Cayman’s dressage riders impress US judge
Kate Flett on Loris at the dressage show
(CNS): The recent opening show in the Cayman Islands Equestrian Federation’s (CIEF) 2015/16 National Dressage Series marked many firsts, including a US judge coming here for the first time and several riders debuting at the event. Dressage judge Luis Denizard said he was impressed with Cayman’s dressage talent. He judged a series of tests at a two-venue show held at the Equestrian Centre and Cayman Riding School.
Scores taken from four shows held over the course of the season are added together to determine champions and reserve champions for each division.
Debuting at the event, Kate Flett, a visiting trainer from Florida, and Jessica McTaggart-Giuzio’s horse, Loris, scored 63.59% in the USEF Third Level Test 3. Flett substituted for McTaggart-Giuzio, who is on maternity leave. Flett and Loris handled a difficult test well despite having been together for only a few months.
Megan Swartz on Patrick won the overall Children’s High Point Award after scoring 68.70% in the Training Level Test 1. This was the first time Swartz has won a high point award.
In the beginner classes, Lara Humphries returned to the ring with her horse, Storm, after the animal underwent surgery and an intense period of recovery over the summer. The pair won both the USDF B and C Test Classes, making their comeback especially sweet.
At Cayman Riding School, trainer Tracey Surrey and her horse, Dusty, dazzled spectators by winning the overall Adult High Point Award in the USEF First Level Test 3 with a score of 68.125%.
In addition, Wendy Zhang made her debut in dressage with her Cayman pony, Austin, winning the Adult USEF Training Level Test 1 with 64.3478%.
Other highlights at the venues included debuts in the dressage ring by new pairings Amara Thompson and Second Kiss; Jenna Boucher and Edson Arantes MB; Ashley van den Bol and Whindlass; Chloe Fowler and Will to Win; Eva Hepburn and Rolex; Olivia Klyver and Shirley Temple; and Jennifer Cowdroy and Monroe Carr.
Full results are available on the CIEF website
Category: Equestrian, Sports
