During the Concours de Dressage International Junior competition held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, Cayman rider Sierra Martin rode to multiple victories.
The 16-year-old rider dominated the dressage competition, held from 14-17 May, securing podium finishes in every single class.
Thanks to her performances there and at the Global Dressage Series Final National in Wellington, Florida, Martin earned a historic qualification for the upcoming North American Youth Championships, becoming the first junior rider from Cayman to qualify for this event.
Ocala results
Riding Giulietta, a 15-year-old Dutch-bred Grand Prix mare – an adult female horse – leased to her by Diamante Farms of Florida, Martin claimed first place in the Junior Individual Competition with a score of 65.392%.
She went on to top the leaderboard again in the Junior Freestyle to Music with 67.300%.
Martin completed her dominant streak by taking second place in the Junior Team Competition with a score of 63.838%.
Journey to qualification
Martin’s path to qualification was made possible through a unique international collaboration spanning Mexico, the United States and Cayman.
Her journey began last November at the Concours de Dressage International World Cup qualifier in Lerma, Mexico City, an event organised by Omar Zayrik, an International Governing Body for Equestrian Sports judge.
It was there that Martin, who competed in the children’s CDI division, met Devon Kane and Kevin Kohmann of Diamante Farms based in Wellington, Florida.
A month ago, Zayrik contacted Kane to see if a horse could be borrowed in Florida to help Martin compete at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. Kane offered Giulietta the 15-year-old Dutch-bred Grand Prix mare that both she and Kohmann had previously competed.
Martin arrived at Diamante Farms just a week before the event to try the mare, and the new partnership clicked immediately. After a successful trial run and sometime in Wellington, Martin travelled to Ocala with Kane and Kohmann, where she secured her qualifying scores.
Due to Martin’s competing horse being based in Florida, she often travels back and forth to train and compete. In Cayman, she is coached by Jessica McTaggart and while training in Florida, she is coached by Kane.
The Cayman Islands Equestrian Federation extended its sincere appreciation to Diamante Farms for their generosity in leasing Giulietta.
“The success of this partnership underscores the importance of international collaboration in supporting the development of talented Caymanian riders,” the federation said.
Commenting on Sierra’s performances in Ocala, Sandra Gowrie, vice president of the federation said, “Sierra’s performances … were truly outstanding. To achieve podium finishes across all classes is a testament to her hard work, commitment and talent.
“We are incredibly proud to see her represent the Cayman Islands with such excellence.”
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