Riders and horses came from across the UAE to participate in the event. Junior riders competed in the novice level (where jumps were 80cm high), and senior riders had option to choose either novice (80cm) or the more advanced open class (1 meter).
In the main class of the day, the Senior Open, Alice Bethell riding Stanhopes Tokalosh, the super all - rounder from Desert Palm Stables, eventually claimed her place on the winner’s podium after overcoming a few setbacks.
The pair started out with a superior dressage test, which was expected as Stanhopes Tokalosh is a regular competitor in all national dressage classes. However, they had a tricky show jumping round, picking up a total of 19 faults, making their final phase of cross country prformance the deciding factor. The pair cemented their pole position when they were the only combination to achieve a clear cross country round within the time limit.
Bethell was closely followed by the always-competitive and extremely energetic Michelle Woolmer riding Cartier VZ, owned by Zabeel Riding Barn.
The Senior Novice class was deservedly won by the Plantation stables Karen Steward and the horse Roan Van Der Lievehereboom. Steward was placed first after the dressage leg of the event, followed by a clear round of show jumping. Coming up to the cross-country phase she only needed to complete the course within time to win, which she did confidently with style.
Second place went to EEC’s Christine Khairallah who performed an excellent test in the dressage cleared both the show jumping and cross-country with the talented horse Calosha. Riding impressively despite some difficulties at the water jump Michelle Woolmer and Zabeel Riding Barn’s Utopia took third place.
In the Juniors Novice class, Maytha Al Hajri from EEC earned the winning trophy on her talented pony Midnight Miss. Starting with a dressage score of 56% she lay in 5th place, however she proved her skills in jumping with superb rounds in two remaining phases and managed to overcome her competitors to take home the winning rosette.
Second place also went to an EEC rider, Amy Barrack on the smart bay mare Chloe Dazzler. The pair performed lovely dressage test with a score of 58.5%, and with only with 8 faults picked up in the show jumping and a good round of cross-country they earned the runners up trophy. Third place went to Cindy Faber and her horse Cessna from the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club.
Emirates Equestrian Centre had made the perfect setting for a great day out. Throughout the day, spectators gathered at the Al Faris restaurant which overlooks the cross-country course, and has a great view of the water jump in particular. With pleasant music, snacks and drinks, as well as plenty of space for the kids to play, it was an a thoroughly enjoyable day out.