CIrider clinches 2nd in Puerto Rican contest

(CNS): Phoebe Serpell, one of two Cayman riders who entered the Federacion Puertorriquena de Deportes Ecuestres (FPDE) came away with the reserve trophy after two days of jumping competition. Hannah Fowler, came in fourth. Normally a local contest to allow riders to compete on their own horses, the Cayman Islands Equestrian Federation plans to host the competition for the first time next year but as Serpell and Fowler will be too old then the girls decided to gain overseas competition experience by borrowing local Puerto Rican horses for the San Juan competition.

Fowler and Serpell chose to enter the Bronze Tour and jumped four different courses over two days, with fence heights set at 1m. Both riders were delighted to jump a clear round on the first course, despite wet and soggy conditions. In the second round, both collected four faults. Fowler for a knock down and Serpell for a refusal.  At the awards ceremony, Sophie Uldry of Puerto Rico took first place with two clear rounds, Fowler placed second, Daniela Vargas of Puerto Rico third and Serpell came in fourth.

On the second day, Fowler was first into the arena in brighter conditions but caught two fences leaving her with eight faults. Serpell posted a clear round putting pressure on the local talent. In the final round, both Fowler and Serpell went clear. For the day this placed Serpell first, with locals Uldry and Vargas second and third, respectively, and Fowler in fourth.

As the results were calculated for overall positions, Uldry was named overall Champion with Serpell winning the overall Reserve Champion trophy, Vargas was placed third and Fowler fourth, who also won the Best Presented Horse award in the Vet Jog.

Secretary-General of CIEF, Pamela Fowler, who attended the competition with the riders, said they were competing against riders riding their own horses and so both did really well.

“As a Federation, we hope to be able to organize this competition in Cayman in 2015 so our riders can ride their own horses at home. It will be another welcome milestone in our development as a Federation; hard work, but worth it for the opportunity it affords our pool of young riding talent. Having said that, it is always great for development when our riders can gain overseas experience on borrowed horses, and we know both girls really enjoyed the experience and are eagerly looking for their next opportunity to compete overseas,” she added.