By Morissa Lindsay
The very best of Barbados’ dressage riders was on show this weekend including the impressive Roberta Foster along with McKenzie Manning in the annual Cargo BGI Southern Palms Caribbean Equestrian Association Dressage Challenge at Congo Road Stables in St Philip.
A total of 35 dressage riders featured in what was good weather conditions and Foster delivered a stellar performance in the Grand Prix riding her horse Chichic and also the freestyle on horse Valentino.
The talented Manning on her horse Ruveyda did exceptionally well in the intermediate section.
Foster and Manning are both working towards qualifying for the Central American and Caribbean Championship as well as the Pan American Games in 2023.
“I am absolutely thrilled about how this weekend has gone and I want to say thank you to almighty God, number two to our amazing sponsors as well as our horses and volunteers.
“As for my performance, my horse did amazingly, smiled the whole way through, she is awesome,” Foster said yesterday after her performance.
All participants were assessed by internationally acclaimed judge Cesar Torrente.
Manning was also elated about her performance. “I am happy with my performance and this is the first time I am riding to new music in front of an international judge in two and a half years.”
Trained by her aunt Roberta Foster since two and a half years old, Manning explained this weekend was all about where she stands based on the feedback of top international equestrian judge Torrente of Colombia.
“I wanted to see where I stand with an international judge and what he thinks of my horse, what he thinks of my music and obviously where I can improve especially if I am trying to qualify for CAC and Pan Am next year,” she added.
Sponsored by Rubis, Cargo BGI and RBC West Indies, Barbados is the first stop for the Caribbean Equestrian Association competition which is the second-largest event in the region where riders from Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Trinidad and Tobago as well as the Virgin Islands will participate.
Many of the Barbados Equestrian Association riders however have their sights set on the grand showcase in early August when they compete in the International Equestrian Association event.
Barbados dressage riders will feature against the best riders in the world for this particular competition. The highest number of freestyle tests were performed yesterday by the riders ranging from intermediate one to the introductory level.
Given the COVID-19 situation and its restrictions, the dressage riders from each participating Caribbean country have to perform in their respective territories in front of an international judge and once concluded later this year the winner will be announced.
Since Barbados was the first to commence the Caribbean Equestrian Competition, the best scores from this country will go forward. Foster currently leads Barbados’ hopes along with Manning on Ruveyda and Emily Kinch on Alkoro.
wIn the adults’ freestyle, yet again Foster on Holiday heads the list along with Manning on Ruveyda and Tammy Pinto on Valentino.
The other list of Barbados teams for 2022 is as follows:
Children’s Team:
Marlie Pinheiro on Man in Black
Isla Domenge on Vanity
Rylee Pinheiro on Clover Lucky Chance
Children Freestyle Team:
Marlie Pinheiro on Man in Black
Isla Domenge on Vanity
Maxence de Leusse on Royal Diadem
Mini CEA Team:
Ivy Rosentreter on Gargamel
Jessie Galbraith on Little Man
Emily Dickenson on Merry
Mini Freestyle Team:
Taylor Foster on Clover Lucky Chance
Jessie Galbraith on Little Man
Erin Skinner on Galway Girl
