Castilla del Oro event takes Jane's Jumps to a new level:
Last weekend's Show jumping event saw local Coronado resident Jane Manatta, showing two horses in competition, Shizalady and Barrio Alto. Jane is a veteran show jumper who started riding as a child of 10 and gave lessons through college to help pay for her own jumping fees. Jane jumps for the love of the sport. While she has show jumped for most of her life, is strictly an amateur sport for her. At the recent Castilla del Oro jumping event, which was held at Coronado's equestrian Club, Jane took home a few trophies and ribbons. Shizalady come in a very close second on both days. Barri Alto did so well at the 90 cm and 1 meter heights on Saturday that Jane's team moved him up a level and competed in the 1 meter and the 1.10 meter divisions on Sunday, giving Jane a new level of play to compete in. "That 1.10 meter division had the most challenging course I have jumped in competition in quite a few years. I am turning 58 this year and have tended to go lower rather than higher during the last five years of competing over fences. But now I am headed higher again."
In the 1.10 meter, Barri Alto had 4 faults and a good time. In the 1 meter class, he went clear in the first round and in the jumpoff. He finished third place finish behind two horses with clean rounds and faster jumpoff rounds.
Jane is extremely pleased with Bari Alto's performance last weekend. "If his training continues to go well, we are planning to enter him in the 1.10 meter division again in the next national jumping competition." Says Jane. That event will be held the last weekend in March at the Clayton Equestrian Club in Panama City.
Jane's Advice to Show Competitors:
"I would certainly encourage other older amateur athletes to keep pushing themselves in competition, as long as they enjoy the experience and the challenge, and not to feel out of place being in the mix with the professionals and the younger competitors. That's one of the most enjoyable aspects of show jumping to me, that you have such a mix of competitors (all ages, male and female, amateur and professional), all with dedication to the horses and to the sport, plus a great group of friends and family in support."
