INVESTEC FEI WORLD CUP SHOW JUMPING QUALIFIER PROMISES SPECTACULAR HORSEMANSHIP

The Investec FEI World Cup Show Jumping Qualifier is once more being held in Cape Town at Glenellen Farm, Hout Bay from 21 to 25 November and promises a spectacle of Show Jumping from the top riders around the country.

Organized by the newly formed Cape Town Equestrian, this is the only international Show Jumping competition in Cape Town and forms the last leg of the South African Series of the FEI World Cup  Jumping Championship.

Renowned international course builder Frank Rothenburger from Germany will oversee the building of the course with colleague Andreas Hollmann.  Local course designers Kevin Sptatley  and Brendan Silen will be working with the international team and will be assisted by Andile Balula, who is one of the rising young stars in the Eventing Course Designer and Builder programme. The type of jumps that feature on the course are a challenge to these top national riders, offering the audience an opportunity to experience the close bond existing between horse and rider as they ride the course .

The classes are closely contested and, with more than 142 riders already entered , there will be much to interest visitors to the event.

Sunday November 25 will see past winners of the World Cup Qualifier class, Gareth and Shaun Neill, pitting their skills against a strong Western Province line up.  For the first time, four local riders feature in this 1.5m class showing a fast growing strength and skill from this region. Watch out for some of our local riders; Tara Louw and  Anthea Erasmus as well as  Liam Stevens,  and Jeanne Engela, who have been campaigning in Johannesburg  – as they raise the flag high for the province.

Both Anthea and Jeanne are hot contenders for the title and spectators are promised exciting rounds by both these talented show-jumpers. Earlier this year Jeanne competed in the” big” classes on her mare Cloof Wines Chanel. Their first attempt at a World Cup Qualifier was in Durban and after winning this they went on to place 2^nd in the Polokwane World Cup Qualifier. With Port Elizabeth coming up and the final leg in Cape Town Jeanne lies third overall. Anthea Erasmus has also had an amazing year having finished 2^nd in the Avis Derby in October with her horse Meerenhof Properties  Calypso and currently lying 6^th in the FEI World Cup Rankings after the Polokwane leg. With the pressure on, there is no doubt this will be a thrilling final for spectators and riders alike.

The Western Province Championship class of 1.30 and 1.35 riders will also see a strong local contingent on Saturday 24 November.

New entries Thomas Mbalula and Ross Coetzee are two young development riders who will be competing in the 1.10 classes and they are making their names known through their emerging talents. Thomas has also been awarded Western Province Eventing colours.

For spectators the promise of some thrilling watching is a certainty. The knowledge that the small entry fee will also be assisting a worthy beneficiary gives  yet another reason to attend.  The Western Cape Equine Trust, which helped establish and continues to support the SPCA Horse Care Unit in Grassy Park, will be receiving funds from entrance fees.

Over the five days the jumping spectacle will have visitors enthralled. Highlights will be Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November but for those looking for a day out in the country then Glenellen farm is certainly the place to be on any of the days. With the addition of a superb market (for food, clothing and accessories), children’s activities and entertainment then this family event has it all.

Dates: Wednesday 21 to Sunday 25 November
Venue: Glenellen Farm showgrounds – on Westerford Way, off Valley Road, Hout Bay
Cost per day: Wednesday – Friday: Free.
Saturday and Sunday: R20 – via Computicket or at the gate
Enquiries: Julie de Nicola – Julie@capetownequestrian.co.za 0835642350
Caitlyn Joubert – Caitlyn@capetownequestrian.co.za 0828575110