South Africa’s high profile showjumpers, Barry Taylor, Lorette Knowles-Taylor, Oscar Ncube and Liam Stevens imparted their knowledge to a host of children from different backgrounds at Kyalami Equestrian Park where the Nissan Easter Festival is currently taking place.
Children from the age of four learned valuable showjumping lessons from the experienced showjumpers.
Ncube and Stevens were first up coaching the older boys who not only successfully jumped clear rounds but also competed in a speedy and competitive jump-off, much to the delight of timekeeper and Mark White Nissan-sponsored rider Shannon Smith.
After two hours of lessons by Ncube and Stevens, it was the turn of Taylor who walked the Bob Charter arena with the 30-plus children, taking them through the various obstacles such as the bank, water jump, devil’s dyke and steps.
The children were blown away by the size and complexity of the jumps.
Stevens explained why they dedicated the day to the children.
“Their smiles made it all worthwhile,” he said. “I saw some talent out there for sure. The trick is now to channel the interest, energy, and love that these children possess for the horse. The ponies were great too, doing as they were asked and enjoying the day out.”
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