Vybrant and Gill Taylor host dressage events at Fourways Riding Centre

It was all about dressage at Fourways Riding Centre over the weekend of 17 and 18 August.

A warm sun shone down brightly on various arenas where riders young and old, experienced and inexperienced alike, took part in different shows and programmes.

Judy Vertue oversaw an all grades show hosted by Vybrant Dressage Club while Gill Taylor coached up-and-coming riders in the art of dressage.

“Every dressage rider had to gain points in order to progress and get promoted to the next grade,” Vertue explained.

“These points are only obtainable at an official graded show which was what this one was.”

She added that achieving 70 per cent in a dressage test was difficult, and Vybrant had special prizes for those who achieved this.

Furthermore, sponsored rosettes and vouchers were given as prizes to winners of classes, and grooms even received Vybrant T-shirts.

All this while Taylor gave coaching classes at a second camp organised by Dressage South Africa, funded by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, for riders who compete at South African Equestrian School Association (Sanesa) shows.

The programme is called Learner Education for the Advancement of Dressage (Lead).

“All the children really enjoyed both camps, have shown extremely good improvement and all have a much better understanding of the importance of sitting correctly and working their horses correctly,” Taylor said.

Vybrant Dressage Club will next host the final of their Rising Stars Clinics shows at Chattan Road, Glenferness, on 21 September.

Taylor added, “These are special clinics for little children, level one on the lead rein, level two off the lead rein, walk and trot, and level three off the lead rein, walk, trot and canter.”

The show is for children aged four to 14 and Olympic gold medallist, Philippa Johnson will present the awards.

Riders who achieved more than 70 per cent at the Vybrant Dressage Club all grade show:

Pony rider preliminary level

• Tavia Wilson and Panache Penny – 77 per cent
• Rhys Abraham and CDE Olaf 76 –per cent.

Pony rider novice level

• Zara Laira and KEC Mittens – 74 per cent
• Jaime Bennett and KEC Pinotage – 73 per cent.

Adult preliminary level

• Siobhan Records and Wow’s Black Thorn owned by Patrick Brown – 80 per cent
• Kayleigh Godinho and Just in Time – 76.6 per cent
• Lilian Moller and Milwari Waikiki – 72.5 per cent
• Michelle Harten and Jonker Van Mooikloof – 72.5 per cent.

Adult elementary level

• Sabine Klehe and Navarro – 71.4 per cent
• Phillippa Terblanche and Heliodorus
• Vom Niehaus – 71 per cent.

Details: Vybrant Dressage Club

www.vybrant.co.za