Vesey Street Equestrian Centre tomorrow when Bermuda hosts the Second Junior International Show jumping Competition.

Groups from Canada, United States, Jamaica and Mexico began arriving earlier this week for the event, which employs the unique aspect of having pre-juniors (12 and 13-year-olds) and juniors (14-18) competing as individuals using adult horses as opposed to ponies.

There's also a social aspect, as the visiting riders are being housed at the residencies of their local rivals, with the aim of fostering some form of camaraderie between the nations.

Bermuda Equestrian Federation (BEF) president Mike Cherry yesterday looked forward to having the youth on display and was optimistic about the Bermudian riders' chances.

"We possess home advantage, so we have a good chance of putting up a good showing,'' said Cherry.

"It also gives our youngsters exposure to international competition against overseas riders and the chance for us to do a reciprocal competition with the other countries which have hosted us for similar competitions in the past.'' Leading the charge for the Island will be national show jumping champion Sarah Leighton, who at 13 and classified as pre-junior, has shown maturity beyond her years.

However, all of the Bermuda riders have displayed a keenness normally unseen as the time nears for them to take their place in the spotlight.

The remainder of the local group contains juniors Tiffany Heslop, Melody Smith, Furqan Chaldun, Catrina Adcock, Christy Mullin and Jane Dunmore and pre-juniors Rayman Butterfield, Gemma Morrison, Chrissy Dove and Stephan DiMeglio.

Tournament co-chairperson Mary Francis Gaglio explained the mood as one of great anticipation among the competitors.

"They're all very excited. We had a technical meeting and they all got along and are really psyched up for the event,'' explained Gaglio, who has been working all week to ensure the readiness of the facility at Vesey Street.

"It's just the spirit of taking part. You don't have to have won a class to have a good time ...there's more to it than the blue ribbon.'' However, while the international event stands as the feature attraction, something is planned for everyone, with jumping events involving other junior and senior riders sprinkled in, as well as the Olympic Club Stakes being sponsored by the Dog Training Club of Bermuda and show-casing humans, canines and horses in tandem.

Saturday's show gets underway at 2 p.m. and lasts until 7 p.m., while Sunday has a 10 a.m. start with final event around 4.30 p.m.

Following are the names of foreign riders due to take part in the competition: Carley Cooper, Ryan Roy, Sidney Vince, Elliott Stone (Canada); Victoria Castegren, Cullen Latimer (United States); Rowena Ockendon-Day (England); Annette Lyn (Jamaica); Daniela Gomez Valpeoz (Mexico).