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09th March 2010
St Lucian Equestrians participate in regional event

The equestrian association of Martinique recently hosted an FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) sanctioned, regional jumping competition at the Equi Libre Centre in Francois, an eastern district on the island of Martinique. A small St Lucian contingency, consisting of Rhea Moffat and Lauren Devaux, both 13 years of age, were among the junior riders invited to participate.
The Inter Caraibes 2010, on February 18 to 20, consisted of three levels of competition with jumps ranging between 80 to 95 centimeters for the Espoir (young hopefuls), 95 to 105 for the Elite (advanced riders) and 105 to 115 for the Grand Prix (professional level). Equestrian teams from Barbados, Trinidad, French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Bahamas, Surinam and Martinique were put to the test as horse and rider combinations attempted to produce clear rounds, that is, complete a course of 10 obstacles in the correct order with no jumps knocked down and no refusals from the horse.
The St. Lucian team, coached by Nancy Atkinson, were deemed the new comers to the event and were greeted with much enthusiasm from all. The two-man team proved hopeful during the first day of trials and were admitted into the competition with Rhea mounted on a streamlined Felia and Lauren on a well-muscled Javotte, horses provided by the host country. The first day of formal competition, Thursday February 16, was a show of courage, but did not produce an award-winning ride for the St Lucian team. During the second round on Saturday, the St Lucian riders elected not to compete as jumps were reset at a daunting 15 centimeters above the previous round. The riders and coach were however satisfied with the experience and the performance, being the first St Lucian equestrian team to enter a regional competition for many years.
According to coach, Nancy Atkinson from Country Saddles, “This year was more or less an opportunity to experience the level of competition expected regionally and to make the necessary contacts that will assist in raising the level of equestrian sport in St Lucia.

 
 

We were treated very hospitably by our host family, all the organizers in Martinique, and the other coaches. They were all very excited to see a St Lucian team represented. We have had offers of assistance from coaches and riding clubs throughout the region in the way of further training for our riders and coaches. This is a great chance for us to establish a strong foundation for this Olympic sport in St Lucia. We now need to rally the assistance of the St Lucian government and local businessmen in the form of sponsorship. For our riders to make a showing at this level of competition with the lack of facilities presently available in St Lucia was a phenomenal achievement. We are looking forward to ‘raising the bar’ next year to make up those 15 centimeters, but this will take improved equipment on this end in addition to the many hours of training.”
In attendance at the first round was St Lucia’s Consulate General to Martinique, Mr Keats Compton. He addressed the crowd, expressing his pride in the two junior riders from St Lucia, his gratitude for the hospitality of the host island and his pleasure at seeing the development of equestrian sport in St Lucia. The significance of such sports in St Lucia was echoed by both Compton and Atkinson as they promote not only character development for the island’s youth and provide valuable exposure to other cultures, but also provide possibilities for scholarships to institutions of higher learning in North America and the UK for St Lucian students.
A highlight of the event were demonstration rides of the Grand Prix courses by Europe’s champion show jumper, France’s Kevin Staut and team mate, Penelope Leprevost. The crowd was appreciative of their time in attending the event and mentoring the junior riders and awed by the skill of these world cup riders.

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