Equestrians gear up for national champs

Ninety equestrians from across the province recently gathered to showcase their skills and compete in various categories during the New Dawn Riding Stables Training Show held outside the city.
The competition served as preparation for the South African National Equestrian Schools Association (Sanesa) championships to be held in Johannesburg in the first week of October.
Kerry Joubert, New Dawn Riding Stables owner and instructor said the event was a success and all the riders proved that they were passionate about the sport and wanted to improve their skills. She said the competition was not about prizes but for riders to put what they had learned into practice and emphasised that training shows are held seven times a year for riders to put their skills to test. “The show catered for equestrians from as young as four years old to elders and we are happy with the turnout,” she said.
The challenge entailed riders having to clear ten jumps in the first round to progress to the second round where they had to clear six jumps in record time. Attendees competed in various classes such as the Paul Erasmus Financial – Attooh! In which Rume Erasmus and her horse, Jumping Jack Flash claimed first place.
Joubert urged would-be professional equestrians to continue working hard and commit to the sport to become the best. The full results of the competition had not been made available to Polokwane Observer at the time of going to print.

Story and photos: ENDY SENYATSI
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