A record number of competitors recently took part in tal-Magħtab Equestrian Centre's Annual Show. The event was also judged by Prix Saint George competitor and international dressage rider and coach Malcolm Holthausen.
During his stay in Malta, Holthausen conducted a week-long training camp for local dressage riders. The programme reached a climax with the Annual Show, which featured both dressage and show jumping.
A record number of entries were registered for dressage competitions with over 45 riders figuring in four different classes. The pressure on each team was intense, having to perform to their best abilities under the scrutiny of one of the best dressage riders in the international competition ring.
A number of riders left a good impression while the more experienced ones returned with excellent results.
A show jumping competition was also held as part of the Annual Show, with riders competing in no fewer than eight classes, ranging from the less demanding 50cm jumps to the international preliminary level of 1.20 metres.
Thomas Xuereb, riding Kenzho, secured first place in the 1.1 metre and 1.20 metre classes.
Young Desiree Schmid was very much the junior star of the show, winning three classes in both dressage and jumping. Schmid has been performing exceptionally well with her Belgian-bred warmblood mare, Love Parade.
Results
Elementary dressage: Thomas Xuereb, Love Parade.
Novice dressage: Daniel Micallef, Fox.
Preliminary dressage: Sarah Diacono, Superman (adult); Desiree Schmid, Love Parade (junior).
Pre-preliminary: Elaine, Malespina (adult); Max Borg, Rudy (junior).
50cm jumping: Gail Aquilina, Blue (adult); Sarah Briffa, Pedrita (junior).
60 cm jumping: Thomas Xuereb, Daffyd (adult); Luke Gauci, Prince (junior).
70cm/80 cm jumping: Claire Cuschieri, Kinta (adult); Luke Gauci, Prince (junior).
90 cm jumping: Emma Diacono, Santana (adult); Sarah Manduca, India (junior).
1m jumping: Daniela Micallef, Fox.
1.1m/1.2m jumping: Thomas Xuereb, Kenzho (adult); Desiree Schmid, Love Parade (junior).