Strong showing for dressage riders
(CNS Local Life): Cayman’s dressage riders competed Sunday, 23 February, in the second of three national dressage shows scheduled this season, each of which is sponsored by the Cayman Islands Equestrian Federation (CIEF). Held at the Equestrian Centre, the show attracted 30 entries for the day.
Valerie Swygert (USEF – r) of Lexington, South Carolina, flew in to judge a CIEF dressage show for first time. She said in a CIEF press release, that she was “very impressed” by Cayman’s dressage athletes and is looking forward to returning one day to see the progression of the riders.
At the start of the day, Jessica McTaggart and her horse, Loris 7, rode the Prix St Georges Test, competing together for the second time at an international (FEI) level. McTaggart is aiming to qualify for the 2022 Central American and Caribbean Games with Loris 7, who she has trained up the levels since purchasing him as a 4-year-old in Germany. She said she is hoping to return to the international stage with Loris 7 as her new mount. “Given her outstanding score of 69.118%, she appears well on her way,” CIEF said in the press release.
Among the equestrians competing on Sunday, new rider Clarie Loebell, paired with Nala, placed second in the USDF B Test – Adult. CIEF added a special mention to junior rider Kayla Mannisto, who scored an “impressive” 71.207% with her mount Pony Up in the Training Level 3 Test; she was also named High Point Champion Junior.
Jessica McTaggart, who was named High Point Champion Adult, earned a “notable” 71.806% at First Level Test 3 riding Blue Ridge Dream On.
The next dressage show sponsored by the CIEF is set for 17 March at 8am at the Equestrian Centre. Spectators are welcome and admission is free. Refreshments will also be available for purchase.
Winners of each class in decreasing order of difficulty were:
| FEI Prix St. Georges | Jessica McTaggart on Loris 7 |
| First Level Test 3 – Adult | Jessica McTaggart on Blue Ridge Dream On |
| First Level Test 1 – Adult | Abbey Swartz on Calidad |
| First Level Test 1 – Junior | Kayla Mannisto on Pony Up |
| Training Level Test 3 – Adult | Jessica McTaggart on Jolly Rancher |
| Training Level Test 3 – Junior | Kayla Mannisto on Pony Up |
| Training Level Test 1 – Junior | Leah Alberga on Moon Lady |
| USDF C Test – Adult | Tami Maines on Partenon |
| USDF C Test – Junior | Jenna Superfine on Fly With Me |
| USDF B Test – Adult | Tami Maines on Partenon |
| USDF B Test – Junior | Marley Trench on Storm |
Category: Equestrian, Sports
