The annual Toyota Equestrian Easter Festival began on April 9 at the Kyalami Equestrian Club.
The main event was the 1.50m SA Outdoor Grand Prix, which has been running since 1975. However, the Easter Festival, as with all sports, arts and cultural events, was forced to take a mini-hiatus in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic.
“We are proud to add equestrian sports to the wide portfolio of sponsorships we are involved in, as TSAM. As the new official sponsor of the annual Toyota Equestrian Easter Festival, we share the Kyalami Equestrian Club’s vision of encouraging and inspiring all participants in the sport to push past their limits.
“This is like the message we have communicated through Toyota’s first global marketing campaign called Start Your Impossible, which was launched in 2017 when we announced our involvement in Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Glenn Crompton, vice-president of marketing at TSAM.
Kyalami Park Club proudly runs a development programme that helps talented riders from disadvantaged backgrounds who, without the support of the club, could not further their careers in the sport.
Heather Mpofu, event director from the Kyalami Park Club, said: “Keep an eye out for Musa Maluleke, a groom at Sunny Park Stables in Benoni. He has been a part of our development programme for several years now and is riding in the A1.20m classes. We also have Nhlanhla Vilakazi who works as a groom at Riba stables in Midrand, as well as Bonga Gumbo who works for Christelle van der Merwe as a groom.”
The Easter Festival is a perfect fit for Toyota. Year on year, the festival drives to new heights with greater fanfare, over-subscribed entries, excellent prize money and rewriting record books.
It’s all things equestrian over the Easter weekend in the annual competition that celebrates equestrian excellence of world-class standard.
The pleasurable and professional 10-day horse show will once again comprise dressage, equitation, showing and show jumping, said, Anne-Marie Esslinger, chairperson of the Kyalami Equestrian Park.
The show’s highlight will undoubtedly be the SA Outdoor Grand Prix, hosted this year on April 18 in the Bob Charter arena at 14:00. The two-round competition sees the first round being set over 12 or 13 fences, including a water jump, a double and a treble combination.
The top 24 riders will compete in this final event, with about six to eight riders qualifying for the jump-off.
“Once again, the stage is set for the continent’s best, including 2021 winner Nicole Horwood, whom we hope will defend her title by competing again this year.
“With a refreshment area offering a range of food and beverages, as well as a host of stalls selling equestrian equipment and pet-loving and other products, why not join us and become a part of the Toyota Easter Festival history?”
The show will run from April 9 to 18 with free entrance. Follow the show on social media: Twitter: @ToyotaSA. Facebook: Toyota SA. Instagram: toyota_sa
