POLOKWANE – The provincial committee of the South African Western Mounted Games (SAWMGA) aims to have a stronger representation at the SAWMGA national event scheduled for Parys in the Free State from September 23-27.

Last year the province was represented by equestrians and this committee wanted to see 120 equestrians flying the provincial flag high at the event.

Rawstorne van Jaarsveld, one of the event organisers and a committee member said they are also aiming for better performance at the event.

“We had the provincial qualifiers at WinnField Stables in Polokwane on Saturday with junior, senior and veteran equestrians from Polokwane and Tzaneen who showcased their horse-riding skills. To qualify for the national event, riders must accumulate adequate points in all their qualified events which will run until August. We will have another qualifier in Tzaneen on July 13 and then conclude on August 3 in Polokwane. We are happy with what we have seen and we will come out with a strong team.”

The horse riders enjoyed the cheers from their supporters who came with picnic lunches and enjoyed a friendly atmosphere, spurring riders on.

Van Jaarsveld said the team will be finalised before September.

“We will have a good team for the national event but we must thank all the people who came to support the event. We were happy with the turnout. It was a good day, riders came with their families and enjoyed riding in front of their loved ones.”