MICHELLE Ingham on Karuso won the Test A (Advanced) of the Caribbean Equestrian Association's Dressage Challenge at Vesey Street on Saturday with a score of 62.57% while Belgian Chocolate and Michael Rodrigues finishing second (58.0%).

Test B (Novice) was won by Desiree ridden by Alison Dyer-Fagundo with a high score of 65.56%.

This is the pair's first time competing in the Challenge and they performed a very steady and technically correct test. In second and third place respectively were two juniors, Daniella DeSilva riding Felipe (62.96%) and Amanda Mayne riding Amazing Grace (60%). Both juniors continue to improve with each competition and their scores are a reflection of their dedication and hard work. The visiting judge Marian Cunningham Becker was highly impressed with the competitors in the Children's 12-14 years Preliminary Competition.

All competitors posted very respectable scores with Rachel Roblin riding Nemesis edging out Kristina Gibbons and Welcome Shadow. Both competitors had scores of 68.8%, the tie being broken by the judge through collective marks based on the horse's way of going and rider's position and effectiveness. A close third place was Alexandra Hartley (66.8%), fourth Lindsay Butterfield and Share the Moment (62.0%), fifth Brooke Dolan and Paint By Numbers (60.8%) and sixth was Camielle Outerbridge and Mint Chip (58.4%).

The competition was followed by a video review with the judge of each rider's performance with clinics offered on Sunday. Judge Becker gave positive comments about the level of riding in Bermuda and was impressed with the scores posted.

Bermuda was the first leg of the CEA Dressage Challenge with the judge continuing onto Jamaica. The Bermuda team, consisting of four Advanced and/or Novice riders was selected prior to the start and fortunately included Karuso and Michelle Ingham, Desiree and Alison Dyer-Fagundo, Felipe and Daniella DeSilva, and Amazing Grace and Amanda Mayne who posted the four highest scores of the competition.

Bermuda will have to wait until the end of the competition to see how the island faired but based on prior competitions Bermuda's scores should put them in a good position.

Results

Test A (Advanced Test)

1. Karuso - Michelle Ingham - 62.57%

2. Belgian Chocolate - Michael Rodrigues - 58.0%

Test B (Novice Test)

1. Desiree - Alison Dyer-Fagundo - 65.56% (T)

2. Felipe - Daniella Desilva - 62.96% (T)

3. Amazing Grace - Amanda Mayne - 60.0% (T)

4. Nemesis - Sonia Pereira - 58.15%

5. The King of Rock - Daniella DeSilva - 53.33%

6. Grand Finale - Gina Flood - 52.96%

Children's Preliminary Test

1. Nemesis - Rachel Roblin - 68.8%

2. Welcome Shadow - Kristina Gibbons - 68.8%

3. Promises To Keep - Alexandra Hartley - 66.80%

4. Share The Moment - Lindsay Butterfield - 62.0%

5. Paint By Numbers - Brooke Dolan - 60.8%

6. Mint Chip - Camielle Outerbridge - 58.4%

The show was sponsored by Noah's Ark.