Young riders show form in dressage

The Dominican Republic’s Lisette Vega de Purcell was recently in Trinidad and Tobago under the banner of the Trinidad and Tobago Equestrian Association to judge competition and host a video clinic followed by private riding lessons with numerous riders. De Purcell is a Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) Level “I” Dressage judge and has judged competitions in Colombia, Venezuela, Canada, the Central American Games in Guatemala City and the Pan Am Games held recently in the Dominican Republic. On February 28 the Trinidad and Tobago Equestrian Association (TTEA) hosted a dressage competition at the Police Mounted Branch Headquarters, Long Circular Road, Port-of-Spain giving several top riders the opportunity to be assessed by de Purcell who was in Trinidad and Tobago in June 2002 for a similar competition and clinic.

In the Prix St George Level Margaret Auerbach astride “Fantastic 13” nabbed first place as did Rebecca Mazely on “Hot Risk” on the Novice “B” Level. She was followed by Melissa Inglefield on “Francisco” in second and there was a third place tie between Sarah Looger on “Baldadi” and Luisa Chapman on “Storm Jumper.” Sara McCartney on “Senor Rojo” was fourth. The Introductory Level Test “A” for children produced promising performances from several young riders including Brittany Santos, Garrick Nunes, Sandhya Moll, Charlotte Morrison and Alexandra Bovell. However Andrew Halfhide was first at this level riding “Calypso.” Christina Rostant second on “Xante”, “Xante” was again in the top flight as Cashel Watson rode him into third place with Rebecca Aboud on “Calypso” fourth.

Rossi Bridgelal topped the Introductory Level Test “B” (Adult) on “Dazzle”, Sophie Muller on “Madonna” was second, Leah Pouchette also on “Madonna” was third and Navine Boccara on “Deimous” was fourth. In the Training Level Test Two Kathy Ann Pyke on “Xante” was first, Christina Muller placed second on “Majestic Seven,” Nicola Chatoor was third on “Nuff Respect” and Leah Pouchette came fourth on “Madonna.” The FEI World Dressage Challenge to be held at the Police Mounted Branch Headquarters, Long Circular Road, Port-of-Spain on March 30 is the next big event on the TTEA’s 2004 calendar after which the competitors’ scores will be compared with other regional scores to determine a regional champion.