, dressage and para-dressage from 2 – 4 March.

The CHI AL SHAQAB is the first equestrian competition of its kind in the Middle East and Asia to be sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation and is one of only four International Equestrian Competition events in the world.

Qatar Airways chief cargo officer, Ulrich Ogiermann says: “The team handling live animals is thoroughly trained and work in accordance with IATA’s Live Animal Regulations to provide the most comfortable journey for the horses.”

“Each horse is treated with the utmost care and attention and our customers can count on us for the safe and reliable transportation of their thoroughbreds.”

The airline says its QR Live service guarantees care, comfort and safety of equine guests and its fleet of Boeing 747s, 777s and Airbus A330 Freighters offer temperature controlled zones with horse stalls and seats for grooms.

Its state-of-the-art Doha hub offers a sophisticated environment with air-conditioned holding stalls, a paddock and on-site veterinary personnel.

Qatar Airways Cargo transported over 2,300 horses in 2016-17, a 10 per cent increase over 2015-16.