After a year’s sabbatical due to the pandemic, it was with great excitement that pony and horse riders of school-going age could compete at the first South African National Equestrian Schools Association (Sanesa) Sedibeng qualifier for 2021, hosted by Penbritte Equestrian Centre in Eikenhof on March 20 and 21.
Due to the late start in the year, only three of the normal four qualifiers will be held to finish qualifiers in time. This is to allow the regional competitions to be held countrywide before the final national competition due to take place during the September/October school holidays.
The nationals will take place in Gauteng at a venue still to be confirmed. Riders from all provinces are invited to compete.
Sedibeng Qualifier Two will take place on April 17 and 18 and qualifier three on May 29 and 30. Show entries close two weeks before each qualifier. Late show entries will not be accepted. Current riders and coaches need to update their portfolios each year.
Riders and schools from Robertsham in the north to Vanderbijlpark in the south, Klipriver in the east and Lenasia in the west all fall under the Sedibeng region.
For schools, parents and coaches new to Sanesa and as a reminder to current members, here are the benefits of participating:
• Equestrianism is a recognised school sport by the Department of Education and riders can qualify for school sporting awards.
• There is no club, discipline association or any other fees payable to join Sanesa.
• Multi-discipline shows. Travel to one venue and select from a variety of classes, including jumping, equitation, showing and dressage.
• Entry fees are affordable and graded riders can claim points in their association’s discipline for a small additional fee.
• Rider and horse/pony registration is easy and done online at www.sanesa.co.za. Show entries are also done online.
Compete in all qualifiers at Penbritte Equestrian Centre, a top-class venue in Eikenhof offering a tack shop, licensed restaurant, overnight stabling, children’s play area and free secure parking.
Penbritte is Covid-19 compliant.
Official photographers are in attendance at all shows.
Qualified paramedics are on duty for the duration of all shows.
Western Shoppe, the official Sanesa sponsors offer specials at each qualifier.
Only registered and suitably qualified judges officiate at all shows and score sheets with comments (where applicable) are given to riders.
Show results are uploaded within a day and results are posted on the website. Riders, coaches, parents and schools can follow rider progress and results after each qualifying show.
For regular news and updates, it is recommended that interested parties join the Sanesa Sedibeng Facebook page.
Most queries can be answered on the Sanesa website.
For further information or registration glitches, contact the Sedibeng chairperson at gps@sanesa.co.za
