Bermudian Riders Enjoy Canadian Tournament
This past August, a group of nineteen people – comprised of BEF riders and their families – traveled to Pickering, Ontario, Canada in order to participate in The Champions Week Tournament at Angelstone Farms.
Michael Rodrigues, owner and manager of Rodrigues Equine Services, partnered with Stonewood Equestrian Center to provide ten days of schooling and competition for his students.
This was a first-time experience in an international show for some participants. With over 800 horses on site, international competitors, and Olympic riders like Leslie Howard, Ian Millar, and Ljubov Kochetova, there was always something to watch and learn from.
Each day, RES riders had the opportunity to school and show in various classes. Di Langmuir’s colourful training style left a lasting impression, and all riders improved under her tutelage. Michael Rodrigues was also a competitive participant, and the ‘Bermuda Crew’ sat ringside at every event to support and cheer on the coach and his students.
The highlight of five days of competition was a clinic and $100,000 Champions Grand Prix. Equestrian Olympic jumper Eric Lamaze sponsored the event and Angelstone filled up with riding enthusiasts excited to get some pointers from him.
The RES junior members were surprised by their coach with the opportunity to walk the Grand Prix course with Eric, and were lucky enough to sit in the VIP tent with a clear view of all the championship events.
The Grand Prix finale was a breathtaking display of jumping skill and the RES kids were on the edge of their seat as Karen Cudmore on ‘Shea’ ousted Kochetova to take the win.
RES Bermuda riders included Caoimhe Collery, Elizabeth Medeiros, Justus Anderson, Vicki Steele, Julian and Amelie Halgan, Lucas and Amber Bridges, Emily Rowntree and Candyce Martins.
They achieved some wonderful results, with everyone earning ribbons in their classes. Amelie, the event’s youngest rider, was the star of the Grand Prix night as the only participant in a lead line class. Riding Derby, she was led around the main ring by Bermudian equestrian Riley Correia.
A spokesperson said, “RES would like to sincerely thank all at Angelstone Farms for being so welcoming to our group over the week. Thanks also go to the Bermuda Equestrian Federation for their support and help.
“To all at Stonewood- Tenille Kerrigan, Di Langmuir, Shane Pearson and Stephanie Harder- RES would like to thank you for selecting perfectly matched horses and ponies to suit each rider and for keeping RES organized at the show.
“RES hope to travel again to Angelstone in 2014 for a repeat experience! Congratulations to all the riders and a huge thank-you to everyone who sponsored or supported a member of our group.”
