The hard to beat EEC combination of local rider Farah Al Khohjai and old partner Filou were in form last night taking the win in the Advanced Medium Class with a score of 60.6%. Al Khohjai narrowly beat newcomer on the UAE scene Luis Miguel Santos riding Hoofbeatz Entertainment’s stunning Iberian grey Cuarzo. Janice Jackson rode a lovely test on Vedo to finish third.

EEC riders dominated in the next class taking the top 5 placings. Jackson went on to win the Medium Class on the classy Vedo with 64.6%, closely following in scores was Courtney Delport on 64.3% riding her impressive Andalusian stallion Lancero. Tracy Gill riding the ever consistent mare Picarda finished in third place.

Mikaela Brockstrom from the Royal Stables won the Elementary and Novice class with the striking stallion Hash Du Val. She will be a rider to watch in the coming Championships reaching top form at the end of the season.

Following Brockstrom in the Elementary were EEC riders Lesley Jones riding her talented all rounder mare Kengarth Danielle taking second place, and in third place was Karin Lindbom on Mer Mer.

Runners up in the Novice class EEC instructor riding the school horse Mr Gyps, and Amanda Brewer on her Arabian gelding Muttamayaz also riding for EEC.

The Preliminary Seniors class was fiercely competitive, with a tie for first place both with a score of 65.9% EEC riders Kelly Schmitt on her talented warmblood mare Dancing Queen and Denise Vertgen riding the school horse Willie. In third place was Hoofbeatz Entertainments Postinero riden by Lisande Eayres finishing only 0.4% behind the winners. This is going to be an extremely tough class in the championships with all qualified riders in top form.

The Preliminary Juniors class saw winners from a medley of stables. EEC’s Karin Lindbom won with a score of 62.3% riding the school pony Shannon. Cyndi Faber representing Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club came second on her all rounder mare Boeing, and for Royal Stables Madeleine Drakely took third place on her Arabian gelding Sugar Creek Willie.

The Emirates Equestrian Centre also recently held a Dressage to Music Competition. Dressage to Music or Kur has been made popular by top international riders such as Anky Van Grunsven. Each rider devises a test, with each level having compulsory movements that must be included, which they then match to a compilation a music that is selected for its suitability to the tempo of their horses paces. It is a true spectator event that when done well has you taping your feet to the music while witching the performing pair seemingly dancing together.

The large number of entries saw the class split into two levels, one including the introductory levels of Prelim and Novice, the second Elementary, Medium and Advanced Medium.

Higher level class riding at the higher level of Advanced Medium was won by Janice Jackson and Vedo, with an impressive score of 69.7%. Riding at Medium level Joanne Ivemey on Archimedes was runner up, and also riding at Medium Cristina Calin-Thompson riding Apollo’s Mastermind finished in third.

The Introductory level class was won by Kelly Schmitt, riding at Preliminary level, her mare Dancing Queen, and they were awarded 66.9%. The runners up also riding at prelim level were Maitha Al Hajri riding the Arabian stallion Chameleon and Amanda Brewer riding her Analusian Stallion Quemado respectively. All three riders rode for EEC.

The next competition will be held on April 12th at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club. The National Dressage Championships will be held at the Emirates Equestrian Centre on April 19th and 20th and entry to watch is free of charge.