The younger members of the Barbados Equestrian Association captured the brunt of the ribbons after putting on quite a show at the recently concluded first show jumping invitational for 2018.
Attracting fellow show jumpers from Trinidad and Tobago and Martinique, the two-day event was held at Big “C” Stables, Frere Pilgrim, Christ Church.
Starting off the weekend’s proceedings with the equitation event, first place was captured by Naiya Hinds, while second place went to Paige Johnson, and third was awarded to Zackery Drakes.
Top junior jumper Indy Jones, who won the first leg of the Federal Equestrian International World Jumping Challenge (FEI WJC) Category C. 1.10m with Sir Glacken, moved up a class, competing in the 0.85m category for the first time aboard Galway Girl.
While victorious, the pair settled for a three-way tie with Gauthier Gorvein of Martinique aboard Chico, and Abigale Haloute riding Stella Blue.
The 0.70m class saw 17 starters, but in the end Leah Edwards took the top spot on the podium with Essien, finishing in 22.39 seconds with no penalties.
Capturing second place, with a nail bi-ting round also with zero penalties, in 23.55 seconds was Slade Jones and Haze. Third place was taken by Dominic Drakes, riding the 21-year-old Dakota. Good rides came from Zuri Connell and Becky Kent riding Eclipse, and Isabella Powell of Trinidad aboard Essien.
The two phase 0.95m power and speed class was won by Dylan Frost and Victor. The pair amassed the fastest time for the night at 21.90 seconds, over Paige Tryhane and Fiep, last year’s FEI WJC category C winners, who settled for second place with a time of 22.89 seconds. The third place ribbon went to Jodi Haloute and Stella Blue, who finished with a clean round in 26.53 seconds.
Class four saw a turning of the tables with group competitors riding table A, with a jump off for those who had no penalties.
Tryhane and Fiep (26.33) took the win over Candace Jones and Spartan (26.40) with no penalties and jump off times.
While Frost had a great ride, he settled for third place, and Jodi and Stella Blue, who had four faults in the jump off, placed fourth.
At the grassroots level, 20 starters proudly strutted their stuff in the ring. Caia Hoyos piloted her way to first place with Whirl Wind, after finishing with a clear round in 35.15. Hinds, also riding Whirl Wind, finished in 37.75 for second, while Lucy Tomlin and Eclipse placed third in 41.50. Not to be outdone, nine-year-old Zackery Pitcher and Little Man captured fourth place in 41.84. (RA)