Lynn Al Redha demonstrated that hard work and dedication is all it takes after emerging victorious in both the Prix St-Georges and Advanced tests at the 2007 FEI World Dressage competition at the Emirates Equestrian Centre over the weekend.
Aboard long term companion Macbeth, the dynamic duo produced a composed and relaxed ride after a tense start in the showpiece Prix St-Georges test.
“I am delighted with how the test went and the outcome! However, there is always room for improvement,” Al Redha reflected.
“I strongly feel we need more trainers to come over to the UAE to help with the progression of the sport”.
The Advanced test proved to be just as successful for Al Redha and her other ride, the handsome black stallion Tartan Special, who produced a poised and collected test.
“Tartan Special is still quite a young horse and so I am absolutely thrilled we won.
Not far behind Tartan Special was a stable companion, Filou who, together with rider Farah Al Khojai, gave an accurate and calm test.
Other competitions during the evening were The Children’s and Novice B tests.
Taking top honours in the former was Charlotte Drakeley on Holly. This combination from Reef Stables in Abu Dhabi certainly looked the part and rode accurately through all sections, illustrating flowing paces. Madeline Wilson from the Emirates Equestrian Centre, and her new horse Ganado de Baugy, produced a very smooth and tidy test despite only being together for one month, and are sure to be climbing the top spot as the pair get to know each other better.
The unbeatable combination of Cristina Calin on Malthe from the Emirates Equestrian Centre rode beautifully into first place in the latter, giving a precise and serene test. Cristina explained:
“I was confident that Malthe would at least be in the top three and am very happy we came first.”
The 2007 FEI World Dressage Challenge was sponsored by Union Properties and part of a three day festival hosted by the Emirates Equestrian Centre.
In addition to the two previous days of show jumping, spectators took part in a raffle competition which saw fabulous prizes up for grabs.
The lucky winners included Martyn Lazenby who won a night at the races courtesy of Dubai Racing Club; Anjali Buatia won the desert horse ride for two courtesy of Bab Al Shams; Martin Kinsky won dinner for two at the Al Hadheerah Restaurant at Bab Al Shams; and Haislea Paes won two tickets to the Dubai Show Jumping Championships 08.