The spectacular of the evening was the Kur – Dressage To Music class. All riders compete at their required level to a test of their own design, matching it to music of their choice. The idea of the Kur is for the rider to showcase their horse’s movement and ability in an individually tailored test. The class consisted of 16 participants, the largest Kur class to date, and the spectators, thoroughly enjoyed watching this class.
The winner, with the highest score of 70.97% was Michelle Woolmer, riding at a novice level. Woolmer rode a graceful test on the mare Utopia, and her music was a compilation of Beatles themed music played in pan flutes. Joanne Ivemey came second with a score of 70.23% on the talented gelding Archimedes and their music was a compilation of acoustic film themes including the familiar Pink Panther tune. In third place was Christel Langlois, riding an aesthetically pleasing test ridden to dance music, on the chestnut Arabian stallion R S Kahraman. Langlois finished with a score of 67.1%.
The Medium class, seen as a preview for next week’s Championships, saw three top contenders place, ensuring their chances of qualifying for the Nationals. In-form pair Janice Jackson riding her imported Dutch gelding Vedo rode away in first place with a score of 65.17%. In second place for the second time that evening was Joanne Ivemey on her talented gelding Archimedes, followed by Tracy Gill riding her thoroughbred stallion Worthily.
The Elementary class was won by a new comer in the placings - Isabella Tiller riding her striking Iberian gelding Indomito. Tiller rode a lovely test, producing a score of 64%. In second place was one of the hot favourites for the Elementary Championships, Charlotte Drakeley, who rode the ever-consistent Cennan Alarch from the Royal Stables.
The Novice class was dominated by Emirates Equestrian Centre, with Frank Fogarolo riding Dans Boy with an impressive score of 67.5%, closely followed by Shakira Muller in second place riding Ballinteskin Rocky with 66.67%. Catherine Muirhead was third on her gelding Bradstone Boris.
Michelle Woolmer claimed her second win of the evening in the Preliminary Seniors class, this time aboard the gelding Lethes Lancer. The duo earned 70.42% for their efforts, which meant Woolmer claimed the two highest scores of the evening. In second place was Royal Stables rider Mikaela Bockstrom on Hash Du Val with a score of 66.67%.
Finally, the Junior Preliminary class was a close contest of the top junior riders. Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club rider Alyssa Ritters aboard Chelsey won with 66.67%, cementing her place in the championships. Hot on her heels were the two EEC riders Karin Linbom on her Akhal-Teke mare Mer Mer, followed closely by Amy Barrack on Chloe Dazzler.
The UAE National Championship is the highlight of the season which will see the country’s elite riders and their equine counterparts pit their skills against each other. This event will be held at the Emirates Equestrian Centre on Monday April 20th and Tuesday April 21st.
Since the start of the season, riders have done their best to collect points at each affiliated competition. First place winners earn five points, second place earns four points, third place earns three points, fourth place earns two points and fifth place earns on point. These points accumulate for each level and then the top four riders in each level earn their place in the UAE National Championships. There are seven Individual Rider classes; Medium-Advanced, Medium, Elementary, Novice, Pure Bred Arabians (Novice), Preliminary Senior and Preliminary Junior.
There is also a UAE National Team Championship, which is also determined by an accumulative points system throughout the season. A team consists of four riders: three senior and one junior rider. For each event the top three scores of each of the four competing team members are counted, and this goes toward the accumulative team score.
The Team Championships will be held on Monday April 20th and will see the Dressage Divas, The Royal Stables, Franck’s Ladies and Too Hot 2 Trot battle for the title. The Individual Championships for Novice and Pure Bred Arabians (Novice) will also take place on this day.
The Individual Championships for Advanced Medium, Medium, Elementary and Prelim Senior and Junior will be held on the following day, Tuesday April 21st.
The competitions kick off at 4:30 pm on both days and entry to watch is free.