Kyalami hosts final day of Toyota Easter Festival
Spectators where treated to 10 days of equestrian experience at the Park Club giving them food, entertainment and family time.
The Toyota Easter Festival returned to the Bob Charter Arena at Kyalami Park Club for its fifth year, bringing together riders of all ages to compete across disciplines including dressage, equitation, showing, and showjumping.
The festival concluded with the Toyota SA Outdoor Grand Prix, which saw a notable increase in entries – a sign of growing enthusiasm for equestrian sport.
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Andrew Dawson, chairman of the Kyalami Park Club and South African National Equestrian Centre, praised the turnout.
“We have absolutely seen a significant step up with the number of people that have come to the festival, both showjumpers and non-showjumpers. Vendors also reported more visitors at their stalls, which is good for the economy and the people. So yes, it is much better than last year and the year before.”
Youth development was a highlight, with young riders given the chance to shine. Seventeen-year-old Hamza Minty, winner of the junior Outdoor Grand Prix, shared his excitement.
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“I’m super excited and very happy with how my horse performed today. Carrie de Bel is a six-year-old mare my brother got a few years ago, but it didn’t work out with him. I tried working with her and have really enjoyed it. The sky is the limit for that horse – she’s one of the most talented I’ve ever ridden.”
Show director Heather Mpofu explained the challenges of organising this year’s event.
“This year, we didn’t have a long time to prepare because Easter was quite early, which shortened our preparation time. Coming from other national shows into the Easter Festival, it was a race against time to get everything sorted and the grounds ready.”
Beyond the competitions, the festival entertained all ages, including Easter egg hunts, food and market stalls, children’s activities, and a Toyota vehicle parade, ensuring a lively atmosphere alongside the sport.
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