Meet the Team
Mary Alberga
FounderMary Alberga founded the Equestrian Center in 1992, welcoming its first riders in 1993. What began with a small group of horses and a vision has grown into the foundation of equestrian sport in the Cayman Islands.
Over the past three decades, Mary has played a central role in developing the sport locally. She founded the Cayman Horse Association in 1997 (now the Cayman Islands Equestrian Federation) and continues to contribute to its growth today.
Mary holds multiple FEI qualifications, including Level 2 Coach, Level 1 Jump Judge, Level 1 Steward, and Course Designer certification, as well as a Level 1 Vaulting Coach certification.
Her experience extends internationally, having supported riders at major events including the Pan American Games and Youth Olympic Games — where one of her students secured Cayman’s first Olympic equestrian medal.
At the heart of everything Mary has built is a longstanding commitment to horse welfare, which remains the guiding principle of the Center today.
Jessica McTaggart
Head Dressage TrainerJessica grew up at the Equestrian Center, developing her riding across both horses and disciplines before specializing in dressage during her university years.
Training under Cindy Thaxton at High Point Farm and participating in clinics with Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel, Jessica progressed through the levels, competing successfully through Prix St. Georges.
She went on to represent the Cayman Islands at the Central American and Caribbean Games and the Pan American Games — the country’s first appearance in equestrian sport at this level.
Since returning to Cayman in 2012, Jessica has led the dressage program, developing both horses and riders through structured, classical training. Her horse Loris 7 now serves as an FEI schoolmaster within the program.
Jessica is passionate about helping riders of all ages develop confidence, skill, and a genuine understanding of dressage.
Business Manager & InstructorJodie McTaggart
Jodie grew up at the Equestrian Center and has been immersed in the world of horses from an early age.
After more than a decade working as a CPA with KPMG, she returned to the Equestrian Center full-time in 2023 as Business Manager and Instructor, bringing operational expertise alongside a lifelong passion for riding.
As a junior rider, Jodie was an accomplished show jumper before developing a love for dressage during her university years. More recently, she has returned to jumping and is developing a young horse alongside her teaching role.
Jodie holds a Regional Course Design Certification and has completed the FEI Pre-Level 1 Instructor Course, with plans to complete her Level 1 certification.
She is proud to help lead the next chapter of the Equestrian Center, continuing its family legacy while supporting the growth of riders and the wider equestrian community
International Dressage CoachOmar Zayrik
Omar Zayrik is a an accomplished international dressage rider, FEI 3* Dressage Judge, and trainer with decades of experience developing both horses and riders at the highest levels of the sport.
Representing Mexico internationally, Omar has earned multiple medals across the Central American & Caribbean Games and Pan American Games, including Gold Medals in El Salvador (2002) and Veracruz (2014). He also placed fourth individually at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara (2011) and was Champion of the FEI Dressage Challenge in Mexico (2000).
Alongside his competitive success, Omar is widely respected for his thoughtful horse-centred approach to training and rider development. At the Equestrian Center, he leads the Elite Dressage Program and supports riders in both training and international competition.
Assistant InstructorAbigail “Abbey” Swartz
JAbbey began riding at the Equestrian Center at just seven years old and has grown through the program into a skilled and dedicated horsewoman.
Now part of the teaching team, she brings energy, patience, and a natural ability to connect with both horses and riders, particularly younger students.
Abbey currently competes at Third Level dressage and continues to develop her own riding alongside her teaching.
As someone who has grown up within the program, she reflects the horsemanship, responsibility, and care that define the Equestrian Center.
