Highlights from 2022

As 2022 draws to a close, we’d like to thank everyone for their contribution to the sport. Whether as an athlete, coach, volunteer, sponsor, venue owner, service provider, supportive parent or even spectator, this year has been one of immense progress. We would like to share with you some of the highlights of 2022.  

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS ESTABLISHED WITH EQUESTRIMALTA.

The government authority on equine sports in Malta has proved to be a lifeline for the Malta Equestrian Federation, assisting financially in projects including the National Championships, Equestrian Games, Coaching Course andassisting local riders to compete in France. President of the MEF, Astrid Camilleri, took a seat on the EquestriMalta Board to strive for the improvement of equestrian sport in Malta.

THE SUCCESS OF THE FIRST NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS UNDER THE NEW COMMITTEE

Ending in May of 2022, the Garmin National Championships were the first to be supported by our sponsors Garmin, with prize money issued to the winners in a number of categories.

Congratulations to our winners, Sarah Ciliberti in the Adult Class and Lisa Borg Cardona in the Junior Class. The National Championships

comprised of four dressage competitions and four show jumping competitions.
The 2022/2023 season is sponsored by EquestriMalta and adds a fifth competition to the series, this time supported by EquestriMalta. This season saw the introduction of FEI judges at National Championships competitions.

CLINICS WITH INTERNATIONAL COACHES

2022 was a year we dedicated to training. With the help of two international coaches, dressage coach, Christophe Lenain from France and show jumping coach, Ettore Metrangolo, from Italy – who competes at international level under the Maltese flag. The new season opened with Ettore returning to Malta and Dutch judge and coach, Patrick Berends arriving for both competition and a two-day clinic.

INTRODUCTION OF MALTA’S FIRST COACHING COURSE

In order to improve the standard of the sport in Malta, we believe that further education
and training of our coaches is fundamental. With the help of FEI Judge and Coach, Mascha Reijs from the Netherlands, we set up the framework and began the first Foundation to Coaching Course which commenced in August. The course will draw to an end in May of 2023. This has been well-attended with 14 participants. This has been heavily subsidised by EquestriMalta.

COMMENCEMENT OF THE EQUESTRIAN GAMES

With the help of the newly formed sub- committee, the framework for the Equestrian Games was set up. This series of competitions addresses grassroots education at competition with fun activities including Riding Class, Handy Hunter and gymkhanas. A huge thankyou goes out to Fiona Picton, Sarah Ciliberti, Elena Vella, Gina Curmi and MaryAnn Rust. The Equestrian Games are sponsored by EquestriMalta.

ESTABLISHED A WORKING-RELATIONSHIP WITH FEI

In June of last year, we hosted an FEI/EEF delegate, Teodor Sheytanov. Following a tour of equestrian industry on the island, Teodor has assisted in acquiring funding from the FEI Solidarity Fund for training of officials and coaches.

FEI EDUCATIVE EVENT – SOLIDARITY PROGRAMME

The MEF presented project proposals for funding from the FEI. These were approved
in 2022 and the events, in both dressage and jumping, will take place in 2023 and 2024. This event is organised by the MEF in collaboration with the FEI who will act as mentors to educate, officials, judges, course builders, coaches, and riders in the organisation of an event.

TRAINING FOR NATIONAL FEDERATIONS IN SWITZERLAND

Two MEF committee members were invited to Switzerland for training in the running of federations. Contacts were established with key members of the FEI committee, along with a better understanding of the workings of the international federation and assistance available to help smaller federations. This course was completely financed by the FEI Solidarity Fund.

ACQUISITION OF FUNDING FOR NEW JUMPS

A last-minute funding opportunity arose
at the end of 2022 to acquire a set of new jumps. Jumps will arrive in 2023. These will be used at both venues, while they remain the property of the MEF. This project was funded by EquestriMalta.

PAULA CALAMATTA APPOINTED TO THE EUROPEAN EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION (EEF) EU-COMMITTEE

The MEF became a member of the EEF in July of 2022, following which Paula Calamatta was appointed to the EU-Committee. She was selected under the recommendation of EEF representative, Teodor Sheytanov, as a result of her extensive experience in policy and strategy at both EU and national level as well as her 13 years’ experience in Brussels negotiating EU legislation.

APPEARANCES IN THE MEDIA

The MEF has features in various media including Times of Malta, MaltaToday, LovinMalta, One and TVM in both print and television appearances. Topics covered were the results from the competition in France and an MEF committee member being appointed to the EEF EU-Committee.

WORLD CLUBS TOURNAMENT IN LAMOTTE-BEUVRON, FRANCE

Four riders competed in the World Clubs Tournament in Lamotte-Beuvron in France in July achieving a podium finish of third place against countries including Italy, France, Belgium, Maldives, Turkey, Mauritius and others. Riders have been invited to compete in the competition in 2023, which has led to the creation of qualifier events held at the end of every show jumping competition until the end of March.

INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION

2022 saw a number of riders travelling overseas for competition, putting Malta on the international equestrian map.

CORINNE GAUCI

Corinne competed in her first CDI (international level dressage) in Milan in October. She plans to return to the international scene in 2023 to qualify for the European Championships.

STEPHANIE SCHEMBRI

Stephanie travelled to Sweden over the summer of 2022, where she competed in 115cm and 120cm courses and in Sicily where she competed in her first 130cm.

STEPHANIE AND SABRINA DEMANUELE

Stephanie and Sabrina have engaged in training in Sicily to prepare them for show jumping competition on the FISE (Italian Federation) circuit in 2023.

Every single rider and supporter have contributed to the success of this year, and we would like to extend our gratitude to every single person that has been involved in the sport this year. We look forward to keeping the momentum of 2022 through to the end of the season in 2023 and beyond.

Thank you to every single one of our members and support systems.