Last weekend, Colonel Shivdas and I judged the AEF U-21 Dressage Qualifiers in Taiwan and Hong Kong. These qualifiers are now in their 2nd year and have been organised by the Asian Equestrian Federation to promote dressage amongst the young riders, in the Asian countries. The winner from each country is eligible to ride in the Final, which is held on borrowed horses.

In Taipei, Taipei on Friday, we did the horse inspection / trot up for 19 horses. The horses were in good condition and generally well turned out. After the trot up, a draw was held for the riding order. We were then treated to an amazing dinner by the Chinese Taipei Equestrian Federation.

On Saturday, we judged 17 combinations. The standard of riding in Taiwan was good and the winner was Iris Wu on her beautiful grey horse, Usual Suspect J. CL. The pair also won the Best Presented Horse in the trot up.

That afternoon, we boarded a flight to Hong Kong. As we landed late in the evening, the trot up would only be done the next morning before the start of the competition.

With HKJC vet, Cedric, Angela Kong from HKEF and co judge, FEI 4* Col Shivdas

Besides the AEF qualifier, we also judged the national competition at Beas River that day. Hong Kong have shown much improvement in their riding and quality of horses, both Thoroughbred and Warmblood.

In Hong Kong, Samantha Chan on her big chestnut, Luciano 259 won the qualifier.

In Malaysia, we seem to be struggling to find the riders that would want to compete in this competition. This is a great opportunity to be able to compete in a competition in the region and to be able to represent your country in the Final. The movements in this test are not so complicated – the only lateral movement is shoulder in, with simple changes through walk. Riders that missed out on the qualifier this year, have all year to train for next year’s qualifier!