Today is the day . . . New Zealand’s FEI Dressage World Cup finalist Melissa Galloway and Windermere J’Obei W have drawn last to go in a star-stacked field at Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“I am feeling really humbled to just be here honestly,” said Melissa. “It’s incredibly surreal to be amongst such inspirational company in both dressage and show jumping.” She described the facilities and organisation of the event as “absolutely 5*”.

“We really just can’t believe we are having this once-in-a-lifetime time experience in Saudi Arabia of all places. Joey is feeling so good, training in the main arena alongside Isobel Werth today was again another pinch me moment.”

Melissa said she was feeling “so blessed and grateful”. “I am very overwhelmed by all the messages of support from back home too. It means everything to me.”

Melissa is one of 17 athletes from 12 countries to compete in the final. It’s a tough field, with Germany’s Isabelle Werth chasing her sixth title in her 25th final. Also in the line-up is Charlotte Fry (GBR) and Everdale who is also based with Melissa and Joey in The Netherlands.

First out at 10pm tonight will be Borja Carrascosa (SPA) aboard Sir Hubert NRW, with Melissa and Joey coming into the arena at 1.21am tomorrow morning (NZ time).

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By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Dirk Caremans