30 april 2015

FEI Technical Delegate visits Subotica

FEI Technical Delegate Philip Bateman (GBR) made his first visit to Ergela Kelebija, near Subotica in Serbia, earlier this week to assess the upcoming Balkan Horse Pairs Championships from 18th to 20th June this year.

Tereza Kelesteš, Event Director and Aleksandar Kokeza showed this Lipizzaner Stud and Hotel off in a very good light. With beautiful surroundings and plenty of space to hold this first time Championships in, the participants will have a wonderful time. With Hungary, Romania, Slovenia already committed it is hoped that Greece and Macedonia will each send a Participant: making this another first for the FEI, as neither of these two Nations have competed in an FEI Driving Event beforehand.

With a 120 x 70m Main Arena, for the Driven Dressage and Obstacle Cones Driving along with 8 brand new Obstacles, designed by top Level 4 Course Designer, Gabor Fintha from Hungary, this should be a great start for the Serbian Equestrian Federation and the Lipizzaner Stud to launch into the top level of Driving. With Judges from Romania, Spain, Hungary and Poland, this should prove to be “one not to miss”. With the Hotel, Villa Majur only 400 metres away and 2 restaurants on site, all the facilities are already in place. The Obstacles are all marked out and building will commence after Labour Day on the 1st May, in plenty of time for the Championships.

Section A was checked and driven by Tereza with the TD and a Pair of Home bred Lipizzaner Horses from the Stud: flat and sandy tracks through the local forest and the route took us almost into Hungary, this was a most enjoyable drive. The middle of June in Serbia should be an Event not to miss.