Equestrians, show jumpers prepare for Nissan Winter Classic

17 May 2012

South Africa's equestrian and show-jumping fraternities are preparing for the Nissan Winter Classic 2012, which will be held at the Durban Shongweni Club between 14 and 17 June 2012. The event is part of the countrywide Nissan Riders Series competition.

The prize for the rider who accumulates the most points over the series is a Nissan Juke. Riders will also accumulate valuable ratings points in the 2012 FEI World Cup Jumping - RSA League.

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 German designer Andreas Hollman.

Mike Whitfield, MD 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 Horse society, 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 June. Riders who qualify are eligible to participate in the FEI World Cup to take place in Europe next year.

Defending her crown

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 also look 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).

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, go to the KwaZulu-Natal Horse Society website at www.kznhs.co.za, the Nissan website www.nissan.co.za or contact Jodi Wolhuter on +27 (0)83 655 4465.