Abu Dhabi: The fifth edition of the FBMA International Show Jumping Cup kicked off its first day of events at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort.
A total of 147 show jumpers and 180 horses from 25 countries are taking part in six categories of show jumping events, making the three-day competition the largest edition of the FBMA International Show Jumping Cup to date. All events are ‘Concours de Saut International’ (CSI), in line with a ranking system for international showjumping competitions.
The day began with a CSI Children’s class for riders aged 12 to 14, which saw eight riders compete. The first category was won by Emirati rider Saif Awaida Mohammad Al Kirbi, riding nine-year-old Chesnut SS with a time of 46.91 seconds. Second and third places went to Eisa Al Owais, also from the UAE, on horses Code of Honour for second place and Avelon for third place. He achieved second place with a time of 47.12s and third place with a time of 47.51s.
The second round — CSIJ class- with a total of 28 riders, saw first prize go to UAE national Omar Abdullah Al Owais on O’Connell with an outstanding time of 42.86s for round one and 25.74s for round two. Second place went to Ali Hamad Al Kirbi, also from the UAE, on Baloucenta with a time of 48.67s for round one and 27.37 for round two, and third place Emirati Sultan Majed Al Awani on horse Cassiana with a time of 43.54s for round one and 28.08s for round two. The third category round- the Ladies National Show, saw first prize won by Malika Cora Faber on 10-year-old Cirrus, with a time of 46.57s for round one and 28.74 for round two. Second place went to Cyndi Jamila Faber on Fabio and Shreya Radia from Emirates Equestrian Centre on 10 year old D Zarah R was third.
The free event also saw families gather at the new Equestrian Village, which provides visitors with a fun equestrian-themed activity zone and includes games and competitions for children. Some of the fun-filled activities throughout the day included pony riding, competitive fun races, face painting and horseshoe throwing.
