Alex Hua Tian and Manjushri. Photo by Yong Teck Lim.
Dressage competition kicked off the Eventing discipline at the FEI Asian Championships Pattaya 2025 this afternoon. Alex Hua Tian (CHN) and the Irish Sport Horse Manjushri, known as Bodhi in the barn, took the lead riding the CCI3* test to an impressive 27.2 penalty points. The last ride in the arena proved second best when Thai rider Korntawat Samran rode B.Grimm Billy Elmy to wrap up the first phase with 28.8. Rounding out the top three as we head into tomorrow’s cross country competition is Ashish Limaye (IND) aboard Willy Be Dun who finished on a score of 29.4.
“I’m really happy with Bodhi. He has such talent and quality in all phases,” Alex Hua Tian said of his horse.“I felt he really tried for me. We did make some small uncharacteristic mistakes, so I was a bit nervous watching the last few horses.”
Horse and rider combinations representing five nations throughout Asia will head out on the cross-country course tomorrow morning. A demanding test of endurance and ability, the CCI 2*-L track includes 22 efforts. With questions asked throughout the course, the leaderboard often changes in this phase.
Alex Hua Tian and Manjushri. Photo by Yong Teck Lim.
Hua Tian looks forward to the challenge. “Helen’s course looks great,” he said. “The strongest I’ve seen at this level in Asia so far.”
After day one, Hong Kong leads the team standings on a total of 92.2 penalty points. Chef D’Equipe, Corinne Bracken, noted “With the tragedy that has struck Hong Kong in the last few days, obviously it is at the forefront of our minds. However, I think my riders showed strength and I’m immensely proud of their performance showing solidarity as a team.”
Finishing the day with a total of 99, India sits second in the teams standings, while Thailand is currently third with a cumulative 103.2. “Very happy to be here in Thailand competing in Asia,” Hua Tian, who is based in Britain, said. He echoes what other Championship competitors have also commented,“Thailand and Thai Polo have put on such a nice event, it really is paradise.”
FEI Asian Championships Pattaya 2025 (Thailand): [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream]
