Gauteng Schools’ equestrians hit the ground running

THE first SANESA – South African National Equestrian Schools Association – English mounted games qualifier for 2016 was held at Penbritte Equestrian Centre in Alewynspoort, Eikenhof. Riders from Western Province joined Gauteng for this individual competition which was held prior to the MGASA – Mounted Games Association of South Africa – National Team Championships run over the Easter weekend.

Most of the SANESA Gauteng riders who competed attend schools in Gauteng South, with only the Mac Farlane sisters attending schools in the Sedibeng region.

Mounted games is an upgraded version of gymkhana games where a level-headed rider with a fast and brave pony make up the perfect pair. Riders compete in six to nine games in each of two sessions against other riders competing at the same level.

English mounted games is just one of the many disciplines offered to schools riders participating at SANESA competitions. It is a stand-alone discipline and does not form part of the core league (dressage, showing, equitation and jumping). Gauteng Province hosts four games qualifiers a year, back-to-back with MGASA clinics and competitions. The next qualifier will be held on May 8 with a clinic being held the day before to introduce new gamers to the sport.

Riders at all levels are catered for, from lead-rein through to vaulters and everyone else in between. Physically and mentally impaired riders are also welcome.

SANESA riders may qualify for school as well as SANESA regional and provincial colours if certain criteria are met. Equestrianism is a fully recognised school sport and has been for the past 12 to 13 years.

SANESA has been invited to enter a team of five riders competing at the highest level to compete at the Nations Championship being held in KZN in December this year. Development teams from Mauritius, Burkina Faso, Iran, Australia, New Zealand and Canada have already accepted the invitation.

Results from the first qualifier are:

Primary School:

Lead-rein: 1st – Jessica Mac Farlane (Destinata Primary),

Level 1: 1st – Rae Kitching (Highveld Primary),

Level 4: 3rd – Justin Smit (Alberton Primary)

High School:

Level 4: 2nd – Nakita Esson (Marais Viljoen)

Level 7: 1st – Tyla Nepgen (Alberton High), 2nd – Skyler Mac Farlane (Drie Riviere)

For more information regarding mounted games or if you would like to host a clinic, contact Felicia Rowan on 082 339 9268.