Primary and High school riders were selected after completing the fourth qualifier event recently where they had a last opportunity to earn points for their school and individually. The regionals will be held from 9 to 11 August in George.
Entries from as far afield as Plett, Oudshoorn and Albertinia were received for the fourth qualifier. On Friday afternoon, Performance riding and Working riding took place in the main arena.
Some dads were roped in to help in the Working riding course by taking riders on leading reins.
Saturday started with Dressage and was followed by Working Hunter and Equitation. The morning also included Show Jumping classes where riders had the opportunity to show their skills in front of supporters and judges.
According to SANESA chairperson Annelise Naude, "The level of the riders has definitely improved and that was shown on the challenging course that the course builder set out for them to jump." The highlight of the weekend was a school parade where it was evident how well the district's schools were represented by the variety of riders.
SANESA SWD is proud of the growth in the Equestrian Schools League. Last season (2011) 18 riders were chosen to represent SWD at the regionals in Swellendam whereas this year there will be 38 riders.
The SANESA SWD Equestrian team for 2012 who will take part in the regional finals are:
Primary schools: Amori du Preez on Ashgar Right Royal; Bianca Mincione on Twilight; Caitlin Smith on Navaho; Carah Callaghan on Waterside Roselace; Caroline de Villiers on April; Caroline de Villiers on Strider; Christiaan du Plessis on Burnside Ruby; Eve O Connell on Just Enough; Gabriella Lubner on Billy Bob; Gemma Kleu on Waverly; Hanna Butler on Kilshane Galbally; Kelly Dawkins on Butter Bear; Kiara Smith on Max; Marta Heinen on Coffee Bear; Melissa Davies on Blue Boy; Neena de Klerk on Pringle; Paul Kotze on Query; Paula Mare on Burnside Lillys Leaf; Samantha de Villiers on Fynbosch Bracken; Samantha de Villiers on Victor; Veda Vosloo on Amber; Zelda Rhi-Janna Piater on Freyja Raindrop.
High Schools: Annette Stemmet on Blood Diamond; Anthony Kennekamp on Burnside Pride; Caitlin Bodley on Mr Aahlee Dee; Candice Ludick on Burnside Magical Ballad; Dane Du Preez on Burnside Eccentric Dancer; Georgia Solomon on La Rourke; Gyorgy-Lee von Finckenstein on Rathmor Two for the Show; Jemma-Lee Bryant on Shadow; Leriska Naude on Burnside Nesso Dorma; Michelle Klaassen on Gallops Queen; Phillip Breytenbach on Burnside Blue Belle; Rene Uys on Fynbos Emigrant; Robyn Dodd on Donna; Sian Patrick on Lady Electra; Willei Oosthuizen on Spiderman; Xisca Taylor on Coffee Bear.
The riders from Laerskool George-Suid at the SWD SANESA event held in George recently.
