CAYMAN ISLANDS came out on top with a total of 37 faults when Barbados hosted the first leg of the Caribbean Equestrian Association’s Junior Jumping competition at the Big “C” Stables in Frere Pilgrim, Christ Church, on February 2 and 3.
At the completion of the first two rounds on day one, Barbados were leading with four clear rounds/zero faults from Erin Stephany in the 16-and-under division
and first-timer Georgia Porter, who competed in the 14-and-under.
Unfortunately, as often happens in equestrian, the horses can cause positions to change. Trinidad and Tobago and Cayman Islands took a spill in round three while Barbados had two eliminations, one in each age group.
It was a very close and nail-biting competition going into round four but the Cayman Islands took the lead and Barbados managed to hold on to second place overall on 50 faults. Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica were third and fourth with 59 and 88 faults respectively.
The Cayman Islands were represented by Thea Millward and Polly Serpell with Jessica Mctaggert as coach.
Barbados, with Porter and Stephany, were coached by president of the Barbados Equestrian Association (BEA) Di Clarke. Both riders did Barbados proud riding clear round in three of their four rounds with Stephany coming first overall in the 16 and under category.
Amber Thompson and Mariel Lanser, coached by Patrice Stollmeyer, represented Trinidad and Tobago while Jamaica’s representatives were Kristina Munroe and Sayan Johnston with Betty Wates as coach.
Each country was represented by one athlete in the 14-and-under and 16-and-under age category, jumping 0.80 and 0.95 metres respectively.
Jamaican Trina Delisser, an accredited FEI judge, was brought in by the local association to judge the event.
The teams had lunch sponsored by Chefette at the show ground, followed by an action packed, fun afternoon and team building with Ariel Trek Zipline Experience. The BEA has thanked Deloitte, Hyundai and Sagicor for their help in making the show a success. (EZS/PR)
