During the last weekend the premises of the „Pod Strzechą” Hotel, owned by Stanisław, Artur and Franciszek Górecki in Kudowa-Zdrój hosted the first edition of the Competition in Speed Events for the Trophy of Stefan Iwasiów. The co-organizer of the event was the Western Riders’ Association and the media patronage was provided by polskiearaby.pl.

As we announced earlier, among the 19 horse-and-rider pairs entered into the competitions were 5 pure bred Arabian participants, present in all three contests, who bravely defended the honor of their breed among the typical western competitors. The best result among the Arabian group was achieved by the grey gelding Wagir (Pepton – Wyprawa) of Jacek Bujny, also Wagir’s rider during the event, the winner of the Stake Race contest (where the participating pair has to ride as if describing a figure eight) in 10,20 seconds, placed 4th (in 26,46 seconds) in the pole bending contest, while 26,46 seconds gave him a 6th position in the barrel race, which in all gave him the best place among the Arabian horses: in the general classification Wagir was fourth! Also placed among the Top Ten were the Arabian: representative of the hosts Hrabina (Equin – Habra) under Anna Łagodzińska, ending the competitions

at the 7th spot (9th in the pole bending and stake race and 11th in the barrel race) and Faisal (Oset – Faina) bred by Paweł Zaręba, under Sandra Sikora. This pair gave a very good performance in the pole bending (4th place) and Stake Race (5th), but a 14th spot in the barrel race resulted in a distant 8th position in the general classification. Further places in the classification were taken by the stallion Marszałek (Fawor – Małmazja) under Kornel Kobak of Rancho Overo, who placed 11th and another representative of the hosts – Decaho (Ecaho – Demara Bis) under Karolina Kluka – 16th.

The victor’s palm and three top spots in the general classification of the first edition of this competition belonged to contestants riding horses of other breeds:

1. Damian Zmorek atop Ratafia (Rancho Lambada) – main prize money (7000 PLN) and a refund of the accommodation costs,
2. Jarosław Bilski atop Smile Man Go (Rancho Bilie Boy) – main prize money (2000 PLN),
3. Marysia Kobak atop Kamelka (Rancho Overo) – main prize money (500 PLN) .

„Most of the riders are Poland’s cream of the crop in speed events”, says Borys Pardus, a spectator of the competition. “If someone thinks it is nothing difficult to do a good time in barrels, pole bending or stakes without technique, then he is very much mistaken. The best among the Arabians, Wagir, worked several years to achieve his position. The level was rather balanced, as even the winner of the Trophy, Damian Zmorek atop the mare Ratafia (half-bred), did not win all competitions. The Arabians participating in these races displayed a lively temperament and abilities, though unfortunately some of them were excited by the crowd of people and horses and wavered going into tight turns in the barrels and poles. Such a number of Arabians taking part in speed and technical events shows their uncommon qualities, giving them a chance at placing high in Rodeo contests.”

The organizers of the event are especially proud of the tremendous fun carried out in an atmosphere of fair play, which lasted from start to finish.

„Once again we would like to thank all contestants for taking part in the event and the sponsors and patrons for their support. We have a feeling that the formula of the event proved itself extremely well. What surprised us were the close time differences all the way down to 7th place. In our opinion this displays an even standard in those competitions. In my opinion the Arabians performed very well. Aside from Wagir, the horses were young, 3-4 year olds and if not for the penalty points, their times would have been fantastic. All contestants will receive a film from the event, which will also be made accessible on the website of the organizer. Again we give all our best to the contestants and the numerous public”, said the representative of the organizers, Artur Górecki, announcing another event at the “Pod Strzechą” Hotel in a years’ time.

The contestants and observers of the competition at Kudowa also gave high marks for the perfect organization, warm atmosphere, as well as the witty and amusing commentary of the announcers during the event. A nice touch were gifts for each contestant and special honors to three top juniors, the youngest contestant, as well as the oldest participant.

We hope that the first edition of the speed competitions will not be the last and that it will contribute to the promotion of western sports among the Arabian horse aficionados, while among the Westerners – the propagation of agile and brave Arabian horses.