The 2026 Toyota Equestrian Series was officially launched on February 18 at Kyalami Park Club, signalling the continuation of a partnership that has played a huge role in advancing equestrian sport in South Africa over the past four years.
Hosted by Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), the launch introduced an expanded competition calendar and an enhanced prize offering aimed at boosting participation and strengthening spectator engagement across multiple equestrian disciplines.
Since the partnership began, the series has helped raise the sport’s national profile, while encouraging broader participation among riders and enthusiasts. Glenn Crompton, vice president of marketing at TSAM, expressed optimism about the upcoming season and the growth of the sport.
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“As we kickstart the fifth year of our partnership with Kyalami Park Club, we look forward to leveraging what has become a cornerstone of our commitment to advancing equestrian sport in South Africa. The enhanced prize purse underscores our confidence in the growing stature of the series and our belief in the remarkable depth of local talent.”
The 2026 series will demand high levels of performance from both riders and horses, with competitions placing emphasis on fitness, precision, composure, and the strong partnership required between horse and rider.
A major highlight of the calendar is the 2026 Toyota South African Dressage Championships, scheduled to take place at Kyalami Park Club from July 29 to August 2. The championship will feature the country’s top combinations, with the winner set to receive a new Toyota Starlet Cross following a draw.
Showjumping will once again take centre stage through the ultimate 4×4 series powered by Toyota, comprising four premier events: the Toyota Easter Festival (March 28 – April 6), the Toyota Midrand World Cup Qualifier (May 28 – 31), the Toyota SA Showjumping Championships (July 29 – August 2), and the 2026 Toyota SA Derby (October 1 – 5).
The overall champion across the series will drive away in a new Toyota Hilux D/C Legend.
Kyalami Park Club event director Heather Mpofu described the partnership as a milestone for the sport’s continued development. “Their continued investment in our sport and our community enables us to deliver world-class events that showcase the very best of South African equestrian talent.”
Beyond competition, the series also highlights development initiatives through the KPC Academy, which currently supports 15 riders with training opportunities, mentorship and education in horse care, and competition preparation.
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