Five Weston riders with their support crew took part in the Equetack Equilibrium Challenge hosted by the Shaya Moya Endurance Club at Underberg.
Unfortunately, not all the horses passed the initial vet check. Demi, Quinton Brits’ horse picked up an eye infection and Paul Liebenberg’s horse had an intermittent lameness.
The 80km competitive race was entered by Reece Aitken-Smith on Weston’s Jermaine and Angus Heubsch on Weston’s Buddy.
Steven De Reuk rode Weston’s new horse Al Batal in his first 40 km event.
This was very brave of him, as, he and Al Batal had met for the first time the previous day.
The 80km race started at 6am, and the rider’s time is stopped only once the horse enters the vetting area with a pulse rate of 64bpm or less, which must be within 20 minutes of crossing the finish line.
Buddy and Jermaine both had problems on their previous two rides, so Reece and Angus were determined to finish the 80km.
They applied the experience they had gained in earlier Enduros and rode very carefully and managed to finish within the ten-hour cut off time.
They also both achieved second places in their respective age groups. Steven completed his 40 km in just over three hours, despite a fall.
Weston’s results were: Reece Aitken Smith/Jermaine completed the 80km event in 09h14 with an average speed of 8.65 km/h and was placed second in the standard weight section.
Grade ten, Angus Heubsch completed the 80km race also in 9.14am with an average speed of 8.65km/h and achieved second place in the young rider division.
Weston staff members Ralph and Charmaine Paterson accompanied the Weston riders.
A total of 54 horses took part in the various categories of the Enduro