Show jumping challenge this weekend

The pair of Emily Kinch and Landora II, have tasted success at two shows in Canada. (Guest Picture)

Thu, September 06, 2012 - 12:03 AM

Seven pairs will face judge Trina Delisser when the Barbados Equestrian Association hosts the FEI World Jumping Challenge (WJC) Category C at Congo Road Equestrian Centre, St Philip on Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. both days.

Delisser, the FEI judge from Jamaica, will conduct the vet checks as well as judge four rounds of judging over the two days of competition.

Erin Stephany, aboard Stella Blue, has won the last few shows. They are a strong and capable pair that has been showing and competing extremely well and there are high hopes for them.

The veteran pair of Stacey Philips and Clover Lucky Chance; Isobella Copeland riding Forest; Michelle Elliot on the Natalie Manning-owned Rumba; Laura Smith on her gelding Kings X de Champaign; Alanah Wilkie on her new horse Pantera and Adrianna King aboard Bombay complete the line-up for the competition.

The riders have been preparing all summer for this prestigious event hosted once a year.

Last year, young riding talent Heather Walker won Category C aboard Super Trooper with four clear rounds. Walker won the overall event in the region of the Zone 10 countries, ranking 19th.

In June this year, Barbados held its first ever Category A (1.20 metres) and it was again Walker who won the local circuit.

The clouds have cleared and the competitors can expect good conditions in the 65m x 45m arena where they will have to jump 10 to 12 obstacles.

Meanwhile, former WJC Category C jumper Emily Kinch continues to excel overseas where she trains and competes out of the stables of Canadian Ian Millar, the 2008 Olympic silver medallist and former world champion.

Kinch’s latest success came at the picturesque Lake Placid Tournament where she was champion in the 1.30m class riding Landora II. She was also a winner on the same show ground with Victoria at 1.20m.

She will be competing in the Angelstone Tournament in Ontario and then in Orangeville. (PR/SAT)