HH Sh. Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa (BRN) and Everest La Majorie, winners of the FEI Endurance World Championship 2024 in Monpazier (FRA) © FEI / Massimo Argenziano

The FEI Asian Championships 2025 in Pattaya (THA) are set to welcome 22 Endurance athletes from five nations for the 120km CEI2* Championship Ride taking place on 29 November, with both team and individual medals awarded on 30 November. With four full teams and several world-class combinations, the field promises a compelling blend of experience, youthful energy, and championship pedigree.

The Endurance Championship sits alongside Dressage, Para Dressage, Jumping, and Eventing as part of a comprehensive schedule spanning from 26 November to 7 December. Set in the picturesque countryside east of Pattaya, the Thai Polo Club is one of South East Asia’s premier equestrian destinations. The venue includes permanent Coss-Country and Endurance courses, quality arenas, polo fields, modern stabling, and extensive wash, training, and warm-up areas. Founded by Harald Link and Mrs Nunthinee Tanner, Thailand’s first female polo player, the facility has grown into a central hub for equestrian sport in Southeast Asia. 

“The Thai Polo Club has been purpose-built with the horse at the centre,” said an event organiser. “We are proud to welcome athletes from across Asia and provide a world-class environment for both competition and horse welfare.”

Top-tier veterinary support will be provided throughout the Championships, led by Dr Ali Tweissi (JOR) as President of the Veterinary Commission and Dr Bashir Ahmad Fateh Mohamed as Foreign Veterinary Delegate. They will oversee a team of three FEI-accredited veterinarians from multiple countries. 

“The welfare of the horses is at the heart of everything we do. Our veterinary team is here to ensure that every horse competing at the Asian Championships is fit, healthy, and able to perform at its best. The Thai Polo Club offers exceptional facilities, and with the collaborative support of veterinarians, farriers and officials from several nations as well as the organising committee, we are well prepared to deliver the highest standard of care throughout the event. It is a privilege to support these athletes, and we look forward to a safe and successful championship for all involved.”

Dr Ali Tweissi (JOR)

President of the Veterinary Commission

The athletes. Bahrain

Bahrain’s campaign is headlined by HH Sh. Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who returns to championship competition as the reigning World Champion, following his victory at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors in Monpazier (FRA) in 2024 and in Butheeb (UAE) in 2023. Partnering with his world champion mount once again, Everest La Majorie, he leads one of the deepest and most experienced squads in the field.

“My experience has consistently shown me that while proper training is paramount, success truly blossoms when we also prioritise the care and attention to our horses' mental well-being. Each horse is unique, and understanding their individual needs, fostering their confidence, and ensuring their happiness are vital components of reaching the pinnacle of our sport.” says HH Sh. Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa. 

Alongside him, Isa Hameed Dakheel Al Anezi arrives in strong form after securing an individual bronze medal at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders and Juniors in Buftea (ROU) earlier this year. Bahrain also fields Sh. Mohamed Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa with Bolt De Venelles, travelling to Pattaya for Bolt’s fifth championship appearance, following a season in which he was part of the partnership that also achieved individual silver at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders and Juniors in Buftea (ROU).

The team’s depth continues with Fahad Helal Mohamed Al Khatri, riding Hacour La Majorie, a horse that finished eighth at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses in Jullianges (FRA) in July this year. Mohamed Abdulhameed Alhashemi competes with Lola De Jalima, who previously won the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses 2022 in Vic (ESP) with HH Sh. Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa himself.

Completing Bahrain’s line-up are two promising young athletes: 19-year-old Sh. Ahmed Salman Ahmed Abdulla Al Khalifa with Djozoula Du Barthas, and 21-year-old Saud Mubarak Salem Sabt, both making their second championship appearance of the year.

China

China presents a three-athlete team. Zhaoyi Cheng competes with Altesse des Sablons and was previously selected and qualified to represent China at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors 2023 in Butheeb, demonstrating the confidence placed in this combination at the highest level. Alongside him, Yi He makes his championship debut with Al Ral, a horse that previously finished just outside the top 10 at the FEI Endurance European Championship 2022 in Ermelo (NED) with another athlete. The final Chinese combination is Xuejun Peng with America Yac; both athlete and horse enter the 2025 Asian Championships as debutants.

Thailand

Thailand fields a full team of five athletes, with many of the horses based in Europe. Warit Khuntaraporn once again represents Thailand aboard Essaouira de Madigou, having been selected for the Thai Team at both the 2023 and 2024 FEI Endurance World Championships. His return to championship level reflects Thailand’s continued confidence in this experienced partnership. Another home-nation athlete, 25-year-old Mathawin Numauim, will compete with the nine-year-old gelding Hadrian, marking a championship debut for both.

Two of Thailand’s most experienced Endurance athletes, Wipawan Pawitayalarp and Prutirat Ratanakul Serireongrith, each make their sixth championship appearance. Wipawan has two horses entered —Hermes D’Aurieres and The Horses Born Boogie—while Prutirat also has two: Caprice De Traclin and Shardell Electric Silver. The Thai team is completed by 24-year-old Phatcha Sawatkitthamrong, who partners the 13-year-old gelding, Rider, in what will be their first championship appearance together.

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates fields a strong and experienced team for Pattaya. Saeed Ahmad Jaber Abdulla Al Harbi competes with Ras Flor del Pago and arrives following an excellent result at the FEI Endurance World Championship 2024, where he secured a silver medal with Castlebar Cadabra. The team also includes Saeed Hamoud Saeed Al Khayari, making his fourth championship appearance, with two entered horses: Dragon Feuillee and Gepito.

Salem Hamad Saeed Malhoof Al Kitbi partners Hadeer, a combination that achieved a fifth-place finish at the FEI Endurance World Championship 2024 in Monpazier. Another key member of the team, Saeed Ahmad Rashed Abdulla Al Shamsi, competes with Mobhir; Saeed was part of the UAE team that won team gold at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses in Arborea (ITA) in 2024.

The UAE also fields Zayed Mohamed Atiq Khamis Almehairi with Alshemaime, a combination that previously represented the nation at the FEI Endurance World Championship 2024 in Monpazier (FRA). Completing the line-up is Rashed Saeed Hamad Saeed Alketbi along Heracles Feuillee, with whom he achieved a fifth-place finish at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses in Jullianges (FRA) earlier this year.

Chinese Taipei

Chinese Taipei is represented by one individual athlete, Kuo-Hua Greg Chung, who adds a fifth nation to the 120km competition. “Endurance in Asia continues to grow in depth, structure, and competitiveness,” said an FEI representative. “This year’s Championship ride brings together experienced combinations, emerging talent, and horses prepared through both Asian and European systems. Pattaya is ready to host an exceptional competition that reflects the ambition and progress of Endurance across the continent.”

 Start lists and full results will be available here