Top show jumpers for Nissan Winter Classic

SOUTH Africa’s top show jumpers are preparing themselves for what is set to be a fiercely competitive Nissan Winter Classic at the Durban Shongweni Club from 12 to 16 June.

The biggest names in showjumping will prove why they’re so highly ranked at this annual equestrian event.

Top riders Barry Taylor, Lorette Knowles-Taylor, Shaun Neil, Gareth Neil, Jonathan Clarke and Dominey Alexander will be taking on last year’s main class winner, Nicole Horwood.

Organisers are anticipating a total of 450 horses at the event coming in from across the country.

Participants will be showing off their best skills during the five-day competition and those competing in the main FEI class will stand a chance of winning a whopping R60 000 in prize money.

This year’s course is set to be another magnificent one, having been designed by level 3 FEI designer, Michel Ismalun of France, who was assisted by South African level 3 FEI designer, Kevin Sprately of Cape Town.

Damaris Ismalun, an international judge, will be monitoring the international standard on behalf of the FEI, as well as submitting a report on the Nissan Winter Classic, presented by Foresyte Shows.

The charity of choice for this year’s Nissan Winter Classic is the South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA), a non-profit organisation which provides horse riding as therapy and skill for children with special needs from the greater Durban area.

Visitors to this year’s Nissan Winter Classic can also browse a variety of quality craft stalls, sample some of the delicious food on sale or check out the impressive Nissan vehicles on display, all of which are also available for test drives. This family-friendly event has entertainment for the children in the form of a fun kids’ play area.