So far this year we have seen 2 legs of the Mark White Nissan Super League take place at Marion Clough’s fabulous Fourways Riding Centre. The competition in the Junior Open Equitation classes is truly overflowing with talent and skill. It is anybody’s guess as to which rider will win and there is no room for error from any of the riders if they wish to be victorious. After the 2nd leg, Nicole Bates is leading by one point due to her 2 wins and ranked 2nd is the disciplined Danielle Machine. Hot on their heels is 3rd ranked stylish Sylvia Dixon, only 4 points behind Nicole. The Pony Rider Open classes are currently being dominated by Lia Wheeler instructed by Kirsty Loots of Sun Valley stables. Following her closely is Hanna Boon and she is instructed by the Michelle Dawson of Silvertree Stables.

There are many exciting events coming up on the Gauteng Equitation calendar, first we have the Pony Rider and Junior Derby on the 8th May 2016. Then towards the end of May, the 3rd Leg of the Mark White Nissan Super League takes place at Maple Ridge. After that, our team selectors will be meeting to decide on the Gauteng Equitation teams which will compete in the Pony Rider South African Equitation Team and Individual Championships as well as the Junior South African Equitation Team and Individual Championships.

Another thrilling event which is coming up is the Phillip Smith Memorial Cup. This is taking place on the 30th April and 1st May 2016 at Kyalami Equestrian Park.

This prestigious class is open only to the top 4 riders from the previous year’s Junior South African Equitation Individual Championship. This year the riders taking part are Sylvia Dixon, Danielle Lemmer, Zahn Bosman and Danielle Machine. The first day entails a flatwork test where all 4 riders will ride all 4 of the horses in a dressage test. The second day provides a gymnastic and a jumping course where again all 4 riders will ride all 4 horses. The winner and their coach are treated to an overseas trip to a major international show of their choice. Previous winners have attended Olympia, the Dunblane Horse Show and Hickstead.

The Gauteng Equitation Committee would like to extend their thanks to Mark White Nissan for their generous sponsorship of the Equitation Super League for the 3rd year running.