Cayman Islands; Ziemniak Shines Again

By Eve van den Bol From CIEF

The Cayman Islands Equestrian Federation (CIEF) held its third National Jumping Series show of the season this past Sunday at the Equestrian Center. Under sunny skies and a cool breeze, riders competed over a modified FEI course and many produced double clear rounds, meaning they did not knock down any rails in either the first round nor in the jump-off. Two riders won both of their classes. Olivia Ziemniak, who also won both her classes at the last National Jumping Series, won the 60cm and 70cm horse class on Amarilla, a former polo pony who loves to jump. Jessica McTaggart-Giuzio also posted wins in 60cm and 70cm classes on Pony Up. Other winners on the day included Megan Swartz riding Zeus in the 80cm Pony class and Jodie McTaggart riding her horse Nala in the 90cm Open class.

The CIEF is a registered non-profit in the Cayman Islands and is a member of the Cayman Islands Olympic Committee. Net proceeds from the CIEF’s horse shows are primarily used to reimburse some of the cost incurred by our elite equestrian athletes when representing the Cayman Islands at international competitions and by Caymanian and permanent resident members who travel to become certified as FEI officials.

The next horse show on the CIEF calendar is the CEA Caribbean Dressage Challenge which will take place on March 18, and is a competition among CEA member countries of Antigua, Bermuda, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and the Cayman Islands, where the judge travels rather than the horses. The Caribbean Dressage Challenge starts at approximately 7:45am at the Equestrian Center and will continue at approximately 2:30pm at Cayman Riding School. As always, spectators are welcome and admission is free. For more information on the CIEF visit their website at www.ciefcay.com

Winners of each class were:

60cm Ponies:
Jessica McTaggart-Giuzio riding Pony Up
60cm Horses:
Olivia Ziemniak riding Amarilla
70cm Ponies:
Jessica McTaggart-Giuzio riding Pony Up
70cm Horses:
Olivia Ziemniak riding Amarilla
80cm Ponies:
Megan Swarz riding Zeus
90cm Open:
Jodie McTaggart riding Nala