The first equestrian competition of 2016 at Horseshoe Point in Pattaya was held on Saturday, February 27. This was an in-house introduction to what dressage competitions are about for younger and novice riders. Some tests were semi-led for 10 or so younger riders while for the older riders there was a more independent approach.
Many of the young riders aged from 6-11 came from the Regents School and the Horseshoe Point academy, some have been riding for about 1 year and others around 3.
Young riders hold their rosettes after competing in the dressage tournament at Horseshoe Point in Pattaya, Saturday, Feb. 27.
18 riders in all took part in the competition and they were tested on their skills to establish trots, square halts and riding on a relaxed rein, allowing the horse to relax and stretch. In the canter test, circles had to be established and this was a much more complex examination of riding skills.
Most dressage tests have to be practised weeks in advance and for some of the younger riders it takes a couple of months to remember the correct movements.
Agatha Kotova took first place in the Walk Trot (young riders semi-led) event, Milolika Zyulkova came top in the Walk Trot (older riders independent) test and Emily Campbell-Appleton was best in the Trot Canter Test category.
The next competition at Horseshoe Point is the 2016 FED World Jumping Challenge event from 18-20 March, featuring dressage and jumping events for local riders and those coming from Bangkok. Spectators are welcome to come along and watch and the schedule of the tournament is as follows: Friday 16.30 – 18.00 Jumping; Saturday 8.00 – 11.00 Jumping, 13.00 – 15.15 Dressage; and Sunday 8.00 – 9.30 Dressage, 13.00 – 16.40 Jumping. For more information, call 038 253 500.
Agatha Kotova was the winner of the Walk/Trot (led) category.
