Top showjumper and Kyalami resident, Anne-Marie Esslinger talks Nissan Easter Festival

Having placed multiple times in the Nissan Easter Festival over many years, Kyalami resident and joint owner of Burlington Stables, Anne-Marie Esslinger said that anyone on top form on the day could take the title of the Nissan SA Outdoor Grand Prix.

“Two of the strongest competitors in this arena are always Nicole Horwood riding Mark White Nissan’s Capital Don Cumarco, and Lisa Williams on Discovery Campbell. I plan to compete on Alzu Oregon in the 1.50m classes including the Outdoor Grand Prix; Carinjus in the 1.40m classes; Quartezan in the 1.20m classes; and my fabulous youngster, Quadix, in the 1.10m competitions,” Esslinger said.

She added that what she loved about the show was the cross section of different events and entertainment, as well as the support of a great sponsor such as Nissan.

“Then, of course, the opportunity to participate in the beautiful Bob Charter arena over challenging courses is always something to be treasured,” Esslinger said.

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When asked how she is preparing for this year’s Nissan Easter Festival, Esslinger stated that she has been gradually increasing her horses’ fitness and body strength. “They have all done three shows at a lower level than their competency in order to build confidence and get into the swing of things. The President’s Cup Show at Maple Ridge at the end of March is the first major event of the year.

“It will be my warm up for Alzu Oregon in the big classes in preparation for the SA Grand Prix at the Nissan Easter Festival.”

She further thanked her coach, Dominey Alexander, for all his hard work and weekly tuition, by helping her choose suitable exercises to best prepare her and her horses for the forthcoming events. “I have also signed up with a bio kineticist to improve my fitness and the evenness of both sides of my body, as well as hopefully lose some weight,” she quipped.

Her advice to riders competing for the first time at the show was to prepare at home by riding tracks built in a similar size and surface as the one they would jump at the show.

“Ensure that you are jumping up to standard in terms of height. Give your horse a quieter week the week before the show and plan to arrive early on show day so that there are no time pressures on you. Have a gentle, slow warm-up, having walked your course thoroughly, and ask for advice from someone more experienced if you are unsure about a distance or a line.”

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