Benoni to host Western Mounted Games provincials July 25 & 26

Open to horses of any breed, Western mounted games is regarded as an accessible, family-friendly discipline that continues to grow in popularity across South Africa.

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A young rider dressed in red and blue riding a white horse on a course. — Kaylee van der Merwe guides her horse Strawberry Willow around the course. Photo: Supplied

Ekurhuleni will field a strong blend of young talent and experienced riders when the South African Western Mounted Games (SAWMG) Provincial championships take place at Six Trees Stables in Jatniel on July 25 and 26.

A squad of 31 riders will represent the region in the sixth and seventh provincial qualifiers, with competitors hoping to secure top performances in one of the country’s fastest-growing equestrian disciplines.

A rider on a black horse reaching towards a red barrel. — Letitia van der Merwe and Fire during one of the events at the SAWMGA Gauteng sixth qualifier Marlet Equestrian Centre in Hekpoort. Photo: Supplied

The event is jointly hosted under the banners of SAWMGA and the South African National Equestrian Schools Association (SANESA), bringing together some of Gauteng’s top horse-and-rider combinations to compete for provincial honours and the opportunity to qualify for the SAWMGA National Championships.

Benoni’s Vega Equestrian Club will fly the community’s flag high with 16 of its riders part of the Ekurhuleni team.

The club will be led by coach Charlene Rossouw as they have their sights on qualifying for the national championships.

Under Rossouw’s leadership, the club has become known for its dedication, sportsmanship and strong team spirit. The club is passionate about developing riders of all ages, helping them build confidence, strengthen their horsemanship and pursue excellence at every level of competition.

A rider on a white horse navigating a route past a red, yellow and blue barrel. — Vega Equestrain Club coach Charlene Rossouw on her horse Sir Blue at the regional qualifiers. Photo: supplied

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“Congratulations to every rider, horse, family member, coach and supporter who contributed to this remarkable achievement. The club wishes the entire team every success as they proudly represent Vega at the provincials and continue their journey towards the SAWMGA National Championships,” the club said in a statement.

About Western Mounted Games

According to the South African Western Mounted Games Association (SAWMGA), western mounted games is a fast-paced equestrian sport that combines the speed of a racehorse, the agility of a cutting horse and the precision of a stock horse.

A young rider on a white horse wearing red and blue shirt and red and blue helmet. — Rider Kaylee van der Westhuizen and her horse Strawberry Willow. Photo: Supplied

Nationally sanctioned by the SAWMGA, the sport features events such as Barrel Racing, Pole Bending and Hurry Scurry.

Riders compete over five gymkhana patterns at local qualifiers, with their times measured against a strict matrix that determines their competition level.

Open to horses of any breed, Western mounted games is regarded as an accessible, family-friendly discipline that continues to grow in popularity across South Africa.