FARM NICO NORTH – Visitors at a horseracing event at Farm Nico North near Gibeon last weekend unanimously agreed that the idea of horseracing being a sport exclusively for men should be dispelled.

Clifford Alberts, a horse owner and head of the organising committee hosting the event, stated that the time has come for women to saddle up and compete in races. “While some of the women present today are horse owners, it is equally important for them to get more actively involved in the sport,” he argued.

Another owner, Lindtrudie Böck, shared that her two-year-old granddaughter is already showing a keen interest in horseracing, as she consistently demands to ride horses with her older cousins. “My daughters are also very much into horseracing and used to ride with the jockeys at times, which definitely indicates that one or two of them will become jockeys in the future,” she told New Era.

Lindie Klukowski, whose horses compete every year, fully agrees that young girls should be encouraged to participate in competitions from the grassroots’ level. “With proper exposure, they might just become our future champions,” she said.

Alberts said this was the third time they hosted the event, aiming to bring together residents from surrounding areas for a day of fun and recreation. “This is the only fun these people are having, which is why we hold it during April and December every year so they can try to forget the hardships caused by the drought, and come together to mingle with others and have fun.” The horse owner, who has won numerous races in the past, also mentioned that some of the jockeys are now competing in larger, regional races in places like Rehoboth and Gobabis. “As an organising committee, our main goal is to build up-to-standard stalls for the horses, high-quality turfs, ablution facilities, and install a water tank as part of our development plans to attract horse owners competing at the national level,” he stated. Alberts called on commercial banks,
large businesses and wealthy individuals to invest in such initiatives in rural areas, as part of their corporate social responsibility.

One of the owners, Arnold Losper, said horseracing runs in his blood, as it provides him with recreation, so he could never quit. “Through years of experience and by training my horses and jockeys well, I have won many races,” he said. Losper also urged the public to show more interest in the sport, as it offers both fun and financial opportunities.

The third edition of the event saw 26 horses compete in 12 races, with prizes ranging from N$2 000 for winners to N$500 for those finishing in fourth place. Sandwich Harbour Tours sponsored the event for the third time, contributing N$25 000 for 2024.

Alberts and Losper emerged as winners during the final, longer races of the day.