The Mark White Nissan Youth Championships: Budding equestrian excellence set to excel
KYALAMI – There's a host of exciting talent to look out for at the show.
Kyalami Equestrian Park will once again ignite from 5 to 13 December during the Mark White Nissan Youth Championships.
Over 2 500 competitive children and junior riders from around South Africa will gather at the venue.
Kyalami Equestrian Park chairperson and host, Jan Kleynhans encouraged the public to come through and enjoy watching the country’s finest up-and-coming talent. “With four disciplines on the go, this show has something for everyone. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable nine days as you watch the future stars tackle it out in their quest for the coveted championship title.”
Last year saw the now injured Team Nissan Showjumping rider, Cheyenne de Beer, take the Junior Rider (JR) Open SA Showjumping Championship, who said she would spend this show watching from the sidelines.
“Winning the JR Open Showjumping Championships in 2016 was an incredible feeling and a huge accomplishment for my horse, who was then 18 years old. I am so lucky to have such a legend of a partner that enabled me to reach the heights that I did in 2016.
“It’s unfortunate that I cannot compete this year and although I am sad about it, I do understand that my health comes first. There will always be another year for me to try again and I will back in the saddle come the New Year. I wish all the competitors at this year’s show the best of luck.”
Current president of the National Equitation Committee, Yvonne Bolton believed the standard of South Africa’s young competitors was excellent.
“I personally have coached three pupils who won the SA Leg of the FEI International competition and who then went on to compete in the FEI Children’s Finals and I would say that our standard is excellent in comparison with the rest of the world. I now coach Jason Slade in the PR Open Equitation classes and I believe he stands a great chance at the championships.”
Some exciting talent to look out for at the show includes:
Showjumping:
- Kyla Brimacombe – Currently the number one ranked Junior Rider
- Olivia van Rooyen– Currently the number one ranked Pony Rider.
Equitation:
- Tegan Bruyns – won the 2016 Junior Rider Open Equitation Championships
- Daniella Machine – Currently highest ranked JR Open Equitation Rider
- Jason Slade – Currently highest ranked PR Open Equitation.
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