Record number of entries for Dressage competition in Magħtab

Tal-Magħtab Equestrian Arena was a hive of activity on Saturday with the re-opening of the Arena as a competition venue following a joint effort by Arena members to bring the venue up to competition standard following a few years where it lost its momentum.

A record 31 entries with riders from all over Malta and one all the way from Gozo were registered for the Grand Opening Day Dressage competition, competing in various levels starting from Introductory Junior to Medium Advanced Adult Classes. Participants were a mix of new faces and regular riders on the local competitive scene.

In the Juniors Class, it was newcomer, fifteen year old, Maja Muscat Scerri who surprised everyone by scoring the highest percentage in what was her first ever dressage competition. Trained by Marlies Diamantino and riding Mateur she took first placing in the Preliminary Juniors Class.

In the Adults Class it was the experienced Tommy Xuereb on Gauwi who achieved the highest score of the day and securing first place in Preliminary Adult Class. Iris Brennissen won both the Novice and Elementary Classes on Gioietta Mia.

The competition was judged by Ugo Volpe who is no stranger to local competitions having judged locally on a regular basis in the past. “The level of riding has improved greatly since my last visit and I was very pleased with the organisation of the day.” Mr. Ugo Volpe. “Overall, it was a pleasant day and I look forward to my next visit to Malta”.

The competition was a joint effort by Cross Riding Club and Maghtab Riding Club who joined forces to organise what was hailed as a very successful event. “We were very pleased to see not only a large number of competitors registering for this event, but also a large number of spectators turning up and supporting this event,” said Anneli Nilsson, Cross Riding Club representative. “We are very happy to be able to organise competitions here after quite a long absence and the enthusiasm felt during the event fills us with a lot of enthusiasm for the future”.

After the prize giving ceremony, a raffle was held in aid of the upkeep of the arena, with generous prizes offered by sponsors Golden Tulip Vivaldi, Hush Hair & Beauty, Dine@33 Restaurant, Portughes DryCleaners and P & M Farrugia. The top prize of a membership to the Tal-Maghtab Equestrian Arena was won by Gag Camilleri of Maghtab.

The event was made possible through the support of Wall’s Ice Cream, Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel, P & M Farrugia & GivenSolution.com.

The two Clubs will once again join forces and will be organising a Show Jumping Competition on Saturday 9th May. More information can be obtained sending and mail on [email protected]

Results of all Classes