The Tribune

LAST Saturday was an evening of celebration and fellowship for Bahamian equestrians when the Equestrian Bahamas Federation held its 2013-2014 End of Year Awards Ceremony at La H�pica Restaurant on Nelson Road in western New Providence.

The event, which was the first of its kind for Equestrian Bahamas, was a great success.

Wellington Miller, president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, was the guest of honour at the event and he presented the awards to the winners.

Riders, trainers, friends and family members cheered as Miller awarded beautiful aqua, black and gold prize rosettes to the highest-scoring riders and horses in each category, and congratulated each of the riders on their achievements.

In addition, every rider who participated in one of Equestrian Bahamas’ shows over the course of the year received a participant’s ribbon, in acknowledgement of their participation and support.

Miller praised Equestrian Bahamas for its efforts over the past year in developing equestrian sport in the Bahamas, and reiterated the Bahamas Olympic Committee’s commitment to supporting that development.

End-of-year award winners were calculated according to horse and rider performance in specific categories, across the aggregate of the seven horse shows in the 2013-2014 horse show season.

In each category, the first and second highest scorers were awarded champion and reserve champion, respectively, of their division.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the newly-established Equestrian Bahamas Junior Sportsmanship Award, and the unveiling of a beautiful floating trophy, donated by Mrs Barbara Pyfrom and family, to accompany the award.

Eight young riders were nominated for this award, but eventually it was Ms Anna Nottage, 13, who was announced as the winner.