Eventers jump for joy at nationals

The South African National Equestrian Schools Association (SANESA) 2013 Eventing Nationals was held at Inanda Country Base, an extension of the renowned Inanda Club.

For the first time in many years the Lowveld managed to send a full team of junior eventers and horses to this prestigious event.

More than 200 young competitors from all over South Africa competed for top national honours. Mpumalanga (and specifically the Lowveld) was very well represented at this event.

Lowveld riders included Savannah Combrink on Dunhill, riding for Hoërskool Bergvlam. It was her first nationals and she enjoyed it thoroughly. She ended up in 15th position. Other Lowveld riders who excelled at the event were Erin Kenyon on El Coiffeur, Anrie van der Merwe on Out The Box, Kayla Hugo on Niyada, Tana Strydom on Joshua’s Pappy, Corlia van der Merwe on Faith’s Final Impact and Abigail Thrush on Chevignon Lambada.

SANESA is a vibrant and dynamic organization, recognised by both the South African Equestrian Federation (SAEF) and SASCOC, and dedicates itself to promoting all forms of equestrian sport within the South African school community.

It is not essential for anyone to actually own their own horse or pony to participate in SANESA – many riding school pupils compete with success at our events on borrowed horses/ponies.

SANESA is striving to ensure that it is an all inclusive organisation and that anyone who wishes to compete is not disadvantaged in any way.

The most important thing a learner can bring to SANESA is a passion for horses and ponies and further just have fun. Eventing was introduced to the SANESA portfolio during 2012 and has enjoyed spectacular national growth over the preceding twelve months, from virtually a zero base in 2012, 125 young athletes participated

in the latest Gauteng Eventing qualifier.