It’s all about confidence in showjumping at Fourways Riding Centre

A range of experience could be seen on the field during an ungraded showjumping training show at Fourways Riding Centre on 19 May.

The yard in Timsrand once again opened its new

R500 000 CLOPF® Fibre surface arena for riders, new and advanced, as they tested their horses’ abilities on jumps from 50cm to 1.2m.

Legendary showjumpers Ronnie Lawrence and Kelly O’Connor were there on the day along with newer riders, some even testing horses that had never jumped before. “Some of the horses were race horses six weeks ago and this is their first time in the ring,” arena owner Marion Clough explained, before running to lower a jump for a horse that did not wish to do a particular jump.

“Today is purely about training for many of the young horses and getting them confident.”

Good music and bacon and egg rolls ensured a vibrant atmosphere played out for the family and friends of the riders who came to watch. Lawrence himself ran a clinic for up-and-coming showjumpers during the day. He lauded Clough for hosting the ungraded show, where riders only needed to have the correct apparel and safety equipment to take part and could try out any jumping height they wished to.

“We have a judge’s box here with judges in just to make sure the rules are adhered to by the riders and there is no mistreatment [of the horses],” he said.

“It’s very good experience for rider and horse to gain confidence and also to test their ability, and to get a good idea of what the horse is like at a different venue with different jumps.”

Details: Fourways Riding Centre 083 265 8278; riding@global.co.za

Related article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/214183/fourways-riding-centre-hosts-training-show-build-confidence/