Sunny Park Stables, owned and managed by professional showjumper Nicola Sime Riley, boasted great results by their junior and pony riders at the South African championships last year.
The 2019 SA championships took place at Kyalami Park during December, under the watchful eye of principal instructor Sime Riley and assistant instructors Musa Maluleke and Lovemore Riet.
Hailey Strydom represented team Gauteng in the open junior showjumping division (1.30m), where the team ended with a silver medal. She also represented Gauteng in the Junior Open Equitation division, where they won the gold.
Strydom ended as reserve SA champion in the Individual Open Equitation competition and won the Victrix Ludorum award for the individual 1.30m junior showjumping.
Jessica Vermaas achieved placings in the individual 1.30m showjumping and represented team Gauteng in the open junior showjumping division (1.30m), where the team ended with a silver medal
Sasha Reynecke represented team Gauteng in the 1.20m junior showjumping division where they won the gold. She also ended as reserve SA champion in the individual 1.20m showjumping.
Sarah Rose Friend represented Gauteng in the 90cm showjumping, where they achieved fourth place and also managed to achieve places during the show in the individual 90cm showjumping competition.
Chloe Francois competed in the individual 80cm pony showjumping and had a lovely show with many clear rounds.
Shanti Adams competed in the individual 1m junior competition and achieved great places.
Morgan Spoon competed in the individual 1.10m junior showjumping competition and earned herself places during the show.
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Victoria Greyvensteyn competed in the individual 90cm pony showjumping and achieved an overall fifth place and won the Victrix Ludorum award.
Gabriella Parkes competed in the individual 80cm junior showjumping competition and also achieved places throughout the show.
The Sunny Parkers ascribe their success to their love for their horses and never letting a bad day of riding get to them.
“Just being able to ride these wonderful animals makes one feel like you have already conquered the world,” said Sime Riley.
