THE eight edition of the Nissan Easter Festival took place from April 8 to 17, hosting hundreds of equestrian competitors and supporters from across Africa.
Equestrian athletes from countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, Zambia and Namibia competed against a strong South African contingent of riders from a wide range of disciplines such as showing, equitation, dressage and showjumping. Over 12 000 spectators attended the ten-day festival.
Show director Kate Launder said, ”We ran 160 competition classes over the ten days. In addition we had entertainment galore including the Nissan fancy dress, an Easter egg hunt, the Nissan vehicle display area, jumping castles and more. One of my personal highlights was the Nissan Navara Challenge, Eventers vs Showjumpers, whereby the very best in the sport enjoyed a good laugh as they competed against each other over various obstacles. In my opinion, this show was better than previous years as we had an outstanding announcer throughout.”
The Grand Prix winners of the showjumping classes are: Nissan Junior 1.35m SA Outdoor Grand Prix: Thomas Triggol – riding Burntwood; Nissan Pony Rider 1.20m SA Outdoor Grand Prix: Hannah Van Niekerk – riding Scooby Doo. The Adult 1.50m Victrix Ludorum was awarded to Lisa Williams riding Discovery Campbell.
The Star of The Show award went again to Nicola Sime-Riley – this year riding her horse Fulvic Connoisseur and winning the Nissan 1.50m SA Outdoor Grand Prix. Having won the 2016 title on Sunny Park Stables Elpaso, she wasn’t going to give up the title easily, and completed both her showjumping rounds on Connoisseur clear but for one time penalty in each round, ending up on two penalties overall.
Constantly pushing Nicola was 2012 and 2014 champion and Capital Stud rider Nicole Horwood riding Mark White Nissan Capital Don Cumarco, who placed second overall. In third place was Dominey Alexander on Armageddon.
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