Six young equestrians from Trinidad and Tobago recently returned from an enriching and successful experience in Bogota, Colombia, where they trained with Maria Inez Garcia, an FEI Level 3 Coach. These riders then showcased their skills at the CDI 2* CDN competition and the International Cup “Riders of the Future,” held from August 15th to 18th, 2024.
Competing on borrowed horses, the Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) riders impressed the FEI International Judges, including Carol Whitman of Canada, Fredrico Pinteus of Portugal, and Sandra Smith of Argentina. The judges praised the riders for their correct seat and position, balance, and soft contact, all of which contributed to an impressive weekend filled with ribbons and accolades.
This Colombian adventure is just one of the many international competitions and clinics that the Trinidad and Tobago Equestrian Association (TTEA) has organized or encouraged its members to participate in. The TTEA is committed to advancing equestrian sport in Trinidad and Tobago through continuous education and international exposure for its riders and coaches. By participating in events abroad, T&T riders not only gain valuable experience and knowledge but also build confidence, make new friends, and have fun.
An integral part of the TTEA’s commitment to developing young talent is its Scholarship Program, which focuses on Dressage and Show Jumping. Each year, three riders in each discipline are selected by FEI International Coaches to receive specialized training. This training is conducted both virtually and in person over the course of a year. The program, which has been running successfully for the past four years, plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of top equestrian athletes in Trinidad and Tobago.
Over the past two years, Trinidadian riders have competed or attended clinics in countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, United Kingdom, as well as Wellington and Ocala in the United States. These experiences have spanned various disciplines, including Show Jumping, Eventing, and now Dressage, with T&T riders consistently performing well and earning ribbons.
The TTEA’s dedication to equestrian education is evident in its robust competition calendar, which includes four Jumping League competitions (including the FEI Jumping World Challenge), four Dressage League competitions, and, starting in 2025, three Eventing competitions forming the Eventing League. Additionally, the TTEA organizes clinics in Trinidad with international FEI Coaches at least five times per year.
In July 2024, Trinidad hosted the FEI Eventing World Challenge for the first time, earning high praise from the FEI International Eventing Judge and the FEI International Technical Delegate. A 16-year-old rider from Trinidad won the local competition with an impressive total score of
33.83. She achieved a dressage score of 29.83 and added just 4 faults for a knockdown during the jumping phase. This was an outstanding result, particularly as it was her first-ever Eventing competition. The success of the event was bolstered by the support of the FEI Solidarity program, which sent FEI Tutor Javier Jeri Leigh to Trinidad to prepare coaches, riders, horses, and organizers for the Eventing World Challenge.
The TTEA has also benefited from FEI Solidarity’s support in other areas. In 2023, they completed a three-course program on Techniques in Retraining Ex-Racehorses with FEI Tutor Anthony Lowry. This program educated trainers, coaches, horses, and riders, providing valuable skills, especially given the challenges of sourcing good horses in Trinidad & Tobago, where most horses are ex-racers.
As the TTEA continues to strive for excellence, we acknowledge the hard work of our Executive team, led by President Patrice Stollmeyer. The team includes Vice President David West, Secretary General Gabrielle Borde, Treasurer Amy Costelloe, Show Jumping Delegate Anja Taylor, Dressage Delegate Inga Fletcher, Equestrian Spirit Andrea Leigh, Fundraiser Maxienne Balkissoon, and PR Officer Clive Fletcher.
The TTEA remains committed to fostering the growth of equestrian sport in Trinidad and Tobago, preparing our riders for success on the international stage, and building a brighter future for equestrian enthusiasts across the country.