Too Hot To Trot

Margaret Bane, a licensed and qualified judge, was flown in by the Dilmun Stables to judge its first open dressage competition of the season.

The action started early on Friday morning and the juniors had prepared their horses in beautiful white numnahs in preparation for the test.

They went on to show their ability to ride accurately and in sync with their horses throughout the opening Introductory A junior class.

Dilmun rider Anais Peyre on BamBam came out victorious with a first place score of 143 and 62.17 per cent.

Close behind her in second was her sister, Chloe, on Dilmun Alkateef with a score of 141 and 61.30 per cent and in third place was another Dilmun rider, Ella Nicklan, who took the honours on her beautiful Hero with a score of 133 and 57.83 per cent.

Introductory A Adults was a class for new competitors and offered the chance for spectators to see a selection of different breeds of horses.

Martine Vanbellegham on her stunning Andalusian gelding Navado stole the show with grace and beauty and secured a score of 147 and 63.91 per cent.

In second place was first-timer Alia Salman on Dilmun Alkateef with a score of 130 and 56.52. And, in third place, came Nassar Mohammad on King with a score of 129 and 56.09.

The third class of the day saw 20 competitors battling it out for the top prize. The Preliminary 7 test was skillfully demonstrated by all the competitors and proved to be the toughest competition of the day.

The spectators watched as magnificent Andalusians, thoroughbreds and warmbloods took to the arena and gracefully went round with their well-dressed riders.

Gina Fourie on Navado claimed first place with a very impressive score of 146 and 73 per cent.

With only one point separating them, Maher Luttallah on his magnificent stallion Romeo took second place with a score of 145 and 72.5 per cent. I secured third spot on my sweet stallion Dilmun Cortez with a score of 141 and 70.5 per cent.

The last class of the day was Novice 27. Luttallah, on Romeo, rode his way to victory by a long shot with a score of 212 and 75.71 per cent.

Taking her second trophy of the day on Navado was Fourie – second place this time – with a score of 192 and 68.57 per cent. Junior rider Aimee Keen, with her gallant horse DK Fleur, showed that despite her tender years she was determined to challenge for honours by taking third place with a score of 167 and 59.64 per cent.

It was a wonderful day and everyone went home with score-sheets from the judge so they could work on areas they need to improve on.

The Dilmun Stables thanked Margaret Bane, for flying in for the event, as well as volunteers Alia Salman, Maurine Dailey, Kirstin Lee and Sue Scopes. The stable also thanked BREEF for the usage of its dressage arena.

Results:
Introductory A Juniors
1. Anais Peyre/ BamBam 143/62.17%
2. Chloe Peyre/ Dilmun Alkateef 141/61.30%
3. Ella Nicklan/ Hero 133 57.83%
4. Grace Rodney/ Sky 133/57.83%
5. Savannah KillKut/ Sky 125/54.35%
6. Paula/ Dilmun Tess 122/53.04%

Introductory A Adults
1. Martine Vanbellegham/ Nevado 147/63.91%
2. Alia Salman/ Dilmun Alkateef 56.52/130%
3. Nassar Mohammad/ King 129/56.09%
4. Alia Salman/ Dilmun Tess 117/50.87%
Preliminary 7

1. Gina Fourie/ Nevado 146/73.00%
2. Maher Luttallah/ Romeo 145/72.50%
3. Jerri Taylor/ Dilmun Cortez 141/70.50%
4. Aimee Keen/ DJ Fleur 140/70.00%
5. Youlia Frolova/ Romeo 127/63.50%
6. Maggie Anderson/ Banjo 122/61.00%
Novice 27

1. Maher Luttallah/ Romeo 212/75.71%
2. Gina Fourie/ Nevado 192/68.57%
3. Aimee Keen/ DJ Fleur 167/59.64%
4. Anne Dunlop/ Darius 166/59.29%
5. Youlia Frolova/ Romeo 162/57.86%
6. Nada Al Meshqab/ Sali 159/56.79%

Upcoming event

* BREEF will be hosting a showjumping competition at the BDF Equestrian Centre in Sakhir. The event starts at 9am on Friday.