The Spurwing Horse Feeds African Shield and Nations Cup Eventing Show brought international equestrian action to Pondarosa Ranch from Friday to Sunday, August 17 to 19.

Sean Eggersglusz welcomed teams from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Eswatini who competed in a festival of horsemanship, teamwork and sporting spirit.

With the long journey too far for horses to travel, local owners stepped up to loan horses to Zimbabwean and Zambian riders – a true sign of African equestrian unity.

Adding to the electric atmosphere was the strong support from Uplands Equestrian Centre, Mataffin Equestrian Centre and Husband Equestrian, while designer Peter Kay’s cross-country tracks drew gasps and cheers with their technical challenges.

ALSO READ: IN PHOTOS: Pumas’ and Lions’ fans in full force at Currie Cup clash

Eventing is often called the ‘triathlon of horse sport.’ Riders must excel in three phases: dressage for precision, cross-country for bravery and endurance, and show jumping for accuracy and agility.

Lowveld riders dominated the EV65 and EV75 classes, with many first-time eventers taking home top-tier titles.

From international rivalries to first-time victories, the event was a showcase of talent, teamwork, and passion for horses. With roaring crowds, thrilling competition and a strong spirit of African unity, the 2025 African Shield and Nations Cup at Ponderosa Ranch will be remembered as a landmark moment for the sport.

Team results
1st: Eswatini
2nd: South Africa 1
3rd: South Africa 2
4th: Namibia
5th: Zimbabwe
6th: Zambia

African Nations Cup CCN1 – team results
1st: South Africa 1
2nd: South Africa 2
3rd: Namibia

EV65 Juniors
1st: Chloe Turner – Voigtskirch Sokrates
2nd: Sancha Reingruber – Shamrocks Butterfly Kisses
3rd: Zelmarie van der Walt – Lorelock Clementine

EV65 Adults
1st: Maya Smuts – Kairos Before the Storm
2nd: Helle Wagner – Ponderosa’s Munando Bay
3rd: Daniela Harman – Our Folly.

EV75 Juniors
1st: Emma Barnes – No Looking Back
2nd: Dylan Busschau – Bella Luna
3rd: Nicalhe Marshall – Dexterite LC.

EV85 African Shield Individual
1st: Thokozani Nhlabatsi – Irish Tractor
2nd: Lijani van Wyk de Vries – Cynara
3rd: K’li Scott – Star of Joburg.

EV95 Juniors
1st: Chloe Turner – Mr Cum Laude

EV95 Adults
1st: Francois Viljoen – Super World
2nd: Aleksey Niyaki – AMC Cassando II
3rd: Shaneen Krzyza – Pamushana’s Pride.

CCN 1 Star individual results
1st: Jaime Welsh – Bodenhausen Japadou
2nd: Claudia Cloete – Callaho Lisandor
3rd: Shani Friede – Callaho Lucien.