The Malta Equestrian Federation has just held its 2008/2009 Annual Show with a full day of activities that saw a record 50 teams competing in different classes at the Magħtab centre.

The turnout was the highest of the season, with horse and rider teams producing some of the best performances so far this year.

International trainer and show-jumping rider, Michel Van Eck, was also here to ride Kenzho de Temps, the Selle Francaise show-jumper owned by Neville Mallia.

This was the first time Van Eck competed here and although facilities are not as yet up to international levels, he showed total commitment.

"It was a great experience competing in Malta," he said.

"Competitors are talented and eager to improve their abilities and there is a real desire for improvement within the Maltese dressage and show jumping circles.

"I hope to return again to deliver some training sessions and, of course, to compete."

Dressage competitions in all levels were held in the morning with teams putting all their flatwork training to the test.

Margot Draper, Marlies Diamantino and Marie Wagner were the judges.

Show jumping classes, ranging from 50cm to the 1.2m level, were held in the afternoon.

There was a great deal of excitement in most of the classes, with a number of riders achieving clear rounds and having to vie for first place in the timed jump-offs.

Gina Curmi, riding Xitan, went for gold in the 80cm adults class followed closely by a competitive Marco Borg, riding Tuta.

The higher 1.10m class produced the usual tense moments, particularly when competitors tackled the rather tricky, winding course. Van Eck won both the 1.10m and the 1.20m classes, with Kenzho de Temps. Daniel Micallef, on Ginger, and Darlene Schmid, on Love Parade, won the 1.00m adult and junior class respectively.

The next competitive equestrian season starts in October.