The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

EQUESTRIAN Bahamas president Cathy Ramsingh-Pierre said they will enter 2023 with gratitude for the successes achieved in the past year, and a sense of optimism and renewed energy for the year to come.

“We anticipate continued strong participation in the sport locally, with five competitions planned between January and May featuring classes from beginner to intermediate levels,” she said of one of the most vibrant sporting bodies in the island nation.

The popular team-based Bahamas Interscholastic Equestrian League competitions will also continue, with two competitions planned culminating in a championship event.

“As a federation we plan to continue to engage with our regional and international partners to provide maximum opportunities for training and competition,” she noted.

Ramsingh-Pierre further revealed that this year riders will compete in Caribbean Equestrian Association events and will continue to compete to earn points towards qualification in the Princeton Equestrian League and Marshall and Sterling League Finals in September.

“Of course, the most exciting event of the year promises to be the 2023 CAC Games this summer in San Salvador, El Salvador, at which Anna Camille Vlasov will make history representing The Bahamas,” she said.

“This is a huge step for us. Millie has been a trailblazer at home and a supreme ambassador for The Bahamas in the European show jumping arena. We have several strong junior riders who are eager to follow in her footsteps. “

Ramsingh-Pierre further noted that a strong focus in 2023 will be on growth and development in the continued maintenance or upgrading of competition officials’ certification in various elements such as jumping course design.

“We will continue with our outreach programmes such as the Learn to Ride Summer Programme, while also exploring a pilot programme to introduce equestrian sport into the primary schools,” she stated.

“Initiatives like these are essential in helping to realise our mission of making equestrian sport accessible to a broad range of Bahamians.”

On another front we have joined with fellow FEI national federations to embark upon a livestock replenishment initiative, with the goal of supporting our member clubs in accessing talented, affordable horses.

“Our aim is to enable our equestrian athletes – especially those unable to afford private horse ownership – the opportunity to practice their sport with quality equine partners, which promotes a higher technical level of competition,” Ramsingh-Pierre said.

In the early summer, Ramsingh-Pierre revealed plans to hold their annual awards ceremony, which is always a fun event during which time they will celebrate the successes of our athletes in and out of the show ring.

“At this time, we try to celebrate everything about sport that is important, not only giving awards for points accrued during shows, but also for categories such as our All-Bahamas Equestrian Scholars, who successfully balance sport and academic achievement, and the President’s Junior Sportsmanship Award,” she said.

As they enter 2023, Ramsingh-Pierre said that Equestrian Bahamas would like to acknowledge the support of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Bahamas Olympic Committee, their corporate sponsors, and volunteers, coaches and parents for their staunch support and tireless commitment.

“We look forward to a year of growth and achievement,” Ramsingh-Pierre summed up.