DUBAI: Mohammed Bakhit Saeed Al Suwaidi rode Blackberry to glory at the Class 2 of the show jumping event of the Al Habtoor Riding School on Wednesday.

Amelia Smedley on Oscar and Fatima Intan Al Mulla on Golden Kippure claimed Class 3B and Class 4A respectively.

The Al Habtoor Riding School hosted over 100 show jumping enthusiasts in which entrants from clubs all around Dubai including Al Hamra Equestrian LLC, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Sharjah Equestrian Club participated.

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 to 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 as they all maintained strong contact and balance.

Mark Barsby, Al Habtoor Riding School Manager, was pleased with the entrants, their horses and the overall turnout of the event. “The enthusiasm from the gifted riders wowed the audience. 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.

The next show jumping competition will be held on Feb. 21 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 Feb. 20.