Riders take on equestrian triathlon at The Ranch Resort
Jaili Nicolaou said the first annual Eventing Development League Series for independent riders won't be the last.
POLOKWANE – The Equestrian Centre at The Ranch Resort hosted the first annual Eventing Development League Series for independent riders on November 26 during the welcome challenge.
Eventing is an equestrian triathlon, which consists three phases namley dressage, cross country and show jumping.
In the competition, competitors in developmental teams either first timers, medium and experienced riders of all ages competed in the three phases.
Both adults and kids eagerly participated in 35cm and 55cm during the welcome challenges, showcasing their skills over the three stages.
Chicago Ferreira who was Eventing for the first time said: “I am nervous but I look forward to the phases and to see how I will handle my horse in something that I have never done before.”
Lisa Ferreira, a mom who supported her daughter at the challenge, said that this kind of competition teaches discipline and horsemanship, and it goes hand-in-hand with a lot of patience.
“I think she’ll learn how to control her horse more effectively after the tournament.”
Also first timer, Peter Selolo said he is eager to see how he completes the fist challenge.
Jaili Nicolaou explained that the welcome challenge was the first one in the province and will be followed by a series of others.
“We are privileged to be hosting the first series of Eventing which will be hosted as a national series throughout the country. The competitors will go through the dressage which demonstrates the graceful co-operation between horse and rider with a series of basic moves followed by the cross country item which challenges the pair’s courage, fitness, and persistence as they tackle a number of significant obstacles, and difficult ground. Lastly there is show jumping, where riders jump over eight fences and are not allowed to knock over or run away from the jump.”
Competitors accumulate points in each phase and at the end of the competition they are awarded prizes according to the time and correct jumps they completed.
