Former Alex lad in Easter showjumping festival
JOBURG - The 2017 Nissan Easter Festival is around the corner and enthusiasts can brace themselves for a spectacular showpiece.
The 2017 Nissan Easter Festival from 8 to 17 April will be an equestrian extravaganza of note which will also feature an outstanding rider and former resident of Alex, Oscar Ncube as one of the drawcards.
This 8th edition of the festival is set to be the best yet – not only for horse riders and horse lovers but for friends and families from far and wide who will descend on the venue for some spectacular show jumping feats.
Equestrian athletes from countries such as Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe will join their South African counterparts who will be competing in a wide range of disciplines such as showing, equitation, dressage and showjumping at the Kyalami Equestrian Park.
Read: Show jumping fun at the Nissan Easter Festival
Show director Kate Launder said over and above the 160 competition classes, there would be a host of entertainment, all for free to those wanting to attend.
“There are new events on the cards such as the Nissan Navara Challenge where our showjumping superstars will be pitted against the Eventers All-stars, and this event takes place on 14 April,” she said.
“There’s also the very popular Nissan Six Bar event, as well as the Nissan celebrity fancy dress on Easter Sunday and many more.” Outside of the arena, families can enjoy the ever-popular Easter egg hunt, food markets, a car display, jumping castles and face-painters.
The show will culminate in the SA Outdoor Grand Prix set to take place at 2pm on Easter Monday (17 April) with close to 5 000 fans expected to pack the stands and witness showjumpers tackle the 1.50m-high obstacles against the clock.
Onboard this year, is FEI Level 3 course designer Marco Behrens from Germany, who has built 1m60 tracks around the world including Germany, Emirates, Czech Republic and Slovakia. This is his first South African event.
Read: From the horse’s mouth
Reigning champion Nicola Sime-Riley aims to defend her title on either of her two trusted steeds, Sunny Park Stables Elpaso or Fulvic Connoisseur. Hot on her heels will be the 2012 and 2014 champion and Capital Stud rider, Nicole Horwood, riding Mark White Nissan Capital Don Cumarco.
Other competitors on form and aiming for a win will be Discovery rider Dominey Alexander; Anne-Marie Esslinger of Burlington Stables; Lisa Williams on Discovery Campbell; and Team Nissan riders Lorette Knowles-Taylor and Barry Taylor.
Team Nissan’s Ncube, will be riding four horses in the festival – Graffiti, Caretado, Chabal Lexus, and Callaho la Padino from the Farnham Stables in Chartwell, which is where he rides and teaches.
In addition to the free entrance to the show, the all-new Nissan Navara will be on display and available to test drive throughout the show, while the kiddies area will be an action packed fun zone for kids over the Easter weekend.
Details: General enquiries 011 036 3320.
Add us on Whatsapp for the latest news by adding 079 4395 345 to your contact list and just send your name to us so we can save your number. Click here to find out more about our Whatsapp policy.
