Too hot to trot

The Dilmun Stables hosted an open Dressage event that attracted an amazing turnout. On hand were riders from several different stables competing for a selection of coveted trophies.

They arrived bright and early last Friday for the event sponsored by Blue Dawn Veterinarian Supplies in a bid to impress international judge and dressage rider, Oliver Walter.

The classes kicked off at 9am with the five to nine age category entrants being tested on the Introductory A test.

The children were dressed to impress and handled their horses with ease, not once showing their tender years.

Freya Nicklin on her mount Hero showed impressive form and took the top prize. Alice Gillard, on Dilmun Jellaby, was immensely excited to take second place, especially as it was her first competition.

And the child who stole the hearts of everyone in attendance was the youngest competitor, Cassie Pontifix, who at the age of five went home with third place, riding Dilmun Toby.

Next was the 10-18-year-olds also taking the Introductory A test. This time we watched big sister Ella Nicklin on the family horse Hero claim first place. Another first-timer, Madeline King, on the lovely Dilmun BamBam, came second following a superb ridden test. And, the handsome gelding, Dilmun BamBam carried Sara Rous this time to take third.

The adults then took to the Dressage arena to demonstrate their abilities in the Introductory A test.

Dilmun rider Julia Desouza turned out with an amazingly-ridden test on her gelding Tayar to claim first place. Close on her heels and less than one percentage difference was rider Joana Chentikian on Uh-Oh Oreo, while Martine Vanbellghem, on her beautiful Andalusian, claimed third place.

As the heat started to rise the riders quickly got underway with the Preliminary 4 test.

This was the biggest class of the day attracting more than 20 entries. In first place (trumpets please!) came your very own Too Hot to Trot columnist and Dilmun Stables manager, riding stallion Cortez.

Aimee Keen, on her amazing gelding DJ Fleur, gave me a run for my money by having only collectives separating us with Sharon Nicklin on Hero taking third place.

In the last class of the day, Novice 32, the competitors stepped up their game and despite the heat continued on with sheer, sweaty determination.

In third place was first-time winner and Twin Palms rider, Kia Jarnefelt. All her hard work finally paid off.

Yulia Frovlova, on Romeo, continued her streak from the last dressage show and proudly took second place.

But the glory went to Dilmun rider, Sharon and her gelding, Hero, who stole the show by winning first place. This gave the Nicklin’s fabulous horse four trophies on the day!

The Nicklins showed that determination and talent as a family can really pay off. Congratulations! Each family member went home with a winner’s trophy … all riding Hero.

Sharon and her girls, Ella and Freya love and care for him dearly. It shows it doesn’t matter what kind of horse you have, whether it be a local bred race horse, like Hero, or an expensive imported horse, trained just for dressage, like my own Manny; anyone who works hard and shows determination can win. Well done to everyone who showed up and gave it their best.

Once again, thank you to Blue Dawn Veterinarian Supplies for sponsoring the Dressage competition with lovely trophies and rosettes.

Results:
Intoductory A Juniors (5-9)
1. Freya Nicklin/ Hero/ 62.8%
2. Alice Gillard/ Dilmun Jellaby/ 61.3%
3. Cassie/ Dilmun Toby/ 60.4%
4. Charlotte Watts/ Dilmun Phoenix/ 60%
5. Amy Rothe/ Dilmun Tess/ 59.8%
6. Verity Wood/ Dilmun Stumpy/ 59.1%
Introductory A Juniors (10-18)
1. Ella Nicklin/ Hero/ 65.4%
2. Madeline King/ Dilmun BamBam/ 65.2%
3. Sara Rous/ Dilmun BamBam/ 64.8%
4. Grace Rodney/ Sky/ 64.3%
5. Marie Smith/ Sky/ 64.1%
6. Sara Rous/ Sky/ 63.9%

Introductory A Adults
1. Julia Desouza/ Tayar/ 67%
2. Joana Chentikian/ Uh-Oh Oreo/ 66.3%
3. Martine Vanbellghem/ Nevado/ 64.8%
4. Alya Salman/ Dilmun Alk/ 64.6%
5. Ali Abbas/ Superman/ 58.3%

Preliminary 4
1. Jerri Taylor/ Dilmun Cortez/ 67%
2. Aimee Keen/ DJ Fleur/ 67%
3. Sharon Nicklin/ Hero/ 67%
4. Gina Fourie/ Darius/ 66.6%
5. Yulia Frovola/ Romeo/ 66.6%
6. Gina Fourie/ Nevado/ 66.6%

Novice 32
1. Sharon Nicklin/ Hero/ 67.6%
2. Yulia Frovlova/ Romeo/ 66.3%
3. Kia Jarnefelt/ Joker/ 65.7%
4. Aimee Keen/ DJ Fleur/ 65.7%
5. Jerri Taylor/ Dilmun Manny/ 65.2%
6. Gina Fourie/ Nevado/ 64.8%

Upcoming events
* The Dilmun Stables will be hosting a show jumping event on Friday starting at 4pm. Organisers will be starting the biggest classes first because of lighting. Entries should be submitted by 6pm today to Jerri Taylor by text on 33309972 or email dilmunstables@gmail.com

* The Cowboy Association will be hosting a cross-country event on Friday starting at 4pm. For more details and to submit entries, call 34435017/ 36091818/ 33308348.