Monday, December 16, 2019 – (Columbus, Ohio) – The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) along with Bahamas Interschool Equestrian League (BIEL) – a division of Equestrian Bahamas – held a Hunt Seat Invitational and Selection Trial last weekend on December 8th at Mariposa Stables in Nassau, Bahamas.
The following top five riders from the Bahamas have been selected to participate as a team in the first ever IEA International Invitational in Conyers, Georgia on February 15, 2020. The International Invitational will be held in conjunction with the IEA Zone 4/Region 1 finals at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers:
· Peyton Wong – Queens College Team, coached by Kimberly Johnson
· Elle O’Brien – Windsor School Team, coached by Erika Adderley-Coello
· Mila Sands – Queens College Team, coached by Kimberly Johnson
· Maya Tilberg – Saint Augustine’s College Team, coached by Kimberly Johnson
· Nicholas Astwood – Tambearly School, coached by Erika Adderley-Coello
“Last week’s BIEL show was different from any other because we began with the Selection Trial for the IEA International Invitational,” stated President of Equestrian Bahamas, Catherine Ramsingh-Pierre. “This is the first time in over 35 years that a team will represent The Bahamas abroad in equestrian competition. We are very proud of all our riders who competed in the Selection Trial, performing at a high standard under tremendous pressure. Equestrian Bahamas would like to congratulate our five Finalists, and to thank our guest observers from the IEA, Roxane Durant and Simon Towns. Their presence was an inspiration for our riders. It feels wonderful to be a part of the special and welcoming equestrian community created by the IEA. Team Bahamas looks forward to participating in the International Invitational in 2020!”
Following Sunday’s competition, Hunter/Jumper ‘R’ rated judge, Linda Mancini of Warwick, New York took the opportunity to talk with each of the riders who competed. This is the first time either organization has done an international exchange.
