DRESSAGE AMBITIONS RISE IN EGYPT AT FEI WORLD CHALLENGE
The Egyptian Equestrian Federation (EEF) successfully hosted the third annual FEI Group VII World Dressage Challenge and ACES (African Confederation of Equestrian Sports) competition in Wadi El Forosya at the Police Sports Federation.
The two-day event concluded on the 10th of November in a Freestyle Test where riders showcased their aspiring skills, performing choreographed routines set to music.
FEI WORLD DRESSAGE CHALLENGE:
The FEI World Dressage Challenge is the equestrian equivalent of "telecommuting" for international sport. This series allows aspiring riders from developing dressage nations compete on the global stage without the cost of a plane ticket. Everyone performs the exact same tests in their own country, under the same rules, and a panel of international judges compares the results.
HORSE TIMES was on site to cover the day’s performances, which featured technical varieties across intermediate levels.
The Challenge underscores Egypt’s growing commitment to the sport of dressage, providing local athletes with the opportunity to gain essential international experience and measure their skill against global standards.
WHAT STAKEHOLDERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT DRESSAGE IN EGYPT:
Youssef Olama, EEF Board Member:
“To drive the essential development of dressage in the country, the immediate focus must be on increasing the limited participant base and horse ownership, while simultaneously investing in the professional training of all the parties concerned for sustained growth."
Slyvia Bruckner, International Judge:
"While acknowledging the fabulous organization and definite improvements in Egyptian dressage, the strategic path forward requires the simultaneous focus on deep-rooted harmony issues, lowering the entry-level competition tests to attract new talent, and promoting dressage as the fundamental, indispensable flatwork that elevates performance across all equestrian disciplines."
Randa Barakat, Head of EEF Dressage Committee:
"The primary mandate for Egyptian dressage development is to celebrate its significant improvement and the introduction of FEI Group VII Freestyle. Crucially, however, the Federation must urgently integrate the “Dressage is the ABC of everything in horse sport” principle into its coaching structure, consequently ensuring international exposure and a culture of humility to push our riders to competitive CDI level and beyond."
Sama Fahmy, Sponsor - SKAN HORSE:
As a sponsor, I recognise that the immediate, high-value return on investment from integrating international expertise such as through FEI-judged freestyle tests that provide crucial foreign feedback - is essential for accelerating the already significant domestic growth in rider recognition and skill, thereby ensuring the sport is taken seriously."
Sara Saad, rider:
“I am a showjumper, but to me dressage is more challenging because there is always something new to learn. You focus on every single step of the horse. I was pleased with my test but a little sad as well because that was my last test with my horse as he has to rest for a few months as the season is over for us now. As for dressage in Egypt, I feel it’s slowly coming along with some improvements, but with that also a lot more challenges between riders, we have to be able to support each other a bit more."
Laila Tolba, rider:
"There's this concept going on in Egypt that if you're not doing well in showjumping, let's switch to dressage. This is a concept about the sport that people leap to. It's not the right way to look at such a beautiful sport and more awareness as well as international clinics are needed in the county.”
Shadwa Embaby, Steward/Veterinary Delegate
“With the success of this event entering its third consecutive year, public awareness and understanding of dressage in the region are visibly increasing.”
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