Lisa Williams will be competing in the 8th edition of the Nissan Easter Festival, which is said to be an equestrian extravaganza. Competitors from countries such as Botswana, Zambia, Swaziland and Namibia will be competing at the Kyalami Equestrian Park in various disciplines.
“There are new events on the cards such as the Nissan Navara Challenge where our showjumping Superstars vs the Eventers All-stars will take place on Friday 14 April,” said show director Kate Launder. “There’s also the very popular Nissan Six Bar event as well as the Nissan celebrity fancy dress on Easter Sunday and many more.”
She added that outside of the arena’s, families could enjoy the ever-popular Easter egg hunt, food markets, a car display, jumping castles and face-painters. Entrance is free and Launder encouraged everyone to join them and enjoy a fabulous day out.
LIsa Williams jumps high on Discovery Campbell.
Williams shared a little about herself and her passion with Fourways Review.
“My current goal would be to travel to the World Cup Final in Paris, April 2018, for which I have qualified. This is, unfortunately, largely dependent on the export of horses to Europe and funds, of course,” explained Williams.
The rider said she did not really get nervous just very excited and her senses were heightened before competing. Williams follows a strict exercise regime with her horses which includes a five- to six-day programme with various activities, keeping her horses fit, strong and ready to compete.
“Our sport generally attracts perfectionists and because we are working with an animal, who has a body and mind of its own, perfection is rarely achieved. This motivates us to keep training, keep trying harder, keep striving for better and never giving up,” said the motivated athlete.
Williams feels privileged to be competing with her horse, Discovery Campbell, a 11-year-old Hannoverian, imported from Germany. She described the horse as cheeky, playful and spunky. “His nickname is Dennis aka the Menace,” added Williams.
Williams thanked her supportive husband George and son Alex who supported her through all the victories and disappointments the sport has to offer.
Williams shared a quote by William Faulkner that describes her love for riding: ‘There is something about jumping a horse over a fence, something that makes you feel good. Perhaps it’s the risk, the gamble. In any event it’s a thing I need.’
