GEORGE HORSE RIDING NEWS - Horses and their riders from far and wide attended this past weekend's Spring Festival at the George Riding Club. About 150 horses from as far as Cape Town and Port Elizabeth came to go through their paces at the annual festival.
It was a bit wet and cold this year, but that did not stop them from giving it their all. The riders were well trained and ready for the day.
Mark Jacobs, the vice-chairman of the club, says they hope the show will spark more interest in the sport. He is a rider himself and became interested in the sport very early. "My dad brought me to shows like this when I was about six years old." He says because it is an expensive sport, you have to be committed - he goes riding before work in the mornings and uses every opportunity he has to better himself.
Holding the Spring Festival on an annual basis has many benefits. "This is a good opportunity to see if you are better, and you can measure yourself against other riders," he says.
On the social side, riders from outside George look forward to seeing each other again, plus the travelling is always a great experience. To Jacobs, George Riding Club is the best because it offers all the different disciplines at one venue.
A contestant taking part in the jumping show on Saturday.
At some of the other clubs contestants have to commute between venues. Jacobs hopes to see more people come out to see the event next year.
If you are interested please contact him at grceventing@gmail.com or call him on 082 379 1152.
The horses and riders work hard to excel in the dressage arena as part of the club's Spring Festival.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
