The second annual October Fall Fest Horse Show at Mariposa Stables marked the beginning of the 2014-2015 horse show season for Bahamian equestrian riders. Over the course of the two-day event, dozens of junior and adult riders competed across a range of divisions, under the watchful eyes of guest judge Vivian Millard, a professional rider and Grand Prix show jumper.
The October Fall Fest Horse Show saw the re-introduction of the Bahamas Junior Classic, a Hunt Seat Equitation Medal class in which junior (under-17) riders competed over a course of fences at 2-foot-9 in height, and then are required to ride individually a 'test' set by the judge. The competition amongst the five young riders in the class was fierce, with just three points separating the top two finishers. In the end, 12-year-old Ella Holowesko on Casino Royale, of Mariposa Stables, emerged as the winner.
"Providing opportunities for our young riders to hone their skills and have fun with their sport is part of the Equestrian Bahamas mission," said Cathy Ramsingh-Pierre, member of the Equestrian Bahamas Organizing Committee. "We would like to thank all the riders and their trainers who came out to take part in this event. Also, we are very grateful to Erika Adderley-Coello and Mariposa Stables for hosting this first show of the year."
In the Equitation Champions category, Emily Lowe won aboard Ashmore's Gold in the 15-17 division; Cairo Morrison won aboard Kings over Aces in the Short Stirrup Division; and Anna Nottage won aboard Sterling Silver in the 12-14 division. Also, Annabel Izmirlian won aboard Stir it Up in the Walk, Trot, Canter Division, and Maya Tilberg won aboard Graceful Lark in the 11-and-under division. Mila Sands won aboard Reese's Pieces in the Future Champions Division.
For the Bahamas Junior Classic, Ella Holowesko won aboard Casino Royale, Novice Medal went to Lila Nottage aboard TGIF, and My First Medal went to Cairo Morrison aboard Kings over Aces.
In the Hunter Champions Category, Cairo Morrison won aboard Kings over Aces in the Short Stirrup division and Tamsin Nottage won aboard A Touch of Grey in the Modified Child/Adult Amateur division.
In the Pony Hunter division Lila Nottage rode TGIF to victory, and in the Modified Regular Working Hunter Division, Anna Nottage won aboard Sterling Silver. In the Hack Division Ellie Farrington experienced success aboard Gandolfe.
Equestrian Bahamas' mission is to create and develop a comprehensive equestrian program in The Bahamas, nurturing and supporting a broad range of equestrian activities. The next horse show of the competition year will take place November 8-9, at Camperdown Equestrian Centre. The public is invited to attend.

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