McKeisha Smith has set out her objectives after taking up the role as president of the Bermuda Equestrian Federation.

Smith took the reins from former president Ian Truran, who retired after 18 years of service, in the wake of being appointed to the role at the federation’s annual meeting at the beginning of this month.

Reflecting on her aspirations in the role, Smith outlined her determination to build on the foundations laid by her predecessor and develop all aspects of the equestrian disciplines.

“It is with great pleasure that I accept the position as president of the Bermuda Equestrian Federation,” she said in a statement to the federation members. “To know me is to know that I have a deep passion for equestrian sport and for making a difference.

“Together with my fellow BEF directors, I will continue to build upon the framework that has already been established. My aspiration is that we are inclusive, collaborative and co-operative in our joint goal to continue to develop all of our equestrian disciplines.”

However, any developments within the competition arena will have to wait for now as equestrianism, like all sport on island, continues to be dictated to by the Government’s Return to Play guidelines, which are in Stage 3 of four to enable the resumption of competitive sport.

“First we must prepare to return to sport and competition when it is deemed safe to do so,” she added.

“While equestrian sport is not deemed to be a contact sport, attendance at equestrian events to date remains restricted to a maximum of 25 persons at any given time.

“As such, the BEF board has determined with immediate effect to end the 2020-21 BEF competition season as it relates to BEF pointed classes.

“Directors share in this disappointment and eagerly look forward to a positive and safe return to competition for the upcoming 2021-22 season.

“Recognising that the coming year will continue to have its challenges, it is imperative that I, and my fellow directors, hear and understand the needs of all stakeholders and prepare a plan.

“The BEF has a strong team of volunteers serving as directors who collectively endeavour to do what is best for our sport. Should you have occasion to feel otherwise, please communicate to us directly. Indeed, it is only with awareness that we can seek to reach change.

“It is important for us to co-operatively work together so that we can reach our collective goals of sustainability, development and inclusiveness in our equestrian sport.”