Johannesburg’s spectacular Christmas show, Equestria, will this year showcase endurance riding, one of SA’s least known but fastest growing equestrian sports.
“While we obviously cannot stage a full endurance ride, Equestria will give the audience a taste of this demanding sport which requires tremendous fitness from both horse and rider,” says Elizabeth Mohr, Equestria’s organiser.
Endurance riding also demands a particularly intimate relationship between rider and horse as they compete over long distances, often for several days. The well-being of the horses is paramount and the sport is heavily regulated, involving veterinary inspections prior to, during and following each event. Training involves an average of 60 to 70km per week.
“Equestria aims to showcase as many different equestrian disciplines as possible, and we’re delighted that the Endurance Ride Association of South Africa (Erasa) is participating this year,” says Mohr.
Between six and ten endurance riding champions will take part in two mini endurance rides from the Coca Cola Dome during Equestria. Following veterinary inspections in the arena, the horses and their riders will complete a 25km circuit in the Honeydew area before returning for post-ride checks.
“During these inspections, the public will have the opportunity of learning about this growing sport,” says Mohr.
Equestria 2006 takes place from 8 to 10 December at the Coca-Cola Dome at Northgate. It has all the makings of a spectacular Christmas show, with exciting displays, entertaining animal acts and an array of speed and showjumping events of international standard.
The endurance rides will take place during the matinee performances on Saturday 9 December and Sunday 10 December. The matinees commence at 11:00, and veterinary inspections prior to the endurance riding demonstration are expected to take place at 13:20. The riders should arrive back in the arena at the close of the performance, at approximately 14:30. Officials and vets will then conduct their checks in exactly the way that these would take place during a proper endurance ride, as required by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI).
Notes to editors:
Equestria 2006 – taking place from 8 to 10 December at the Coca-Cola Dome at Northgate – has all the makings of a spectacular Christmas show, with exciting displays, entertaining animal acts and an array of speed and showjumping events of international standard.
25 of the country’s top riders and their horses will once again compete for the Equestria Indoor Showjumping Championship title, exposing horse-lovers and the general public to the thrills and beauty of horse-riding and showjumping.
The Equestria cast have collaborated to create an extra-special pantomime, featuring dazzling horse and dog displays, stunning costumes and a heart-warming script that is sure to make spectators smile and the children wanting to join in the fun.
For the children highlights of this year’s event include an animal petting zoo; pony rides and photo opportunities with Santa himself.
Not to be missed at this year’s show is the South African Shetland Pony Grand National, in which 18 Shetland ponies will compete for the title of the Grand Champion.
Equestria will also launch its new CSI initiative, “Kids raising funds for kids”. A sms competition will give the public the opportunity to select a winner on each Shetland Pony race and winning tickets will be placed in a draw.
Just confirmed for the first time in South Africa - The Endurance Riding Association of South Africa will run an endurance ride out of The Coca-Cola Dome. The process of vetting and monitoring the horses will take place before the performance on the Friday evening. The race will be set off at interval on Saturday and Sunday matinee. The race will finish after each performance and spectators may stay to witness the vet check.
In addition to the non-stop live entertainment, Equestria also boasts a retail exhibition, offering the local equestrian industry and related industries a rare opportunity to showcase its clubs, companies and products in a 1 600-metre hall. The exhibition is open daily through-out the three-day show.
The live performances kick-off at 18h00 on Friday, 8 December. There are two evening performances on Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th at 17h30, with the matinee performances on Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th commencing at 11:00.
Book at www.strictlytickets.com
Equestria is also offering exclusive VIP Tables situated on the arena. Please contact Equestria on +27 (0)11 468-2042 for further information. Seats are limited so members of the public are urged to book early to avoid disappointed.
Visit our website www.equestriasa.co.za for more information and programme details.