International trainer among judges for Magħtab show

UK-based dressage rider and trainer, Malcolm Holtshausen, was the main guest at the two-day equestrian competition organised by Tal-Magħtab Riding Club last weekend.

The programme was divided into two main competitions, dressage and showjumping, with the former being judged by Holtshausen and Malta-based dressage trainer and judge, Marie Wagner.

Despite the wet and windy conditions, the dressage event was very well attended, with riders competing at different levels ranging from pre-preliminary to the more challenging elementary.

Although the howling winds certainly distracted most horses, riders showed excellent skills and horsemanship and achieved very respectable scores.

Holtshausen encouraged all participants to continue to put what they had been taught during his three-day training course into practice to continue to improve their talents.

The Tal-Magħtab Riding Club is in discussions with Holtshausen to reach a partnership agreement that would enable the internationally-acclaimed trainer to deliver specialised clinics at three-month intervals.

The showjumping event was held on Sunday in far better weather conditions, allowing all jumping levels, ranging from 60 cm to 1.10 metres, to take place as planned.

The highlight of the event was produced in the one-metre level, with Tommy Xuereb, Lara Selvagi and Hans Peter Meves all in with an equally good chance of clinching first place.

A minor mistake by Meves, on Conzert 2, left Xuereb and Selvagi leading with four faults.

Following a clear round by both Xuereb, on Kalo, and Selvagi, on Belgian-bred Explosion, a nail biting jump-off decided between first and second place.

Both Xuereb and Selvagi had one fence down, but it was Xuereb's experience that gave him the edge as he produced a slightly cleaner strategy that clocked the quickest time and secured the day's honours.

Showjumping winners:
60 cm: (Juniors) D. Schmid (Tuta); (adults) A. Nilsson (Kemma).
70 cm: (Juniors) D. Schmid (Tuta); (adults) C. Borg (Rose).
80 cm: (Juniors) T. Xuereb (Daffyd); (adults) G. Curmi (Zion).
One metre: T. Xuereb (Kalo).
1.1m: H.P. Meves (Conzert 2).

Dressage winners:
Pre-preliminary: (Juniors) Yanika (Fiord); (adults) C. Azzopardi (Wolke).
Preliminary: (Juniors) D. Schmid (Tuta); (adults) T. Xuereb (Malespina).
Novice: S. Micallef (Ginger).
Adults: L. Ciarlo (Zilona).