Showdown at Shongweni
The countdown to the Nissan Winter Classic has begun. The Durban Shongweni Club is scheduled to host the prestigious show jumping event once again this June.
The five-day spectacle takes place from 13 to 17 June and is expected to attract 400 horses to one of the country’s most picturesque equestrian venues.
“We are once again delighted to join forces with the KwaZulu-Natal Horse Society to host this exciting premier event,” said Nissan SA managing director Mike Whitfield. “It also affords us an opportunity to showcase our Innovation that Excites range of 4X4 and SUV vehicles, which are well-suited to the horse-riding fraternity."
As the second leg of the 2013 FEI World Cup Jumping – Southern Africa League, valuable points will be up for grabs in the race towards qualification for the FEI World Cup finals in Europe next year.
There are also handsome prize purses on offer for the top finishers.
Organiser of the Nissan Winter Classic, Jodi Wolhuter, said the FEI international standard course would once again be designed and built by renowned German designer, Andreas Hollmann, responsible for last year’s impressive course at the Durban Shongweni Club.
“Having an international course designer is key in these competitions as it ensures South African horses are jumping to international standards,” Wolhuter said.
Top international show jumping judge, Anna Lindqvist, will also fly out from Europe to attend the event and lend her expert eye to proceedings, having just completed judging at this year’s FEI World Cup final in Sweden a few weeks ago.
A range of categories will be competed in over the five days, including the KZN Junior 1.30m and Adult Open 1.35m Championships, the 1.40m Championships, the 1.50m open grades premier event, and the Nissan FEI World Cup Competition. Horses and riders from all over South Africa will be gathering to compete in this prestigious event.
This year’s event also plays host to pony riders, who will be tackling jumps from 60cm to 1.10m.
Reigning champion, Jodi Pieters, is billed to return to defend her crown in the premium class having won the Nissan FEI World Cup Qualifier 1.50m class at last year’s classic. The local girl from Drummond beat stiff competition at last year’s event, where she dethroned 2011 champion Lorette Knowles-Taylor.
Knowles-Taylor, along with husband Barry Taylor, is also scheduled to return to the Durban Shongweni Club and will no doubt be looking to reclaim her title from two years ago.
Last year’s third placed finisher, Shaun Neil, will also be back to the fray.
The Nissan Winter Classic promises to provide further entertainment with the Nissan Six Bar High Jump event, which in essence is high jump for horses and a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
A vaulting display by young KZN vaulters, two of whom have qualified to participate in the 2014 World Equestrian Games, will also take place during the event.
Although the show jumping will be the main attraction, the Nissan Winter Classic promises to entertain the whole family. A kids play and entertainment area is available for the younger members of the audience, while those needing a break from the equestrian action have access to shopping stalls, as well as a vehicle display and test driving area hosted by the sponsors. This will allow unlimited access to Nissan’s latest models.
Wolhuter added: “It is a great outdoor event for the family with play areas and activities for the children, Nissan vehicle displays, test driving facilities, great food and exciting show jumping."
(File Photo:H2 Photography)
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