Local showjumping competitors are gearing up to defend Bermuda’s championship title as the Caribbean Equestrian Association Regional Jumping Challenge returns to the National Equestrian Centre on November 16.The Caribbean Equestrian Federation (CEA) seeks to encourage equestrian sport within the Caribbean regions by the promotion of international and/or intra Caribbean events.Bermuda has been a member country of the CEA since 1999. Other member countries include Jamaica, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Haiti as well as Trinidad and Tobago.The format of the CEA Regional Jumping Challenge provides an excellent opportunity for Bermuda equestrians to measure their equestrian jumping skills against riders from other Caribbean countries, without the expense or logistics of having to travel overseas. Participating riders compete, in their own country, over an identical jumping course at heights of 0.70m, 0.85m or 1.00m. Marina Azevedo, of Brazil designed the course for this year’s competition. Officiating the Bermuda round of the Challenge will be Judge Pam Mahoney of Bermuda.Following the completion of the CEA Regional Jumping Challenge, the Bermuda Equestrian Federation will host a Support Jumper competition that will include jumping heights up to and including 1.30m.