Equestrian Jason Walter aboard his bay gelding Shambal topped the field recently by winning the Adult FEI World Jumping Challenge.

Competing in Category A for the first time as an adult, the 15-year-old Wolmer’s Boys’ School student cleared obstacles 1.20-metre high by 1.30-metre wide over four rounds accumulating 16 faults. In second place was Justin Vaz riding Shabba Ranks with 20 faults, followed by Gabby Ralston on Miss Fran with 22 faults and Adam Lake on Alex with 32 faults.

The Walter/Shambal team was awarded the additional prize of best presented horse and special recognition was given by Judge Anne-Marie Parravicino from Barbados to groom Courtney Vincent, emphasising the importance of all members of the team in the preparation of a winning combination.

Asked to comment on the win Walter acknowledged his coach Betty Wates, “Mother Wates”, who has been recognised internationally as the main driving force of the equestrian sport in the Caribbean. Walter said: “When you ride with Mother Wates 100 per cent commitment to the sport is required and with this effort I am able to be successful.”

The second leg of the EFJ jumping league also took place with Gabby Ralston on Miss Fran topping the High League ahead of Walter on Shambal and Adam Lake on Alex, Walter and Lake are currently tied for first place with 18 points over the two rounds.

In the Medium League Briana Schwapp on Trelawny continues to dominate, placing first ahead of Lacife Leslie on Sassy and Stephanie Stewart on Appeal. Schwapp is firmly in the lead with the maximum 20 points over the two rounds.

In the Low League Tiffani Ralston on Patriot won for the second time ahead of Gabriella Beaman on Bambi and Trina DeLisser riding Lee. Ralston is also firmly in the lead with the maximum 20 points over the two rounds.