GEORGIA PORTER and Erin Stephany will be hoping to end the gold drought when Barbados hosts the first leg of the Caribbean Equestrian Association (CEA) Junior Jumping Championships this weekend at the Big “C” Stables in Frere Pilgrim, Christ Church.
The start time is 9 a.m. each day.
Porter and Stephany will be riding to bring the gold back to Barbados, who have not lifted the overall title for two years after dominating in the past.
They earned the right to represent the island during the local trials, which were held on January 21, coming out on top from a field of eight.
Completing four nail-biting rounds, Porter took the victory seat for the 14-and-Under age group, while Stephany outrode Rosa Mackenzie to get the spot for the 16-and-Under division. The well travelled and experienced pair has won at home and abroad and will be under the direction of national coach Di Clarke.
The challenge will come from Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
Cayman Islands will be represented by Madeleine Aquart, who already has six years of riding experience under her belt at age 14. Isabelle Smith, 15, has competed internationally since she was 11. She recently returned to the Cayman Islands after competing in Portugal.
The coach is former Central American and Caribbean Games competitor Jessica McTaggart.
Jamaica will be bringing first-timer Anni Stewart and Claire Schwapp, along with veteran coach Betty Wates. Stewart competed in Guatemala last year and after doing very well at home, will look to bring that form to the 14-and-Under group, while Schwapp represented Jamaica last year.
Trinidad’s 2013 winning rider Amber Thompson will be their representative in the 16-and-Under division. All of their hopes will rest with her as they do not have a competitor in the 14-and-Under age group. The coach is Patrice Stollmeyer.
This is the 17th year of the CEA Junior Jumping Competition.
