Whether you are watching the grace and elegance of dressage, the speed and bravery of cross country, or the pure grit of showjumping, what better way is there to spend your weekend? All, of course, with the hospitality of Polo.
I spent my Saturday gleefully kicking up the dust and grass of Inanda Country Base, following the fearless horses and riders around the cross-country course. The going was tough, the ground was unforgiving and the jumps challenging. I chose the water jump as my base, with the angled corners just behind me. It posed no problem for most riders with their horses diving off the bank into the water.
I then hiked up the hill to watch the one- and two-star riders navigate the bridge. A long, tiring gallop up the slope ends by cantering up the bridge, a small but scary hop over the gap in the middle, three strides and a leap of faith off the edge.
Two-stars did this in reverse, followed by a sharp left to a skinny
After receiving a 2nd in the dressage the day before, Martyn Swanepoel was the one to watch, leading the pack at the end of the day by eight points overall.
Sunday brought on the jumping and a flurry of pink-themed spectators.
We arrived bright and early and chose a spot right in front for the best possible view of the driving class, which stunned with their ability to turn on a dime, despite the carriages behind them.
After a delightful breakfast, the one- and two-star jumping classes brought thrills and a few spills to boot!
A fantastically built course (1.5 to 1.6m height) with massive Oxers, the Devil's Dyke and a rustic gate, which proved challenging for several riders.
A tough jump off saw Martyn Swanepoel beat Murray Pote to the prize in the CCI two star. While Heidi Caine topped the leader board in the CIC two star and Megan Cunningham in the CCI one star.
My partner in crime and I stayed on for the Galencia SA Derby. We sat next to a delightful off-duty commentator (who shall remain nameless), which made a greatly entertaining afternoon. It's always good to get the skinder at first hand.
Walking the course gave us a whole new respect for the riders and their magnificent horses. I wouldn't say that I was tall, but I wouldn't think it possible for a horse to jump me. These jumps were three of me - in a row!
The height and width is incredible and the Derby bank, legendary. Congratulations to all the competitors but especially to Nicole Horwood on The Capital Stud's stallion Don Cumarco, for winning for the second year running. Shaun Neil took second place with Liam in third and Nicola Sime in fourth.
All I can say is, you've got cojones!
