Cross country action at the Polo international horse trials

AFTER the undeniable success of the inaugural event, Polo South Africa is proud to announce the Polo International Horse Trials, which will be taking place in the heart of Kyalami between the 3 and 5 of October.

The event will be filled with adrenalin-spiked moments for those who enjoy the thrill of the sport. Galloping over 5km of cross-country jumping tracks, riders and their horses will be challenged with a series of ditches, water complexes, and the infamous ‘broken bridge’.

For many, the sport of Horse Trials or Eventing – presents the ultimate challenge of horsemanship because it requires horse and rider to perform three totally different activities within the same competition: dressage, cross country and show jumping. To conquer one phase, or even two is not enough to win – and so the competition develops and so does the pressure.

To offer her insight and experience, South African rider and last year’s Polo International Horse Trials winner, Hayley Parker, will be taking a short break from her international campaign to host course walks and co-present the television programme. Recently qualified at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials to compete at the highest level, Hayley was compared to the British number one eventer, William Fox-Pitt for her skill in not falling off over a jump that had caught out most of the top International riders.

Less than 20 minutes from Sandton, the picturesque Inanda Country Base provides the perfect location for such an event. Key highlights that spectators will be able to enjoy over the weekend include the Polo Chill Area that is situated within the water complex, activities such as Art Jamming, water slides and pony rides for children.

The 2014 Pink Pony Brunch meanwhile caters to invitees and VIPs, who will have the chance to see the launch of the POLO Spring/Summer ‘14 range.

A new addition to the trials, the 5km ‘Pink Pony Walkathon’ will be held to promote the cause of breast cancer awareness. This fun family walk starts at 08h00 on the Polo field, with entry at just R25.00 per person and all proceeds going towards the cause. The walk is open to all ages, and all ‘pets on a leash’ are welcome too. There will also be prizes to be won for participating walkers.

For more information visit www.polo.co.za/EVENTS/HorseTrials2014

Date: 3 October

• Venue: Kyalami Park Club, Kyalami, Johannesburg

• Times: 08h15 – 16h00

• Ticket prices: No charge

Date: 4 October 

• Times: 08h00 – 15h00

• Venue: Inanda Country Base, Kyalami, Johannesburg

• Ticket prices: R25.00 (available at the gate) All proceeds to Breast Cancer Awareness

• Walkathon: Entry fee included in gate entry fee

Date: 5 October

• Times: 07h30 – 16h00

• Venue: Kyalami Park Club, Kyalami, Johannesburg

• Ticket prices: R200.00 upwards available from Computicket