Off to a Flying Start in Abu Dhabi
We are feeling very lucky to be back in the Middle East for the winter season with the full team of Z7 horses. 2022 kicked off with a 4* show at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.
The young horses started off the week on a high, with all of them stepping up a level with ease. BE Aquila jumped a stunning clear in the 6-year-olds under David Simpson whilst Z7 Porsche and Shane spun around the 7-year-olds for a podium finish of 3rd. The older horses also impressed on the first day of jumping, with them all warming up over a 4* 1.40 track. Shane piloted Vistogrand to 14th place whilst David and the talented 8-year-old Elmira Mail claimed 11th. Georgia brought home 8th on the fan favourite Z7 Caretina to round off the day.
Saturday was full of more clear rounds and results. BE Aquila was careful and fast in the 6-year-olds to come 7th and in the 4* 1.40, Shane and Vistogrand jumped to 11th. The highlight of the day was Trevor and Toyger, who skilfully cleared the 4* 1.40 course for 7th place.
The Breen brothers were on top form on Sunday. Shane sped to 5th on Lady Star van Doperheide in the 4* 1.45 Ranking Class but it was Trevor who brought home the top result, riding Germaine W to silver position with an impressive round that left the crowd in awe. In the Grand Prix, Trevor rode Highland President in his 1.60 debut and the gelding did not disappoint. A stunning clear meant they came home with a 13th placing. Z7 Ipswich started his year as he means to go on, jumping double clear in a blisteringly fast jump off to slot into 5th place. What a way to get set up for the year!
A huge thanks to the whole team, and to Team Z7 for making this all possible again this year! We can’t wait to see what the next weeks bring!