A Filipino with an eye for rhythm, harmony, fashion and communication took to the Horse of the Year dressage judging panel yesterday.
Federation Equestre Internationale 3* international judge and proclaimed fashion designer Vittorio Barba was thrilled to be at the premier equestrian event after entering the judging scene by "accident" back in 2011.
"It is a funny story my friend told me to attend a dressage seminar in Korea and when I got there, after a while, the course director said raise your hand if you're taking the test."
"I sat there and had no idea what he was talking about but I raised my hand so I was not the odd one out."
Moments later Mr Barba passed the pilot test and became an international judge who has been on the South East Asia circuit for years.