Dedicated dressage lovers turned up to spend their Valentine’s evening at the Emirates Equestrian Centre (EEC) to watch the Affiliated Dressage competition.

Now over halfway into the season, the competition is heating up as riders have determinedly set out to earn the points needed to qualify for the National Championships.

The combination of the evening was seasoned event rider Lucy Chalcraft on her young Flagmount’s Freedom sired gelding Flagmount’s Crackerjack. Not only did the pair win both of their classes but also earned the highest score of the evening with 71.2%.

Chalcraft brought the affectionately named Jack to Dubai just over a year ago when she relocated from the USA with her family. Superbly bred for eventing, he is out of one Chalcraft’s successful competition mares by the super eventing sire Welton Crackerjack.

Thrilled Chalcraft commented “Jack is such a trainable horse, with a super mind. I’m hoping to qualify him for the Elementary Championships this season.” Last season the pair placed second in the Prelim Championships.

The novice class was strong as the points reflected; Chalcraft earned over 71% followed closely by Phillipa Mains riding an accurate and competitive test on the Thoroughbred gelding Grand Move scoring 70%.

A duo who were also on the ball was Sarah Smith and All Made Up, who came in with a solid score of 67.3%. An EEC affair, all riders represented the hosting club.

Chalcraft’s hold carried on to the Elementary Class as the pair performed a solid test to take the spoils in this class also. 

Alison O’Callaghan from Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club followed in second place riding her big grey Riverside 8. Shakira Muller riding the EEC school horse Ballinteskin Rocky placed third.

Royal Stables rider Charlotte Drakeley rode a lovely test on Ronaldo to confidently clinch the Advanced win. In this class Janis Jackson and KWPN bred Vedo came in second place, the pair going on to assertively win the Advanced Medium with the gelding.

The Medium class was dominated again by Bellisimo Vita, or Herman as he is locally referred to. Dianne Breeze piloting him to the win with an impressive 71.1%.

Tracy Gill riding the Latvian mare Pikarda and Royal Stables rider Christel Langlois as always battled it out for the placings, this week with the former riding the better test of the evening with a pleasing test for a score of 66.3. Langlois and her stallion RS Kahraman this time relegated to third with 63.7%

The Purebred Arabian Class, ran at Novice level, saw Ebrahim Lamhireche win easily on the Wrsan Farm stallion Al Khattar Wrsan. Madeline Drakeley and the adored veteran Sugar Creek Willy came in at second place, beating Alison O’Callaghan riding SA-Laribou.

Alyssa Ritters deserves a pat on the back as a clerical error had her competing in the Senior Prelim class this week instead of the Junior Prelim class. She calmly took it in her stride, and won! The Senior Prelim riders will be happy to see her relegated correctly back into the junior level next week, thankfully not taking their trophies.

Ritters riding the young imported mare Special Edition, fitting, finally broke maiden status with an impressive 69.2% against the seniors. Emma Khairallah riding the mouthful Condor Van Der Langenhof finished in second place, narrowly beating Amanda Brewer on her Andalusian stallion Quemado.

The Prelim Junior class saw the ever consistent pair Royal Stables pair Madeleine Drakeley and Sugar Creek Willy take the win. Swedish rider Karen Lindbom took both second and third placings on EEC school horses Shannon and Dunderry respectively.

The next Affiliated Dressage competition will be held next week on February 21st at the Emirates Equestrian Centre and entry to watch is free of charge.