Record High Entries for Al Habtoor Riding School’s First Show Jumping Competition of 2018

The Al Habtoor Riding School was host to over 100 show jumping enthusiasts on Wednesday, 31 January 2018. We saw entrants from clubs all around Dubai including Al Hamra Equestrian LLC, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Sharjah Equestrian Club, among others.

With over 100 entries, contestants were spilt into 6 different classes which consisted of junior and senior riders. Class 1 was a clear round, where all contestants received a rosette. Class 2 – 6 was a normal 2 phase competition, where fence 1-7 was a clear round and fence 8-12, a speed round. Over the course of the evening, the audience were witness to talented young men and women with a real passion for the sport.

The clear round saw most of the horses and their riders making it through without any mishaps. The speed round, which was a bit more challenging, saw a few refusals from the horses, however, most of the riders and their brilliant horses showed great sportsmanship; they all maintained strong contact and balance, following their horses motion with ease.

Mark Barsby, Al Habtoor Riding School Manager, was very pleased with the entrants, their horses and the overall turnout of the event. “The enthusiasm from the gifted riders wowed the audience last night. The level of show jumping in the UAE has really risen and I look forward to seeing what our next competition has to offer”.

Winners of each class received a cash prize for their hard efforts. Here is a list of the winners and their horses:

1. Class 2: Mohammed Bakhit Saeed Al Suwaidi, riding Blackberry
2. Class 3A: Amelia Smedley, riding Oscar
3. Class 3B: Gaia Rondard, riding Kiwi
4. Class 4A: Fatima Intan Al Mulla, riding Golden Kippure
5. Class 4B: Essam Zbibi, riding Star Late
6. Class 5: Essam Zbibi, riding Star Late
7. Class 6: Essam Zbibi, riding Star Late

A spokesman from the competition sponsor - MAKSTYLO, a Dubai based interior design & interior fit-out company, capable of providing total turnkey solutions from concept design to project execution - said “we were really pleased with the overall event, it is a must-see competition for lovers of the sport and of horses.” 

The next show jumping competition will be held on 21 February 2018 at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. Students from clubs all around Dubai are encouraged to enter in what will be a tough yet exciting competition. Entries are now open and will close on 20 February 2018, noon.