The Malta Equestrian Federation, in conjunction with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), hosted the World Dressage Challenge at the Monte Kristo Estate, last weekend.
The objective of this event is to give the less experienced dressage riders the opportunity to compete at a high level of competition without having to leave their own country.
The Challenge is currently divided into 12 geographical zones, made up of four to six countries.
Malta is in Zone Four and competes against Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Israel.
Four performance levels (advanced, medium, elementary and preliminary) and two age-groups were contested in the Challenge. In all, 22 riders took part.
Riders were judged on the same tests and by the same ground jury within each geographical zone.
Team Malta, selected by the National Equestrian Federation, was made up of Tommy Xuereb, Margot Draper, Lara Selvagi and Corinne Gauci. Results will be known once all countries within the Zone have completed their Challenges.
“The Malta Equestrian Federation is very proud of this year’s success, not only from an organisational level but also in view of the progress registered in the performances compared to previous years,” Ronald Gaerty, equestrian federation president, said in a statement.
“This shows the hard work our riders put into their sport, training regularly all year round to ensure their best possible performance levels.
“I would like to add that this event was also successful thanks to a number of volunteers who put in so much time and effort to help everyone as well as those organisations, such as Zetruf, that have supported the Challenge. Without these people all this would not have been possible.”
Participation in the World Dressage Challenge competition, held in Malta for the fifth year, is possible through a qualifying system.
Riders participate in two qualifying events throughout the year. They are required to obtain a minimum percentage as established by the FEI in order to take part in the final event.
The event was judged by Elke Ebert (Germany) and Victoire Mandl (Austria).
The Dressage Challenge in Malta was made possible through the support of Zeturf, Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel, Studio 7, Calypso Manufacturing and Monte Kristo Estate.
Individual results
Preliminary juniors: 1. Sophie Busuttil (Abby).
Preliminary adults: 1. Margot Draper (Quarter Boy); 2. Max Borg (Iris); 3. Daniel Micallef (Iris).
Elementary juniors: 1. Corinne Gauci (Let’s Fly).
Elementary adults: 1. Tommy Xuereb (Candy Rose); 2. Celine Schimd (Gianna); 3. Lara Selvagi (Explosion).
Medium adults: 1. Celine Schmid (Gianna).
Advanced adults: 1. Lawrence Ciarlo (Zilona).