Riders and horses competed in classes ranging from the demanding Advanced Medium test to the introductory Preliminary level. Dressage is an equestrian discipline with growing support in the UAE, and Monday was no exception. Horses and riders arrived from all over UAE to participate in the competition.

Guest Judge Mariethe Ehnlund noted the rise in popularity since her last visit and commented: “The level of dressage and accuracy of the tests performed is really improving in the UAE”.

The Advanced Medium Class was won convincingly by Joanne Ivemey riding her in-form star Archimedes from Desert Palm Stables scoring 62.6%, followed by Emirates Equestrian centre riders Krzysztof Cyra riding Woody Allen in second place, and Janis Jackson on Vedo taking third.

A competitive Elementary class saw the top three riders finish with less than 2% between them. Jackson went on to better her placing in the Medium class claiming the winning rosette aboard the talented gelding Vedo. Second place went to Joanne Ivemey on Archimedes, and Emirates Equestrian Centre rider Tracy Gill on the steadily-improving mare Picarda finished third.

The Elementary class saw EEC rider Karin Lindbom and her Akele teke mare Mer Mer earn top marks, whilst Zabeel Riding Barn duo Jo McGowan and the stunning palomino stallion Senator took home second place, followed by EEC pair Christine Khairallah on the Polish bred gelding Lubo in third.

The Novice class was won by The Royal Stables rider Mikaela Bockstrom riding the striking stallion Hash du Val. The duo were awarded the highest score for the evening with 68.8%, and were followed closely was EEC rider Tanja Bornmann riding her lovely mare Excelsia Royal, and third place went to Ibrahim Lamhirich from Abu Dhabi’s W’rsan Stable riding the Arabian Al Khattar W’rsan.

The Preliminary class for seniors was won by the Emirates Equestrian Centre combination Denise Vertigen on school horse Willie. Tying for second place in the class was Valerie Moriet on Ricoh from Desert Palm and Lucy Chalcraft on the smart youngster Flagmount’s Crackerjack from the Emirates Equestrian Centre.

Preliminary Junior class was won by Cyndi Faber on her big grey mare Boeing from Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club. In second and third place respectively was Alyssa Ritters riding the buckskin gelding Dude, and Karin Lindbom on the riding school gelding Shannon, both riding for EEC.

The Next event at Emirates Equestrian Centre will be the One Day Event, on Friday February 19th. Entry to watch is free of charge, spectators are welcome.