PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand defended its team title in a thrilling, closely fought opening to the FEI Asian Championships Dressage in Pattaya, delivering poised performances that set the pace for an exciting week ahead.
The FEI Asian Championships in Pattaya opened with elegance, intensity and exceptional horsemanship, Monday, November 24, as the continent’s leading riders contested the CH-As-D Prix St-Georges, the first medal event of the week-long competition. Twenty-two combinations from eight nations stepped forward for the team contest, filling the arena with tension and anticipation as they vied for early honours.
Thailand, competing on home soil, rose decisively to the occasion. Delivering poise under pressure and consistency across all four rides, the Thai squad claimed the Team Gold Medal, successfully defending the title won at the previous FEI Asian Championships in 2019. The victory was anchored by a strong opening performance from Chanjanok Klara Ruecker and Vincent 186, who posted an impressive 68.706% as the first Thai pair in the ring, setting the rhythm for the remainder of the team.
Thailand’s winning total score of 205.853 reflected both depth and steadiness, with each rider contributing a confident, composed test:
- Chanjanok Klara Ruecker & Vincent 186 — 68.706%
- R.H. Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya & Boulevard — 63.941%
- Nynn Puttisombat & Ivaro — 68.412%
- Pakjira Thongpakdi & Samira O — 68.706%
For H.R.H. Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya and Pakjira Thongpakdi, both members of the gold-medal team in 2019, the result marked a meaningful continuation of Thailand’s dressage legacy. Their combined experience anchored a team that balanced youth, talent and competitive maturity.
India Claims Silver in Narrow Finish
India delivered one of the most impressive performances of the afternoon, fielding just three riders yet finishing less than two points behind Thailand on a total of 204.059. With no drop score available, the pressure was immense — but each Indian combination delivered with precision.
Their squad featured:
- Gaurav Pundir & Electro — 66.059%
- Divyakriti Singh & Improver — 67.118%
- Shruti Vora & Magnanimous — 70.882%
Veteran rider Shruti Vora, earning one of the highest individual scores of the class, anchored India’s silver-medal performance with an expressive and technically accomplished test.
Hong Kong Takes Bronze After Tight Battle
The Bronze Medal went to Hong Kong, whose three-rider team produced elegant, well-balanced performances to finish on 203.235 — just 2.618 points behind Thailand in one of the closest team finishes in the history of the Championships.
Hong Kong’s results were:
- Annie Ho & Southern Cross Braemar — 68.206%
- Samantha Grace Chan & Quaesar — 65.441%
- Jacqueline Wing Ying Siu & Izonik — 69.588%
The margin between gold and bronze underscored the rising standard of dressage across Asia, setting a thrilling tone for the days ahead.
“A Special Moment” for Thailand
Speaking after her ride, H.R.H. Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya expressed joy and pride in both her performance and Thailand’s gold-medal victory. “The feeling was amazing in the arena, and today was the best he has ever felt. It’s very exciting to win the gold in Thailand — a very special moment. I would like to say thank you to the Thai fans; they are the best supporters.”
With the Championships now underway, the opening class has set a high bar for the week. As individual medals loom and freestyle performances approach, the stage is set for a compelling showcase of Asia’s growing dressage excellence.
