Dubai : Emirates Equestrian Centre (EEC) hosted their sixth affiliated dressage competition of the season on Tuesday evening. Classes ranged from medium to preliminary juniors, and with 86 entries, it was a busy evening.
The UAE Dressage Coordinator, Lilian Sternvad was pleased with the turnout, commenting: "Every week we see new riders and horses entered for our competition which means that dressage as an equestrian discipline is growing and has become more popular in the UAE."
The medium class was won by Joanne Ivimey from Desert Palm and her horse Archimedes, with second and third place going to Karin Lindbom and her horse Mer Mer, and Tracy Gill on the mare Picarda respectively — both riders from EEC.
Christina Calin-Thompson shone in the elementary class on Apollo's Mastermind, taking first place with 69.7 per cent. Following closely behind was Lesley Jones and Kengarth Danielle from EEC, with Susanna Foustok and her horse Tristan from Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club taking third.
Highest score
Calin-Thompson and Apollo's Mastermind scored their second win for the evening in the novice class, also earning the highest score of the evening — 72.7 per cent.
The duo was followed by EEC riders Diane Craptree on Quantum Star and Franck Fogarolo aboard Dans Boy both sharing second place with 71.2 per cent. In fourth place was Valerie Moriet and her horse Ricoh from Desert Palm.
In the preliminary class for seniors, the Moriet-Ricoh team managed to trump the competition and claim the winning rosette.
There was yet another tie for second place, with Kelly Schmitt and her horse Dancing Queen and Lucy Chalcraft aboard Flagmount's Crackerjack both scoring 61.7 per cent. Fourth place went to Denise Vertigen and the EEC horse Willie.
Cyndi Faber from Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club and her horse Boeing won the preliminary class for juniors, followed by Alyssa Ritters riding Dude from EEC, and third place went to Karin Lindbom and the EEC horse Shannon.
Next event
The National Show Jumping event is next on the calendar at the EEC.
This two-day competition will take place this weekend, starting at 3pm each day. Entry to watch is free of charge.
