On Saturday, 8 September the Cayman Islands Equestrian Federation (CIEF) hosted a fundraising “Fun Show” to support the refurbishment of the Equine Pound at The Department of Agriculture. This is a project the CIEF is motivated to complete before the end of 2012.

The CIEF was thrilled to welcome two new riders, Lara and Basil Humphries. Both riders were competing for the first time and performed exceptionally well.

The show started with a fancy dress pony parade, where more than 15 horses showed off some very creative and elaborate costumes including Maid Marion, Carousel Horse, Batman & his Bat Mobile.  The next event was the gymkhana games which allowed for plenty of fun and laughs and included apple bobbing, pole bending, walk trot and walk trot canter, cup collecting and for some of the advanced riders Gretna Green, which is a team bare back race.

The games were great fun and all participants went home with ribbons and big smiles on their faces. Riders who performed particularly well in the gymkhana races were Madeline Aquart on Charm, Nina Ratcliffe on Twinkle, Ashley Van den Bol on her own pony Amerila and Charlie Hinds on Snow White.

The next event was the barrel racing held in the top arena at The Equestrian Centre. This event had many of the audience holding their breath as horses galloped around a course of barrels. Anja van Genderen placed first on her pony Karma, Madeline Aquart was second on Charm and Polly Serpell placed third on her pony, Me and My Shadow.

The last event of the day was Chase Me Charlie jumping. This event consists of one small warm up jump and one larger jump that continues to be raised higher and higher until there is only one rider left. Chloe Fowler won the pony class jumping 3′ 4″.  Thea Milward won the horse class jumping a height of 4′ 4″.

The CIEF would like to thank all volunteers and parents who assisted with the setting up and continued help throughout the show.