Island riders will compete in the Fair Isle Horse Show on June 26 and 27 at Venture Stables in Freetown. Riders from across the Maritimes will participate in this World Class Horse Show including several people who will ride tests sponsored by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). These FEI tests are ridden the same worldwide and require a very high level of skill from both the horse and the rider. One rider is Cindy Matheson from Winsloe who will ride the Prix St. Georges Test.
Most Islanders riding at this show are students of Matheson who coaches dressage riders across the Maritimes. Ron Stewart from Bellevue Cove will ride at a Medium level and his daughter, Katelin, will ride at a Basic level. Martha Mellish from New Perth will ride at a Medium level while her father, Ken, will ride at a Basic level. Kara Grant, well-known Island pentathlete from Stratford will be showing her horse, Timber Creek. Jeannie Matheson from Brooklyn will ride at a Basic level.
Dressage tests are graded according to the level of difficulty and skill needed by the horse and rider. Riders start out with the four basic tests then move on to Medium level tests. It takes many years of training before a rider and horse can tackle the FEI tests which are at the highest level.
"Spectators are welcome to watch the show on both days," says Show Secretary, Teresa Mellish . The judge will be Joanna Crilly from Ottawa.
For more information, contact Jackie Waddell at 566-9150 or 675-3027 (evenings)or Teresa Mellish at 368-5605 or 838-4032 (evenings).