Kyalami Park Club is gearing up to host one of the most prestigious events on the South African equestrian calendar: the 2025 Toyota South African Dressage Championships.
The championships, scheduled for September 15 to 21, promise a week of world-class competition, artistry, and fierce rivalry in the saddle.
Dressage, often described as the pursuit of harmony between horse and rider, showcases a horse’s flexibility, balance, expression, and power through the rider’s skill and clear communication.
Read more: Champs shine at Crawford Fourways Pre-Primary sports day
It is both sport and art, admired by millions across the country, and the upcoming championships will once again highlight these unique qualities.
The event will feature four national titles: the SA Adult Interprovincial Dressage Team Championship, SA Adult Individual Dressage Championship, SA Adult Freestyle Championship, and the SA Para-Equestrian Championship. Together, these competitions form the pinnacle of dressage achievement in South Africa, bringing riders from across the provinces to compete for top honours.
Show director Angie Meredith confirmed that preparations are complete, with the arenas finely raked and judges’ boxes ready. Adding international gravitas to the event, three highly regarded judges from Germany: Henning Lehrmann, Harry Lorenz, and Carsten Munk, will officiate.
Their expertise and sharp eye for excellence are expected to raise the bar, and challenge riders to perform at their very best.
For the first time in the history of the championships, the stakes are even higher. Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), now in its fourth year of partnership with Kyalami Park Club, has introduced a landmark prize: A Toyota Starlet Cross. The vehicle will be awarded to one of the 2025 champions, a reward that has driven unprecedented interest and record entries.
Also read: Festival of Motoring roars at Kyalami
The promise of such a significant prize has ensured that only the strongest horse-and-rider combinations will contend for the title.
“This year’s championship is shaping up to be the most exciting yet,” Meredith said, noting that the mix of international judging, top-level riders, and the landmark prize has generated significant anticipation across the equestrian community.
Glenn Crompton, vice president of marketing at TSAM, said: “We are proud to reaffirm our commitment to the South African Dressage Championships for the fourth consecutive year. Our continued partnership with Kyalami Park Club aligns with Toyota’s brand ethos of precision, dedication, and excellence. As part of our ongoing support for equestrian sport and rewarding achievement, we are excited to award the Toyota Starlet Cross to one of this year’s champions.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!
