The Trinidad and Tobago Equestrian Association (TTEA) recently held the first International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) Eventing World Challenge at San Antonio Stables in Santa Cruz. The event aimed to provide a platform for local riders facing challenges in competing abroad. Riders from all over Trinidad and Tobago gathered to compete in three categories: FEI, national, and dressage only.
The Dressage segment kicked off the competition, with scores being converted into penalty points for the Eventing competition. Amy Costelloe, riding Audacity to Hope, took the lead in the Eventing Competition after Dressage, closely followed by Justynne Fletcher on Cape Canaveral and Sandhya Moll on Apocalypse.
The challenging Cross Country course, designed by FEI level-two course designer Javier Jeri Leigh, featured 18 jumps. Sixteen-year-old Fletcher emerged as the winner of the Eventing competition, adding only four penalties to her Dressage score. Her sister Jaimie secured second place, followed by Moll and Caitlyn Sebastien.
In the National competition, Mia Vieira on Miss Lily led after Dressage. However, Charlotte Mack claimed victory in the National Class, followed closely by Caitlin Whitling and Mia Vieira.
Mia Tewari excelled in the Dressage Only competition, securing victory with an impressive score. TTEA president Patrice Stollmeyer expressed her excitement for the future of equestrian sports in Trinidad and Tobago, hoping the successful event will mark a rebirth of equestrian events in the country.
