The International Equestrian Federation (FEI), completed the judging of the 2011 International World Dressage Challenge and notified our South African Equestrian Federation of the final results, last Friday.Kirsten and Highlander finished 3rd overall in our World Grouping, in the Medium Section!
The FEI have placed South Africa in a group of countries which include Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. Instead of bringing horses to one country and one venue for the competition, international judges travel to each country and judge competitors competing the same dressage tests. The alleviates the logistical challenges of the movement of horses around the world, as well as the cost, organisation, etc. This year the judges were Peter Holler from Germany (President of the Ground Jury) and Jacques van Daele from Belguim. There are 5 different levels of dressage competed in the FEI World Dressage Challenge, namely (in order of difficulty) - Prix St George, Advanced, Medium, Elementary and Preliminary.
This is a fantastic result, as Kirsten being only 15, could have competed with the juniors on ponies in the lower Elementary or Preliminary Sections, or elect to ride alongside the adults, on horses in the Medium Sections and above. She elected to compete with the adults, which the FEI allow so long as your 16th birthday falls within that year. Kirsten is 16 in December, making her the youngest competitor amongst the Seniors in SA and possibly even in our group of countries. This is no 'top' age limit to the Seniors and women compete alongside the men.
News supplied by St Anne's Diocesan College.