North Coast dominate KZN showing champs

A first for the North Coast, the KZN showing championships were recently held at the brand new Galloping Winds stable yard outside Ballito from October 23 to 25.

A large contingent of no less than 63 horses from all over the province, vied for the various supreme titles up for grabs, but it was the local riders who shone the brightest, taking all five titles.

To win a supreme title, a rider must be placed first or second in their age appropriate show class, before going on to the championship class for their age category. Then, the champions and reserve champions from each age category come together and the overall supreme champion and reserve champion are chosen.

Galloping Winds’ Amanda Eardley, had a particularly good championship show, winning two supreme titles. She won both the supreme champion novice working and supreme champion open working classes.

Bellamont Stables (outside Umdloti) riders, Sue Mellor and Nicola Makenzie also took home two supreme titles with Mellor taking supreme champion in hand and Makenzie taking supreme champion open show horse.

The fifth and final supreme title, supreme novice show horse, was won by Empangeni’s LeZar Sateen.

Showing is much more than a “beauty contest”. It is the only equestrian discipline where the judge may ride your horse. So ride-ability, manners and correct schooling is of utmost importance. The horses are also judged on conformation, quality, type, soundness and movement. Style, condition and turnout also play a very important role in showing classes.

The two main categories are working horse or pony and show horse pony. Working horses and ponies are either working riding or working hunters. Show horses and ponies are show hacks, show riding or show hunters.

“Working riding horses and ponies are judged on a set test of general utility obstacles, as well as manners, conformation and ride by judge,” said stable yard owner, Amanda Eardley.

She explained that a “bomb proof” horse was composed and did not spook at obstacles. Working hunters stem from the historical practice of fox hunting. These horses have to jump, be brave and forward going.

“This was the first show we hosted at Galloping Winds and we are very pleased with how it went. It is wonderful to see so many top achievers from the North Coast,” said show director, Liezel Mitchell.