Individual Comp Wide Open for Medals

Abduladim Mlitan (LBA) Getting into the 'zone'
before competing

It was another steamy Singapore day for round 1 of the Individual Jumping Competition, which was held this morning, with good performances from the riders and plenty of cheering from the enthusiastic crowd.

There were 9 clear rounds in total, with most being ridden very smoothly and effectively. Competitors who went clear included Marcelo Chirico (URU), Thomas McDermott (AUS), Mohamed Abdalla (EGY), Dominique Shone (CAN), Guilherme Foroni (BRA), Samantha McIntosh (RSA), Wojciech Dahlke (POL), Timur Patarov (KAZ) and Mario Gamboa (COL). Abdurahman Al Marri (QAT),  and Juan Diego Saenz Morel (GUA) also looked like going clear, but were out of luck at the last obstacle and had it down, putting them on 4 penalties each - there were six riders in total with 4 penalties.

Dominique Shone (CAN) and Roxy Girl getting ready
for their round

After today's round, the medal positions are very open going into the highly anticipated final round on Tuesday, which will be the last equestrian competition for the Youth Olympic Games.

South African, Chef d'Equipe, all smiles after
yet another clear for Samantha McIntosh and
Little Miss Sunshine, who have gone clearin every round they've jumped at the Youth Olympics

Paula Hamood, Glen Haven Park Australia, who trained all of the horses competing at the Youth Olympic Games

Mohamed Abdalla (EGY) on Buzzword after
a smoothly ridden clear round

Paula Hamood, Head Trainer from Glen Haven Park Australia - Official YOG Equestrian Trainers, is thrilled to see the horses they've spent the last year training doing so well in Singapore. About today's competition, Paula commented, “I am so proud of the way the horses are going with their riders! I wouldn’t have done anything differently with their training. I feel a great sense of achievement, knowing that the dedication we put into choosing and educating these horses, has enabled young riders from all over the world to follow their Olympic dreams.”

FEI Secretary General, Alex McLin, who was very impressed with the
riders, enjoying the competition

Mario Gamboa (COL) thrilled after a well ridden clear on LH Titan

FEI Director of Coaching, Jacqueline Braissant, bonding with the
Youth Olympic Games mascots, Lyo and Merly