The Equestrian Association of the Philippines (EAP) recently concluded the local Qualifiers for Team Selection to the 2007 South East Asian Games in Thailand later this year. The contenders participated in a series of four competitions held on 24-25 February, 10-11 March, 24-25 March Summer Show and culminating in the Manila Polo Club’s Annual Polo Ball show jumping event on 1 April.

The Philippine federation is looking for new blood to invigorate its veteran national pool and hopes to field the first of its new draft at the regional games. Vying for membership are Diego Lorenzo, Mateo Lorenzo and Daniella Virata who swapped the top places in the qualifying events.

Mr.Lucas Jankowski, FEI Course Designer from Poland, held a four-day show-jumping clinic both at the Manila Polo Club and the Los Tamaraos Polo and Equestrian center.  He emphasized pace, rhythm and balance in riding a course. He also took the time to explain the course and coach each rider individually during a training competition to demonstrate the practical applications of what they had learned during the clinic.

Participants polished off their learning experience at the weekend’s 2-day show which included the First Qualifier for the South East Asian Games. Held at the Manila Polo Club’s Indoor Arena, the First Qualifier was won by Daniella Virata on Patricia with a clear round. Mateo Lorenzo on MEC Rhythm with 4 faults on the last fence and Diego Lorenzo on Bailey with 8 faults came in second and third respectively.

In an effort to improve the state of equestrian sport, the Equestrian Association of the Philippines will continue to invite foreign clinicians, course designers and other resource persons to upgrade local standards. The EAP organized the FEI World Jumping Challenge Cat. B over the weekend of 24-25 February together with a host of other classes and its Second Qualifier.

Concurrent with the show, the EAP arranged for Mr. Marek Zaleski (POL), FEI International Judge for the World Jumping Challenge, to conduct a seminar on show jumping rules. He explained the reasoning behind both current show jumping regulations and age-old traditions. Rebecca Dosch on Lockhart won through a field of 10 competitors in the four-round event with a total of 4 penalties. Up-and-coming rider Gabby Herbosa on Charlie Brown took second with 8 penalties and Mikeli O’Leary on Dernier Rivage third.
The Second Qualifier on grass with a challenging course designed by Mr. Lukasz Jankowski at the Manila Polo Club West Field saw Diego Lorenzo on Bailey take top spot, followed by Mateo Lorenzo on MEC Rhythm and Daniella Virata on Patricia.

The 2007 Summer Show (24-25 March) followed Mr. Olaf Petersen, Jr.’s seminar on show jumping courses. Mr. Petersen had previously given a seminar on the basics of the course: lines and distances. In this lecture he further expounded on colours, fence design and combinations and how they affect the horse. He did the courses for the Summer Show and contributed course plans for the Manila Polo Club Annual Horse Show.

The EAP’s Summer Show, sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Pancake House, Dencio’s, Teriyaki Boy and Lifestyle , was a gala of show jumping events for riders of varying levels held at the Alabang Country Club. Mr. Petersen, 2005 Manila Sea Games and 2006 Qatar Asian Games Course Designer, built a variety of courses for the Summer Show.  He had began with basic learning courses for the smaller classes and progressed to tougher lines for the qualifier. Joker Arroyo, 2005 SEA Games veteran on Spring break, rode the first day with a clear round on her gray gelding Without a Doubt.  Daniella Virata also completed a clear round. Diego Lorenzo had 8 faults and unfortunately, Mateo Lorenzo retired.  The 2nd day Diego Lorenzo rode to the top spot with a clear round on Bailey, and Mateo Lorenzo redeemed himself with only 4 faults. In a reversal of fortune, Daniella Virata had 8 jumping faults plus 1 time fault for a total of 9 penalties.

The final Qualifier, another difficult course designed by Mr. Petersen, at the Manila Polo Club Annual Horse Show was wrapped up with by Mateo Lorenzo finishing with 4 faults. Diego Lorenzo with 8 faults and Daniella Virata with 12 faults completed the rankings. After a summer hiatus. all team hopefuls will continue their training and competition abroad to round off their qualifying points. Selection will be done in the final quarter of the year.  The EAP will continue it’s programs in July with the introduction of the FEI Coaching Course to be followed by a complete schedule of events for the rest of 2007.