This competition was organised by the FEI for equestrian federations in small countries, where judges travelled to the riders, rather than the usual international format where riders travel to a competition. Malta joined the international leagues in the World Dressage Championships in 2010. The larger facilities allowed the sport to grow significantly between 20 with monthly shows that attracted more than 100 entries at a time.

2012 saw the opening of a new equestrian centre at Montekristo Estates.

The Malta Equestrian Federation (MEF) was set up in 1999 to govern the growing sport and affiliated with the international governing body of the sport, the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). Competitions were held on a monthly or bi-monthly basis mostly at facilities in both Maghtab and Marsa. At its most popular, the club enjoyed memberships of over a hundred riders with most events centred around the facilities granted to them by the Malta government in Marsa.Īs Marsa became more congested, riders moved further afield with two new riding clubs established in Maghtab Sunflower Riding Club, Tal-Maghtab Riding Club and Cross Riding Club. Olympic sports including dressage, show jumping and even cross-country competitions were held regularly as well as fun events that were particularly enjoyed by the younger competitors – gymkhana games, fancy dress rides, handy hunters and the like were always well attended. Equestrian sports in Malta have been active since the 1970s when equestrian events were held under the auspices of La Valette Riding Club, which was originally affiliated with the British Horse Society (BHS).

Riding club championships cross country