[PHOTOS] Local riders saddle up for endurance race

POLOKWANE – For the first time the event took place at The Ranch Resort at the Kolobe Tented Camp where some riders also spent the previous night. On Friday evening Wikus Bothma entertained the guests.

The track covers 80km and consists of a 40km, 23km and a 17km leg. There is a water point every 5km where horse and rider can take a breather. The horses were evaluated by a panel of veterinarians. They evaluated the horses’ movements, condition and recovery before the rider could continue to the next leg.

According to the riders, the new course was challenging and technical. The previous evening’s rain turned the terrain into slippery mud, making it even more difficult. This event also doubled as the Limpopo championships.

Trophies and certificates:

• Zane Barnard with Jozami Magnus – Limpopo junior champion.

• Jessica Osmers with Welbech Quick Silver – Limpopo lightweight champion.

• Werner Kenmuir with Kahlima-Sha Sumatra – Limpopo standard weight champion.

Podium places:

• 80km heavy weight:

1. Nick Harper met Arkab Jaluka (Rand club).

• 80km standard weight:

1. Werner Kenmuir with Kahlima-Sha Sumatra (Capricorn club).

2. Gabrielle du Toit with FS Swayze (Premier club).

3. Soné Smit with Junior (Letaba club).

• 80km light weight

1. Candice Harper with Arkab Dubai (Rand club)

2. Jessica Osmers with Welbech Quick Silver (Letaba club).

3. Leoné de Kok with Mardien Shakira (Capricorn club).

• 80km junior:

1. Zane Barnard with Jozami Magnus (Capricorn club).

2. Misha Piek with Bouwman Rafeek (Capricorn club).

3. Lize Stapelberg with Comarde Al-Shama (Waterberg club).

Candice Harper and her horse, Arkab Dubai completed the track in the shortest time of 3:58:14.