Hosted at one of the province’s most beautiful equestrian venues, with superior arenas and facilities, as well as an impressive prize purse, the Nissan Winter Classic has attracted top riders from across the country. They will be put through their paces on a course which is once again designed to international standards by renowned German designer Andreas Hollman.

Mike Whitfield, Managing Director of Nissan SA, said: “With its excellent courses and quality finishes, Nissan is proud to sponsor the Nissan Winter Classic, an equestrian event that is recognised as one of the premier events in South Africa. We are also delighted to be associated with the KwaZulu-Natal Horsesociety, whose partnership allows us to host a festival of the highest standard.”

Competitors will compete in a number of categories ranging from .70m up to the prestigious 1.50m Nissan FEI World Cup Qualifier, scheduled for Sunday 17^th June. Riders who qualify are eligible to participate in the FEI World Cup to take place in Europe next year.

Lorette Knowles-Taylor (Broadacres, Gauteng), who is widely regarded as the top ranked female rider in South Africa, will return to defend her crown and will alsolook to repeat another victory from last year – the BoE Private Clients 1,40m Rider’s Grand Prix Tour.  2010 World Cup Jumping RSA League winner Dominey Alexandra (Kyalami,Gauteng) is another rider who could dominate the event.  As one of South Africa’s top riders, who boasts a wealth of experience competing both locally and internationally, Alexandra will be looking to go one better than the 1,35m Mini Rider’s Grand Prix Tour he won at last year’s event.

Other top riders include Grant Langley (Hillcrest) and current South African Show jumping champion Jodi Pieters (Drummond), as well as the perennially successful Neil brothers, Shaun and Gareth (Randvaal, Gauteng), Lisa Williams (Gauteng), Barry Taylor (Gauteng), Ashlee Hausberger (Gauteng) as well as Anthea Erasmus (Cape Town).

Grant Langley, event organiser and top rider, said:”The sport of show jumping is rapidly growing in South Africa, and with the help of sponsors like Nissan – as well as BoE Private Clients and Santam – we are able to position the NissanWinter Classic as a leading event on the South African equestrian sports calendar. Featuring a magnificent fibre arena that has been lauded as one of the safest in the country, we have attracted the best equestrian athletes in the country and we are confident the event will be a resounding success when it kicks off in June”.

Although show jumping and competing will be the main attraction, the Nissan Winter Classic will also cater for the whole family. A dedicated play area – a jumping castle and a host of other activities – will be on hand to keep the children entertained, while adults will have an opportunity to visit the Nissan display area, which will offer a chance to test drive a variety of Nissan models.

For more information about the Nissan Winter Classic, visit the KwaZulu-Natal Horse Society website at www.kznhs.co.za, the Nissan website www.nissan.co.zaor contact Jodi Wolhuter on 0836554465.

RIDERS IN OVERDRIVE PREPARING FOR NISSAN WINTER CLASSIC

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Barry Taylor Victor Ludorum on Nissan Nabab

Shaun Neill, riding Clyde Z, won the 2012 Adult SA Outdoor Grand Prix held at the Nissan Easter Festival on Monday (9 April).

The veteran award winner, who has won a variety of titles with his previous stallion, was pleased with the performance of his more recent steed. “I’ve been in partnership with Clyde Z for two years now so hopefully we’ll go from strength to strength,” said Neill.

Tied in second place were Anne-Marie Esslinger (Alzu Oarsman), Paige Shiller (Midgard Glamour), David Wilken (Don’t Touch), Ashlee Hausberger (Quinsey) and last year’s winner, Barry Taylor (Nissan Nabab Forever). Because a Grand Prix competition is run over two rounds, with neither of the round’s time counting, there are often a few ties in a competition of this nature.

Taylor, who rides for Team Nissan, was the recipient of this year’s Victor Laudorum for achieving the most points throughout the competition. Along with the other riders, he now has his sights set on winning the Nissan-sponsored sports crossover Nissan Juke, which will be awarded to the best rider over six events in three provincial competitions, including today’s. “At the moment I’m in the lead,” said Taylor. “The next event is at Shongweni in KwaZulu-Natal.”

Nissan managing director Mike Whitfield was delighted with this year’s 10-day Nissan Easter Festival which has become an annual event in partnership with the Gauteng Horse Society.

“Every year it’s been getting better and better. What is really important for us is the turnout in terms of the number of people, the participation of the riders and the variety of events on offer. It has really become a family day out and we’re committed to growing the event with our continued sponsorship.”

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Nic Desvaux

Florence Espitalier Noel

Farnham Stables will play host to the visiting mauritius Team for this year’s Inter Africa cup Final. Seven countries will contest this year’s event in showjumping, equitation and dressage. Other countries visiting will be Swaziland, Namibian and  Senegal.

Team Members are:

Louis REGNARD

Marie LECLEZIO

Florence ESPITALIER NOEL

Nicolas DESVAUX

Chef D’equipe : Severine HIRTZ

A warm welcome to our guests and we wish them a great event!

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Vincent Moemise joins Farnham Stables!

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