SEE A WESTERN SADDLE IN THE MAKING AT EQUESTRIA

Jaco Burger, a self-taught leather-craftsman from JRB Saddlery will demonstrate the art of handcrafted western saddle-making at the Equestria 2006, taking place from 8 to 10 December at the Coca-Cola Dome at Northgate.

Examples of his exquisite, fully handmade, custom-designed western-style leather saddles will also be on display at his stand at the expo.

Bruger, an avid horse-lover who as a child loved creating things with his hands, always dreamed of making his own western-style saddle. Without any formal training, his enthusiasm and eagerness to learn from books written by master saddle-makers, is what drove and enabled him to build his first saddle in 1998.

In 2001, he took two samples to “The Cowboy School” in Pretoria to be evaluated. They were tested and eventually sold by the school. Since then, JRB Saddlery’s western saddles have become immensely popular and are sold widely to customers across South Africa.

JRB Saddlery’s interest lies in custom western saddles and tack. 

“The whole purpose of custom-made saddles and tack is to provide a perfect fit for both horse and rider, making them extremely comfortable. Only the best quality leather and hardware are used. Riders can also add their own personal touch to their saddles, whether it is customised tooling, an emblem or a name

“What makes these saddles even more special is that everything is handmade – no machines involved,” concludes Burger.

Visit Burger at Equestria to learn more about the art of western saddle-making.

ENDS

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 guest appearances by the animal cast of the hit Disney movie, Racing Stripes; 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.