Great support for showjumping event
Record number of entries for South Africa’s biggest showjumping event in KZN, the Nissan Winter Classic.
THE biggest showjumping competition in KwaZulu-Natal will attract top riders to the province as the fifth Nissan Winter Classic kicks off at Durban Shongweni Club from 15 to 19 June.
An exciting lineup of 39 events will take place throughout the five-day competition including the 1.10 Constantia Uitsig KZN Pony Riders Championship and 1.5m Nissan Riders Grand Prix Tour on Thursday, 16 June; the popular Nissan 6-bar event (for juniors and adults) on the evening of Friday, 17 June under floodlights. The 1.4m Liberty Championships and the main title class – the 1.5m Nissan FEI World Cup Qualifier- both scheduled for Sunday, 19 June with the qualifier around midday.
Organisers anticipate a field of 560 horses arriving to participate for the top spot. The list of competing riders includes the country’s very best in the showjumping world such as Anne Marie Esslinger, Nicola Sime-Riley, Dominey Alexander, Barry Taylor and last year’s winner, Jonathan Clarke.
Renowned rider and showjumping champion, Lorette Knowles-Taylor, returns this year after her impressive record-breaking 2.05m jump on Nissan Nabab Forever in the showstopping 6-bar event. In addition to this achievement, Knowles-Taylor has won the South African Derby, Rider’s Championship, several World Cup Qualifiers and is ranked second in South Africa for showjumping.
In addition to some fabulous equestrian entertainment, visitors to this year’s Nissan Winter Classic will be able to sample a delicious variety of food, browse an array of interesting stalls and even take a spin in one of Nissan’s vehicles at the Nissan Test Drive Station. There will be ongoing arena entertainment and children will be kept entertained on the final weekend in the designated Nissan children’s play area.
Another highlight at this year’s event is the dog agility display on Sunday, 19 June, where trainers will give their dogs the chance to put on an impressive demonstration of canine agility, tricks and dancing. There will also be a number of fun dog competitions held throughout with various categories including best performer, best rescue, most unusual dog mix, happiest dog, owner/dog lookalike and best matching outfits. Spot prizes will be given for these throughout the show.
Entrance is free for all. Anyone wanting more information can visit www.sashowjumping.co.za and www.nissan.co.za
