Kyalami Equestrian Park was the place to be for all animal lovers over Easter.
The eighth edition of the Nissan Easter Festival took place from April 8 to 17, hosting hundreds of equestrian competitors and supporters from across Africa.
Equestrian athletes from countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, Zambia and Namibia competed against a strong South African contingent of riders from a wide range of disciplines such as showing, equitation, dressage and showjumping.
With over 12 000 people attending over the 10 day festival, show director Kate Launder said that this certainly is an event to be proud of.
“We ran 160 competition classes over the 10 days.
“In addition we had entertainment galore including the Nissan fancy dress, an Easter egg hunt, the Nissan vehicle display area, jumping castles and more.
“One of my personal highlights was the Nissan Navara Challenge: Eventers vs Showjumpers, whereby the very best in the sport enjoyed a good laugh as they competed against each other over various obstacles.
“In my opinion, this show was better than previous years as we had an outstanding announcer throughout, a fantastic Easter market and enjoyable entertainment: an all-round super vibe.
“Special congratulations must go to the Grand Prix winners of the showjumping classes, namely, Nissan Junior 1.35m SA Outdoor Grand Prix: Thomas Triggol riding Burntwood; Nissan Pony Rider 1.20m SA Outdoor Grand Prix: Hannah van Niekerk riding Scooby Doo and the Adult 1.50m Victor Ludorum Lisa Williams riding Discovery Campbell,” said Launder.
The biggest star of the show was Nicola Sime-Riley, riding her horse Fulvic Connoisseur, who won the Nissan 1.50m SA Outdoor Grand Prix.
Having won the 2016 title on Sunny Park Stables Elpaso, the Benoni-based rider wasn’t going to give up the title easily, and completed both her showjumping rounds on Connoisseur clear but with one time penalty in each round, ending up on two penalties overall.
“FEI Level 3 course designer Marco Behrens from Germany built a fantastic course with a very tight time.
“I couldn’t be more proud of both my horses today – we’ve been working on this goal since the beginning of the year – we were fit and confident.
“On championship day I felt relaxed and at one with both of my horses.
“It helped too that my family were all there – my husband Jason, mom Jan, Katie my sister and of course my children – although I never got to see them as they were having too much fun in the Nissan kiddies play area!
“A whole host of my clients supported me too: thanks everyone,” said Sime-Riley.
Constantly pushing 2012 and 2014 champion and Capital Stud rider Nicole Horwood riding Mark White Nissan Capital Don Cumarco placed second overall and in third place was Dominey Alexander on Armageddon.
“All the disciplines again witnessed an exceptionally high standard of riding as we see the sport continue to go from strength to strength.
“Competitors competed with smiles, horses thrived in our outstanding arenas, and thousands of people enjoyed a family day out.
“All in all I’d say that was an exceptional equestrian experience,” said Launder.
Other articles you may be interested in:
East Rand rider jumps to victory
Top riders in action at Nissan Easter Festival
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