Bermudian Equestrian Ki-Juan Minors competed in a special qualifier that was recently held in Wellington, Florida, and has successfully secured one individual show jumping spot for Bermuda at the 2018 CAC Games in Barranquilla.
This became a special weekend for the Minors Family, as Ki-Juan’s brother Dage won the Front Street Mile Elite Men’s Race.
The Bermuda Equestrian Federation (BEF) explained that “This qualifier event qualifies the country to compete at the Games.”
“The 2018 CAC Games will be held in Barranquilla, Columbia from July 20th – 3rd August 2018 and it is Bermuda’s intention to send a qualified individual. The height of the CAC games will be between 1.35 m and 1.50m. The show jumping competition will consist of a maximum of 40 Athletes / Riders, with a total of 8 teams and 8 individuals,” the BEF said.
Jaime Masters McDowell, Head of the International Committee and Vice President of the Bermuda Equestrian Federation [BEF] said: “The Bermuda Equestrian Federation would like to congratulate Minors on his achievement at the recent qualifier in Wellington.
“Minors competed over three rounds and grew stronger each time. This was a successful showing where Minors was able to secure a show jumping spot for Bermuda at the 2018 CAC Games, especially given that he had to swap to a new horse three days before the start of the competition due to his first option incurring an injury.”
When asked about the experience, Minors said, “I felt that despite the weather conditions, giving what seem to be an example of all four seasons, I was very confident each day and became more and more determined to represent myself as well as my country to the best of my ability.”
Minors continued, “I would like to give my sincerest thanks to Todd Minikus, for providing me the ride on this amazing horse, Carvelo Z, who is owned by Axel Verlooy. Thank you to U.S. Grand Prix rider and friend Mavis Spencer for stepping up to the task of Chef d’Equipe and keeping my head cool during the pressures of the competition.”
“I would also like to extend special thanks to the team at Todd Minikus LTD, Amanda Minikus for handling everything behind the scenes. Thank you to Blake Roberts, who is Carvelo Z’s rider and groom. With his help during each day the horse felt at his best,” concluded Minors.