Horses and riders give their best in show
"Riding is a partnership. The horse lends you his strength, speed and grace, which are greater than yours.
For your part, you give him guidance, intelligence and understanding which are greater than his. Together you can achieve a richness that neither of you can do alone.”
These famous words of author Lucy Rees rang true at the Nottinghill Equestrian Centre’s graded show outside White River last weekend. It was a treat to watch the horse-and-rider combinations as they flew over complicated and testing jumping courses.
The day kicked off with the recreational classes and wannabe jumping champions showed they might just have what it takes to get to the top as they were either led around the tiny course by an instructor, or bravely trotted around doing it on their own. Once the graded classes started, however, the heat was on with serious riders pulling out all the stops for that coveted red rosette.
In the pony ride 70cm accumulator class the petite Georgie Butcher riding her grey mare Peuter was simply unbeatable. This combination has really grown in the past few months and the trust between these two is obvious. The accumulator class consisted of eight fences that started off with number one being slightly easier, but then progressing to more solid and scary jumps towards number eight. Number eight was a so-called joker jump that was about 20cm higher than the other fences on the course. Riders had the choice to choose between the joker jump or a normal one. If you cleared the joker you could double your points, so most riders went for that option. Butcher also managed to win her second competition jumping class.
The adult classes were very strong with competent riders and good horses showing that the Lowveld has talent, for sure! However, the day might have belonged to Landé Willemse riding the gallant Belton as they sailed to victory in both the open accumulator and competition classes. Tiana Matus riding the giant chestnut Callaho Dakar had a close second in the one class with Wilko Kamffer on his mother Kraai’s horse Africa Whizzbar coming second in the other class.
The weekend was concluded with recreational showing classes on Sunday.
