By Joanna Humphries From CIEF

Last weekend saw the first annual show of the Caribbean Equestrian Association’s Junior Show Jumping Competition (CEA JSJC) which was held in Barbados.

Cayman’s 16 and under rider, Isabelle Smith, was joined by Ashley Van den Bol, in her very first international competition, as the 14 and under rider.

Four courses were ridden on four different horses over two days. Saturday was tough with riders getting used to the horses. Smith had a total of 8 jumping faults in her first two rounds. Van den Bol started the competition with a very challenging horse and unfortunately had two refusals, which meant elimination from the first round. However, she came back to complete the second course with a strong, clear round.

Day two was excellent for the Cayman riders, all going clear. Van den Bol earned one first place and Smith earned two first place rosettes. Cayman came third overall with Trinidad and Tobago taking first place, Barbados second and Jamaica fourth.

Basil Humphries, also riding in his first international competition as an invitational, had an excellent start, coming first overall in the 0.70m open competition on Saturday and placing third in the 0.70m open competition on Sunday.

Coach Jessica McTaggart-Giuzio was very pleased with the Cayman team’s performance. “This is the first international competition for two of our riders. It is always tough competing on new horses, but that is part of the challenge. The team can be very proud of their solid performance at the start of the season. They represented the country well.”

The next leg of the JSJC will take place here in Cayman on 18 and 19 April. Spectators are welcome and entry is free.

IMAGES:

The photos are labelled with the names of the riders. In the group shot of teams, L to R is Team Barbados, Team Trinidad and Tobago, Team Jamaica and Team Cayman