SWAKOPMUND – Perfect weather conditions, a great number of spectators and exciting events contributed to the huge success of the annual show held at the Riverside Equestrian Centre (REC) near Swakopmund recently.
The FEI Group IX Gauntlet 2013 was offered for the very first time at the REC show held over the weekend of December 06 to 08 that saw hosts Namibia competing against Botswana, Congo, Kenya and Zambia.
The event was ridden over four challenging rounds, meticulously prepared by Namibia’s own FEI course builder Cord Cordes, while the judging was under the watchful eye of FEI Judge Detlev Voigts. The top riders who emerged in the three categories were Franmari Lang on Seeis Mongold (1,15 m); Silvia Kleyenstüber on Midgard Gigant (1,05 m) and Eloise Grobler on Foxy Face (0,95 m).
Ane Rautenbach on Assegaai Winter Dance claimed the Winter Dance Victrix Ludorum Juniors over all four rounds. REC riders Sebastian Braune on his horse Zonjati Bon Camillo, Selina Schneider on CTM Menduza Niknak and Michelle Kunzle on M & A Caskari were awarded the best child, junior and adult rider awards respectively for the year 2013. Both Kenya and Zambia completed their legs and the interim results read as follows:
In Category A over 1,15 metres Kenya led with 17 penalties before Zambia with 45.
In Category B over 1,05 metres. Kenya led with 8 penalties with Zambia not completing a team, and in Category C, Zambia led with 4 penalties with Kenya in 2nd place with 8 penalites.
The show has become extremely popular with more entries this year. Furthermore, the REC went to extreme lengths to offer all three disciplines, namely dressage, jumping and equitation as well as the REC Challenge, a smaller version of a cross country track.
The latter was well received by the vast number of spectators in attendance. The most challenging competitions were those of the FEI Gauntlet 2013.
REC riders Sebastian Braune on his horse Zonjati Bon Camillo, Selina Schneider on CTM Menduza Niknak and Michelle Kunzle on M & A Caskari were awarded the best child, junior and adult rider awards respectively for the year 2013.
VDP Transport was the main sponsor. The REC wishes to express its sincere gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the show in kind and other. No show can be held without the help of the officials and the generous sponsorships.
By Staff Reporter