Martin, 16, jumps to next level

Teenage star rider Sierra Martin has made local sporting history by becoming the first Caymanian junior to qualify for the North American Youth Championships.

Martin, 16, did it on the back of a standout performance at the Concours de Dressage International Junior in Ocala, Florida.

Riding Giulietta, a 15 year old Dutch bred mare generously leased by Diamante Farms in Wellington, Florida Martin delivered a commanding set of results at the World Equestrian Centre.

She won the Junior Individual, topped the Freestyle to Music, and placed second in the Junior Team test, scoring as high as 67 percent.

Those scores secured her qualification for the North American Youth Championships in Michigan in July, a first for Cayman Islands equestrian sport.

Her journey to this moment began last November in Mexico City, where she first connected with Grand Prix riders Devon Kane and Kevin Kohmann. When the opportunity arose to pursue qualification, Kane offered Giulietta, and the partnership clicked immediately.

Martin is currently training with Kane while in the US and continues to be coached at home by Cayman’s own Jessica McTaggart.

The Cayman Islands Equestrian Federation has praised the youngster’s performances, calling them “outstanding” and a testament to her discipline, talent and international promise.