Yet another pair of top talented Barbadian equestrian riders will be rubbing shoulders with their international counterparts when the Sparkassen German Friendships event takes place in Herford, Germany, at the end of this month.
Heather Walker, who has been in sublime form all season dominating all and sundry on both the local and regional scene this year, will team up with Annemiek Mackiem, an equally talented rider, to represent Barbados in over six days of show jumping featuring approximately 140 youngsters from over 30 nations.
In outlining the nature of the competition the team will face, public relations officer of the Barbados Equestrian Association (BEA), Sara Jones told MIDWEEK SPORTS that her committee has every confidence that both riders are up to the task and will no doubt further place Barbados on the Equestrian map with their performances.
“This event is another first for Barbados. It is the first year we will be represented by two riders. During the Sparkassen German Friendships, each German rider will provide his international team partner with a horse.
“The team will train together, compete together against other teams – Jamaica meets Luneburger Heide; South Africa and Bavaria canter together in the arena, whilst Russia and Westphalia make the perfect pair. We are not yet sure who Barbados will be paired against, but we look forward to seeing our Barbadian flag flying with their partners in this year’s event.”
While the Barbadian pair is eagerly looking forward to the actual competition they are keen to meet some of the top equestrian riders and judges in the world.
“One of the highlights of the week is training with the stars such as Ludger Beerbaum, Marcus Ehning, Meredith Michaels Beerbaum, Otto Becker, and many more that no doubt will gladly pass on their expertise at the Bexter Hof,” Jones added.
She said that for many of the youngsters their dream would come true when they received tips from their idols, some of whom are only known from the world of television.
“Both Annemiek and Heather have been hard at training and is eagerly looking forward to doing their country proud,” the BEA official said.
Jones also pointed out that events such as these offered competitors the opportunity to experience international teamwork and communication, find new friends, speak foreign languages and celebrate the communal love for horses and show jumping, all in the six days of the tournament.
The competition events start on July 29 and ends on July 31.
The teams will have to prove themselves in 1.25m. and 1.30m. classes respectively.
However, both Walker and Mackie will compete in the 1.25m. class. (CH)