Rehabilitated race horses star in Showjumping League

The riders along with their horses blazed the obstacle course with technique and confidence at the event, held at the Saddle Valley Stables in Santa Cruz which attracted numerous supporters throughout the day.

The riders were judged on two categories; equitation which looked at their position and balance on the horse and the clear round, where the rider and horse had to maneuver over an obstacle course of eight jumps. Kimberly Harrylagan won the beginners senior category with Eye See Dee and Annabella Hill won with Morocco in the beginner junior category. Isabella Powell with Miramis took the maiden junior division crown, while Chloe Bain trotted effortless to win the offlead junior category.

In a short interview with Newsday, the TTEA president Duglas Watsun said the Association is focusing on the young riders.

Watsun said, “This year we are seeing a lot of young riders developing in our programme, as many of our other experienced riders have gone on to Universities abroad and are competing on an international level in the US, like Hadley Rahael and Michelle Sabga Aboud. We have even had riders compete in the Pan American Games, so we are dedicated now on building back our base in this sport through these young riders.” He also thanked the Ministry of Sport and the team at Saddle Valley Stables for their continued support in the development and growth of the sport.

Asked by Newsday about the aspect of funding these events, as this was the second league out of four, Watsun responded, “In Trinidad and Tobago it is more economic for us to use thoroughbred horses as opposed to warmblood horses which are of an international standard and more expensive. So we definitely cut cost by rehabilitating race horses which have been injured and can’t race again into the Showjumping League.” There was a mix of both experienced rehabilitated horses and young ones showcasing their skills in coordination with their rider on the course. Riders ranged from experienced to beginners as well.

One of the coaches Sara Mc Cartney, who has over 40 years of experience training and riding horses spoke of the event as focusing on the TTEA’s base. “All the coaches are here today, supporting the younger ones. We are looking for the smooth fluid movements of the horse and rider whether or not the horse is experienced or young. We are looking at proper protocol and at the end of the year there would be championship awards given to the best junior and senior riders,” said Mc Cartney.

Each league takes place in a different stable, as the first league took place at the San Antonio Stable in Santa Cruz. The TTEA was formed in 1991 to encourage horseback riding as a sport and recreational activity, as well as to promote good sportsmanship among riders. The TTEA aims to improve and maintain the standard of riding and horsemanship in the country. “We have hope in our riders,” said Watsun positively.