Weatherly shows the way in dressage challenge

Ambriel Weatherly, riding Nobill LX in the preliminary adult class, produced the highest score of 66.638 per cent when winning the Champion High Point trophy at the T&T Equestrian Association’s annual Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) World Dressage Challenge which took place on February 27, at the Saddle Valley Stables, Santa Cruz.

Patrice Stollmeyer, on Monte Carlo, also in the preliminary adult class, received the reserve Champion High Point trophy, with another impressive score of 65.431 per cent.

Weatherly remains consistent in her performance having recently produced the top score in the trials held at the end of January to determine the T&T team for the competition.

The much anticipated World Dressage event was held in the presence of two leading international FEI judges Mariano Santos Redondo, president of the Ground Jury—Spain and Mrs Elke Ebert/4Star judge Germany. This was Redondo’s second time judging in T&T. 

A total of 14 riders took part in the competition, comprising both team and individual events in five separate categories.

The global FEI competition is divided into 12 geographical zones, five performance levels and two age groups (12-15 yrs; 16 yrs and older): Prix St George/Advanced/Medium/Elementary/Preliminary. T&T falls within Zone 10, competing against Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Barbados, Haiti and Jamaica. The purpose of the challenge is for developing nations to compete in an international equestrian event in their own country, as travelling with horses is difficult, not to mention expensive.

The local team selected prior to the challenge comprised Stollmeyer along with her team member from last year Olivia Xavier-Harford on Rock Star, Mariel Lanser on team horse from last year Miramis and Franka Costelloe on Viking Thunder. The judges were impressed with calibre of local horses and riders. They stressed the need for more competition to raise the level of confidence and experience. 

In the individual events, the preliminary adult class was won by Weatherly, with Stollmeyer second, and last year’s Champion High Point trophy winner, Chelsea Thomas third. Additionally, Stollmeyer took the lead in the Elementary Adult class, riding Claudio, with a score of 62.568 per cent ahead of Franka Costelloe. The Advanced class was won by the rider/horse team of Margaret Auerbach and Take Over. In the Medium class, Nevine Bocarra and Saxon Dancer took first position just ahead of Melissa Inglefield and Cassius CKS.

The very youngest riders took part in the Preliminary Juniors class. This category was keenly contested and the top spot was secured by Amber Thompson riding Highly Esteemed just ahead of Brynn English on Zimbu Das Umbarauns, and Hadley Rahael on Zeus.

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