Belize Equestrian Academy
Presents
Olde Mill Cup 2008
1st International Show JumpingTournament
with participation from Mexico’s Ecuestre La Selva riding school.

JUMPING HIGH WITH MEXICO
 Belize: February 25th.2008

Over the weekend 23/24 February 17 riders from “Ecuestre La Selva” riding school in Cancun, Mexico joined the students of the 6 month old “Belize Equestrian Academy”, based in Cayo District, for its first international show jumping tournament. Show jumping is a new sport to Belize, and the inspiration of the Academy’s young founder, John Tre Roberson.

Within an arena, riders put their horses over a series of colourful fences, against the clock and without incurring penalty faults by, for example, knocking down fences or jumping the fences in the wrong order. The height of the fences is in accordance with the age and experience of the riders and their horses. Before the judges, Colonel Bob Griffiths MBE, Mr Marcel Bedran, Mrs Svea Dietrich Ward and Mr Hans Konrad Theis, tournament riders jumped fences ranging from 30 cm to 1.3m in height. Show jumping is a very challenging sport, demanding fitness, physical courage, skill, determination and competitiveness of both horse and rider who must work together as one to complete a course. Under the skilful eye and direction of the Academy’s trainer Mr Pablo Braunschwieg, Belizean students from all walks of life in Cayo District, and beyond, have come on, literally by leaps and bounds, in the last 6 months and proved more than a match for their challengers from Mexico.

Jumping fences as high as 1.3m, Mr John Tre Roberson, riding Finishing Touch, gave an exemplary show of what he had achieved with only 6 months of training. Davina Bedran carried away First Prize for her outstanding horsemanship and style with Gabriella Van Utterbeck and Agustus Lee Workman close on her heels. Senorita Andrea Winner of Mexico took First Prize in the Open 90 cm course and Miss Gabriella VanUtterbeck of Belize took First in the Open Junior 90 cm category. Miss Bianca Figueroa of Belize took First Prize in the Open 70 cm category and Miss Davina Bedran of Belize took First Prize from Senor Samuel Aguiler of Mexico in an exciting jump off in the Open 90cm/1m category. Mr Kyle Lennon (9yrs) of Belize made his debut in the arena as a pre novice infant, riding Mr Brown and achieved a clear round. Congratulations to all the Academy’s team for their fine performances, courage and enthusiasm, making this happy event one long to be remembered;

Miss Davina Bedran ( 15 yrs.)
Mr. Agustus Lee Workman (11yrs.)
Mr. Kriston Pennix (11yrs)
Mr. Angelo Figueroa (13yrs.)
Mr. Cesar Figueroa (9yrs.)
Miss Bianca Figueroa (10yrs.)
Mr. Kyle Lennon (9yrs.)
Miss Victoria Bedran (12yrs.)
Miss Elly Bedran (15yrs.)
Miss Michelle Devore (10 yrs.)
Miss Gabriella VanUtterbeck ( 13yrs.)
Master Jared Mena (4 yrs.)
Mr. John Tre Roberson ( 24yrs.)

Particular special thanks are due to Lic. Ana Patricia Morales Portas, the owner of “Ecuestre La Selva, Cancun, Mexico, for her arrangement of her school’s participation. To Mr. Pablo G. Braunschweig BEA’s outstanding instructor, Mrs. Yvette Bedran, Mrs. Marina Devore, Mr. John Carr, Mrs. Svea Dietrich Ward and all the parents of the students of the Belize Equestrian Academy for their unfailing support and encouragement. Warmest thanks also for the sponsorship, help and donations of Mr. John Roberson of Olde Mill Development and his family, Mrs Linda McDermott, Sunnyside Farm, Mr Amin and Mrs Sandy Bedran of Timber Homes,  and for the gracious hospitality of the San Ignacio Resort Hotel and  its wonderful staff.

With excellent catering and facilities, the many spectators had the opportunity to enjoy seeing young Belizeans and their Mexican guests putting themselves and their horses through their paces in the glorious setting of the Belize Equestrian Academy in the hills of Cayo, just off the Western Highway at Mile 54. We and the riders of the Academy, all look forward to the summer when the next tournament is scheduled. If you would like to take part then contact the Academy right now and mount up!  

For information contact: Mr John Tre Roberson at 625-6827