I had a lot of fun course designing the CSI 1* STCEC Annual Show, a couple of weekends ago. It was the first ‘big’ show I’ve done since MCO lockdowns were completely lifted.
As an FEI CSI 1* show, certain things are expected of the course designer, besides running everything in accordance to FEI rules. The courses I designed were far more ‘real’ than the dumbed down training shows we have been building in Malaysia for the past few years. The level of difficulty goes up to international standards.
When it is a CSI Show you can expect the course designer is going to relate fences before or after a combination, or both.
This went well in the CSI 110 cm classes. Not so much the CSI 130 cm class. The Malaysian sweet spot is for 110/120 classes. We don’t have the riders or horses here for much higher.
In the lower, non-FEI classes, I was impressed with the ex-racehorses. Statistically the ex-racehorses jumped better than the imported ‘specialist’ horses in the 80 CM classes, with more clear rounds per entries.
If you are a decent rider looking to jump 1.00 m or less, my conclusion is that, value for money, it is better to get an OTTB (Off the Track Thoroughbred) than import an expensive warmblood.
If you can’t ride, it probably doesn’t make any difference.
DBKL Mounted Unit have some really nice horses but their riders were pretty average. Fortunately, 1995 SEA Games gold medallist Shaiful Anuar is back in DBKL’s mounted unit as their commanding officer after 15 years in their inspectorate. Shaiful has his work cut out for him but I do believe he is someone who can turn it around for them.
Daniel Chen, cleared 145 cm on Gaudi to win the Six Bar under lights on Saturday night. It was exciting to watch, but put into perspective, 145 cm is no higher than a normal South East Asian World Cup Jumping class height.
While the Six Bar was well cheered, the Ride & Drive was the most popular class with spectators. The loudest cheers were for the run after the dismount to the car. Riders running in their boots can look pretty funny.
The equestrian community, starved for good shows during the MCO lockdowns, turned out in good numbers for this show. It was great to see so many old friends enjoying equestrian sports again.
Wan Ming ran a great show. The mark of a good organizer is that the show ran without fuss or dramas. All the same, running a great show takes a village. Well done, everyone.
Photo credits: Fox Lima Bravo
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