Seasoned showjumper to take part in fifth Nissan Winter Classic

Member of Team Nissan’s showjumping team, Oscar Ncube, is set to show off his riding talent at the fifth Nissan Winter Classic from 15 to 19 June.

The Nissan Winter Classic is said to be the biggest showjumping competition in KwaZulu-Natal and will take place at Shongweni in Durban.

Ncube has been riding for 20 years and started competing when he was about nine years old. He is instructed by top-ranking showjumpers Barry and Lorette Knowles-Taylor of Farnham Stables.

“I have worked for Farnham Stables from 2007 until 2010 and then rejoined their equestrian team again in 2013. I have taken up some teaching opportunities at Farnham, the young horse clients as well as the junior one metre and under,” Ncube said.

“My biggest motivation is that there is always a challenge when working with an animal that can be unpredictable, making every day a different day, that is what always gets me up in the morning,” he said.

Ncube said he rides and trains for about 45 hours per week and has competed in all levels of showjumping, ranging from the young horse levels to the open grades on various horses.

“In most sports, you are in your own team. With equestrian riding, it is different because you have to build a partnership based on trust and loyalty with an animal that can either be your best friend or your enemy. I work very hard with my horses, and what I do for them, they do for me,” Ncube quipped.

Showjumping supporters can look forward to high-quality equestrian action with top riders competing in 39 events across the five days.

Nissan Winter Classic will also boast a variety of food, display stalls, a Nissan children’s play area on the weekend and a Nissan Test Drive Station.

Entrance is free to all.

Details: www.sashowjumping.co.za and www.nissan.co.za