Singapore kicked off the FEI/PSI World Jumping Challenge during the last weekend

April 26, 2004

Singapore Equestrian Federation hosted the Singapore leg of the FEI/PSI World Jumping Challenge at the Bukit Timah Saddle Club during the last weekend, April 23-25, Friday to Sunday.

The show also included the qualifiers for the FEI/PSI World Dressage Challenge as well as multiple small classes and gymkhana games.

Despite of the little number of participants for the main event, the EFS decided to give all possible support to the riders and put together the competitions in two categories – A (120cm) and B(105cm).

The only rider in the Cat A, Melissa Goh (Ulan Birkehoj) finished the competition with 31 faults with the time of 136.72. That was a last competition for Melissa in Singapore as she (together with her horse) is relocating to Australia to pursue her studies as equine veterinarian. Melissa is also planning to increase her training with a view of the SEA Games next year.

In the Cat B, the competition saw four riders – Louise Ostergaard (Oskar), Monique Heah (Kampar), Lennard Lauke (Gold Ridge) and Sandra Lin (We Are On). Louise Ostergaard, riding Oskar, picked up eight jumping faults at the last round to place first ahead of Monique Heah and Lennard Lauke. Sandra Lim was eliminated for fall in the first round and decided to withdraw afterwards.

This competition is held in over 60 countries worldwide and is focused on countries with riders who might not normally be in a position to travel to international competitions. According to the EFS, 891 riders took part in the Jumping Challenge in the previous year, 2003.

The FEI World Showjumping Challenge is sponsored by PSI International, an organization based in Germany which focuses on the sale and marketing of the competition horses. The structure of this competition caters to developing regions such as the South East Asia, and allows Singapore riders to compete internationally without leaving the island.

The participating countries are divided into regions, scores will be tabulated and compared to others riders in the same region who have jumped the identical course, and placings will be determined. Singapore riders compete against the riders from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, India and Philippines.

The two highest placing competitors of each region, riding in the highest level class (120cm), will be invited to participate in the finals which are held in Germany the following year.

The next legs of the FEI/PSI Jumping Challenge 2004:
Thailand (6-8 May, Horse Shoe Point); Malaysia (22-23 May, KL, Bukit Kiara); Indonesia (11-13 June, Jakarta, Arthayasa Stables).