Maria Confraria e o Lusitano Jet Set de Zeldi

Maria Confraria and Jet Set de Zeldi were crowned the 2023 National Pony Dressage Runners-Up at the National Dressage Championship, which took place in Lisbon last weekend.

The athlete, who trains at the João Cardiga Equestrian Academy – AEJC, is part of the sports program for preparing athletes for competition that is developed there, and debuted this year in the National Dressage Championship with the horse Jet Set de Zeldi. A 9-year-old purebred Lusitano pony, son of Zeloso do Lis x Dinâmica, Maria is 13 years old and trains regularly at the J Cardiga Academy with João Pedro Cardiga.

João Pedro Cardiga states: - "The pair debuted this year in the FEI Ponies category (international level), and in addition to qualifying for the national championship, they also finished on the podium. The objective was fully achieved. The horse is new, 9 years old, and a purebred Lusitano of small stature, which allows it to be classified as a pony. This horse can be a good example for breeders of the national 'brand' to market their smaller products. It is a horse that presents excellent physical condition and a good temperament, allowing us to hope that Maria, with him, can achieve more and better accomplishments."

For Maria Confraria, the future involves: - "I want to continue training and learning as much as possible with this horse and qualify for a European championship. I would really love to be able to represent my country and my club at an international level."