Winter Classic showjumping event
The top event on the equestrian calendar, the Nissan Winter Classic, will be from 12 to 16 June.
THE prestigious Nissan Winter Classic, a show jumping event like no other on the South African equestrian calendar, will take place from 12 to 16 June, at Durban Shongweni Club.
Last year’s event saw a wonderful turnout and great riding, and there is no doubt this year will provide world-class action for fans and competitors.
The competition also doubles as the second leg of the FEI World Cup Qualifier Series and will see the country’s top riders competing at their best.
Entries for the Classic are open and competitors can enter on the South African Show Jumping website: www.sashowjumping.co.za.
“We are expecting the maximum amount of entries this year, in the region of 450 horses. Once again international course designer Andreas Hollmann will be coming out from Germany to design the tracks, and this year’s prize pool stands at over R250 000,” said Nissan Winter Classic spokeswoman Jodi Wolhuter.
The crowd-pleasing Nissan 6 Bar event will also be back, taking place after lunch on Sunday, 15 June.
In the 6 Bar competition, riders jump six fences in a straight line. In most places the fences are placed equal distances apart, but increase in height as riders clear each one. After each round that the riders make it through, the height of the fences are raised, until a winner is determined. “Occasionally, if there are multiple jump-offs, the final fences may be raised to well over 2m,” said Wolhuter.
The Nissan Winter Classic is great family entertainment. Apart from world class show jumping daily from 8am to 4.30pm, there will be craft stalls, a children's play area, Nissan vehicles on display and available for test drives, a beer garden, and fabulous food on sale from the Saddle Inn.
