by Tanya Ziemniak From CIEF

Cayman’s dressage riders tacked up on Sunday to compete in the second of three national dressage shows scheduled to take place this season, each of which is sponsored by the Cayman Islands Equestrian Federation (CIEF). Held at the Equestrian Center located in George Town on the Linford Pierson Highway, the show saw 30 entries for the day.

Valerie Swygert (USEF – r) of Lexington, South Carolina flew in to judge the show. This was Valerie’s first time to Grand Cayman to judge a CIEF dressage show, and she said she was very impressed in Cayman’s dressage athletes and is looking forward to returning one day to see the progression of the riders.

At the start of the day, Jessica McTaggart and her horse, Loris 7, rode the Prix St. Georges Test, competing together for the second time at an international (FEI) level. Ms. McTaggart is aiming to qualify for the 2022 Central American and Caribbean Games with Loris 7, who she has trained up the levels since purchasing him as a 4 year old in Germany. She is hoping to return to the international stage with him as her new mount. Given her outstanding score of 69.118%, she appears well on her way.

Several riders were competing in today’s show, including one new rider to the CIEF Dressage show, Clarie Loebell who was paired with Nala and placed 2^nd in the USDF B Test – Adult. Special mention goes to Junior rider, Kayla Mannisto, who scored an impressive 71.207% with her mount Pony Up in the Training Level 3 Test and was also named High Point Champion Junior. Jessica McTaggart, who was named High Point Champion Adult, earned a notable 71.806% at First Level Test 3 riding Blue Ridge Dream On.

The CIEF is the national governing body for equestrian sport in the Cayman Islands. The CIEF produces a series of equestrian competitions, arranges training opportunities with professionals from overseas, supports the Cayman Islands’ participation in international equestrian sporting events and works with the Cayman Islands’ government to prevent the abuse of horses on the island.

The next dressage show sponsored by the CIEF will take place on March 17^th at 8:00am at the Equestrian Center located on the Linford Pierson Highway. As always, spectators are welcome and admission is free. Refreshments will also be available for purchase.

Winners of each class in decreasing order of difficulty were:

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Photo credits: sMary Alberga, Jodie McTaggart and Phil Millward