Misir, Johnston star for Jamaica in CEA competition

Equestrians Sara Misir and Sayan Johnston secured second place for Jamaica in the Caribbean Equestrian Association (CEA) Junior Jumping Competition held in the Cayman Islands last Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15.

Misir, a seasoned international rider, lived up to expectations competing in the 0.80m (height of obstacles) class, placing second with only four faults over the four rounds. She also won the top individual category for her height (0.80m). Erin Stephany, her rival from Barbados, despite having three clear rounds, had a disappointing last round which cost team Barbados 25 points with a final score of 27 points. Despite this setback, Barbados pulled through to win the competition ahead of Jamaica's 38 points.

Johnston, representing Jamaica on her first CEA circuit, competed in the .70m class, finishing with 34 faults after four rounds. These competitions always prove to be challenging as these riders are given only five minutes to acquaint themselves with the horse they have drawn. Jamaican coach, Betty Wates, indicated that this competition was "good exposure for Johnston".

Thea Milward (.70m) and Polly Serpell (.80m) of Cayman finished only three points behind Jamaica with 41 points. Miriel Lanser (.70m) and Adelle Stollmeyer (.80m) brought Trinidad into fourth place with 67 points for this second leg of the competition.

junior jumping competition

The CEA has been offering a junior jumping competition between the Caribbean countries since 1998. Coach Wates, who accompanied the team, explained that the "objective is to get the Caribbean countries to advance forward in both jumping and dressage, and also to expose the riders to the different cultures of the islands". This competition has two riders for two height levels, with each country hosting three other countries for the year. The countries participating in 2011 are Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

The overall standing has Barbados on top with 10 points, Jamaica in second on six, Cayman Islands four and Trinidad and Tobago with two points. The third leg of this competition will be held in Trinidad on September 24 and 25, 2011. The final leg will be hosted by Jamaica on November 5 and 6.

The young riders will be in action this weekend in the FEI (Federation Equestrian International) World Jumping Challenge Category C and the Hi Pro Grand Prix second leg at the Kingston Polo Club and Equestrian Centre today and tomorrow, starting at 9:00 a.m. Admission is free.