Novice riders and their mounts were put through their paces during the Cayman Islands Equestrian Federation’s show, Saturday.
The first National Show of the year, though challenging for the many younger competitors, was enjoyed by riders and spectators alike.
According to organisers, around 15 riders entered the afternoon event, supported by equine enthusiasts and their families.
The show began at 2pm at the Equestrian Centre Riding School off Linford Pierson Highway.
Young riders in the Turn out Class got the chance to ease themselves into the competition by displaying their horse grooming skills.
Riders and their mounts then competed in the Equitation Classes. Nerves were soon quelled with most riders successfully completing the course around the ring. Throughout the flatwork competition, competitors were judged on the smoothness of their transition from walk, trot, canter, circle and holt.
Applauded by the bystanders, most of whom wisely sought chairs in the shade, the competitors revelled in the limelight, gaining confidence with each round.
The Jumping class followed with riders competing for rosettes in two divisions. Kelsey Bodden on Trigger won the Chase-Me-Charlie event, where the bar was raised until only one competitor remained, with a bar height of three foot, two inches. The ever popular Gymkhana games rounded off the show.
Organised by CIEF President and Equestrian Centre owner Mary McTaggart, the show performed the twin tasks of boosting the riders’ performance/skill levels while getting them used to the rigours of competition.
‘The event went very well and the children thoroughly enjoyed it… such shows are a great way to get riders used to competing in a supportive environment and we always see a marked improvement in their riding both during and after such meets… there were no eliminations,’ she said.
Jane van der Bol was the announcer and steward for the event. The judges were Jamie McGee and Jodie McTaggart.
The next National Show will be held at the Equestrian Centre on Saturday, 21 April.
CIEF National Championship Classes results
12 & U Equitation round 1
1st – Danielle Tomkins on Trigger
2nd – Stephanie Wigney on Sporty
3rd – Tiana Kernohan on Rambo
4th – Isabelle Smith on Sprite
12 & U Equitation round 2
1st – Cliodhna Flynn on Posh
2nd – Charlotte Hinds on Thunder
3rd – Kelsey Bodden on Trigger
4th – Ashley Scaletta on Charm
5th – Chloe Laidlaw on Ashes
12 & U Jumping
1st – Charlotte Hinds on Karma
2nd – Ashley Scaletta on Charm
3rd – Cliodhna Flynn on Posh
4th – Stephanie Wigney on Rambo
5th – Kelsey Bodden on Trigger
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