This highly coveted event, which sees the very best of the UAE dressage riders compete against the world, was organised by the Dubai Equestrian Club and kindly supported by Bonjour Equestrian Supplies.

The main objective of the FEI World Dressage Challenge is to give riders who under normal circumstances, cannot take part in international competitions in the more remote countries of the world, the opportunity to compete on a global stage without having to leave their own country, as well as to encourage the new generations of riders.

A total of 57 countries and 2000 riders have participated in the event this year. The participating countries are divided into 11 zones. The UAE, in Zone 4, competed against Greece, Cyprus, Romania and Turkey.

All competitors were put through the same tests adjudicated by the same ground jury of two FEI-appointed international judges, who travel to each country within the Zone. This year the judges were Ms. Janine Rohr (ARG) returning from last year and new judge Ms Mariam E Cunningham (USA).

The competition featured Advanced, Medium, Elementary and Preliminary classes for the Senior riders, and, for the up-and-coming junior riders, both Elementary and Preliminary classes.

The UAE maintained its standing as a continuously improving contender, with its riders yet again producing fantastic results. The winning and second place rider in the top level Advanced class scored first and second placing against the other countries in the zone.

Rising star Charlotte Drakeley proved her summer was well-spent, training aboard her stunning new horse Ronaldo in Europe before bringing him to Dubai. At the age of 16, Drakeley has managed to beat all the adults to win the Advanced Class in only her third ever competition at this level. The duo are a harmonious pair to watch compete, and deserved their win.

Drakeley said: “I am absolutely delighted with the results, it’s a great achievement, especially as it’s a new partnership and level for me. It’s very exciting and I look forward to what lies ahead.”

In second place was local Emirati rider Farah Khojai, who had time against her as her horse arrived only ten days prior to the competition. The highly strung but talented mare Donna Bellissima captured the eye of the spectators and judges alike with her flamboyance, but the tension shown in her test just kept her out of the win. Khojai also spent her summer training and competing on her new horse in the well known European Sunshine Tour.

The UAE also managed to take the overall win in Zone 4 for the Elementary Class, with locally unbeaten rider Cristina Calin-Thompson and the star gelding Apollo’s Mastermind.

Calin-Thompson scored a remarkable 71.29%, and said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to ride such a lovely up-and-coming horse. He is owned by a friend and client of mine, Hayley Field, and I look forward to passing the reins over to her now and to see her also winning at this level.”

Two years ago Calin-Thompson won the Novice Class in this event and managed to finish second in the world overall, with a score of 69%. Expectations are high that Calin-Thomson could very well take the overall win in Elementary the world with her impressive score.

Taking the runner-up position in this class was Emirates Equestrian (EEC) instructor Franck Fogarolo on the big chestnut school horse Dans Boy.

Christel Langlois was in super form to take both first and second place in the Medium Class. Langois won on the Selle Francais gelding Igor Du Banney owned by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayan, beating her score on her own horse the Arabian stallion RS Kahraman.

The Junior Elementary Class was won by Madeline Drakeley riding her ever-consistent Arabian gelding Sugar Creek Willy, followed by Karin Lindbom on her Akele Teke mare Mer Mer.

Diane Crabtree, another talented instructor for EEC, won the Senior Prelim Class on the accomplished school horse Quantum Star. Runner up in this class was Vicky Whitbread on her big chestnut gelding Gameboy.

The Junior Preliminary Class was won by Cindy Fabre on her super all-rounder grey gelding Boeing, with a score of 65.18%. Second place was awarded to Amy Barrack on her new ride the buckskin gelding Dun A Bit.

In the Team competition, the selected riders were Farah Khojai riding Donna Bellissima (Advanced), Joanne Ivimey riding Archimedes (Medium), Cristina Calin-Thompson riding Apollo’s Mastermind (Elementary) and Tanja Bornmann riding Excelsia Royal (Prelim); placed a close second to Greece in the Zone.

The final results for the 2009 FEI World Dressage Challenge are expected to be out next month.

The next event to be held at Emirates Equestrian Centre will be the 2010 Dubai Show Jumping Championships CSI-W*** Dubai (Arab League), a three-day action packed event starting on Thursday January 10th next year.