Stellenbosch to host show jumping qualifier
The much-anticipated Investec FEI Equestrian World Cup Jumping qualifier, one of the highlights on the South African show jumping calendar, is the final chance for top South African riders to qualify for the 2014 FEI World Cup event to be held in France in April next year.
The first Equestrian World Cup jumping qualifying event will be held in November at the Stellenbosch District Riding Club (SDRC).
With only the finest riders competing at this international standard event, the qualifier is guaranteed to give spectators a taste of world-class show jumping on a course designed by international course builders Michel Ismalun of France and Kevin Spratley of South Africa.
Ismalun is the designer of the 2014 World Equestrian Games course while Spratley has been responsible for the design of several local high profile event courses, including the Avis Derby from 2009 to 2012 and the Pony Rider SA Championships this year. Spratley has also worked on international courses - his most recent project was the design for the Spanish Sunshine Tour. Top riders in the junior and adult levels will be competing at the five-day event, which runs from 20 to 24 November and is organised by Cape Town Equestrian.
High standard expected
Janet Larsen, Investec South Africa's head of Marketing, says the sport of show jumping is rapidly growing in South Africa. "As a last chance to make the cut for the World Cup, the qualifier will this year no doubt deliver a spectacle of the highest standard. We predict that the high levels of passion, energy and stamina required to make it to the top will further ensure that the qualifier becomes an iconic annual event."
The SDRC, one of the leading equestrian facilities in the country, is nestled into the Stellenbosch forest and runs events in disciplines ranging from Dressage and Driving to Show Jumping and Eventing. The FEI World Cup qualifier event is open to everyone and will also have a food, wine and craft market, with a variety of different district wines, fresh produce and homemade goods on offer.
Entrance is free on 20, 21 and 22 November, with tickets for Saturday, 23 and Sunday, 24 available for purchase at R50 per person from either Computicket or at the gate. For further information, go to www.capetownequestrian.co.za or contact Cape Town Equestrian on +27 (0)21 510 3912.
