Equestrian show in George

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EQUESTRIAN NEWS - George Riding Club (GRC) saw 150 horses and some 500 people at this year's FEI Discovery Western Cape Eventing Championship last weekend. The competition was once again successfully hosted from Friday 26 August until Sunday.

"It was a great honour for George Riding Club to once again host a show of this standard. It was a great success and lots of fun for all involved. We look forward to hosting more exquisite shows," said GRC's Paula Bronkhorst.

GRC, with its lush green facilities and top-quality arenas, is the only Garden Route show ground between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

Eventing is an equestrian triathlon consisting of dressage, show jumping and cross country, each presenting its own test for the horse-rider combination.

Dressage consists of a set of prescribed movements that are performed at or between markers, which are placed around the arena. Marks are rewarded according to how accurately, fluidly and precisely the movements are executed.

PHOTO GALLERY: FEI Discovery Western Cape Eventing Championship at GRC

Cross Country is the most exhilarating test. Horse and rider are asked to gallop over undulating terrain while negotiating intimidating solid jumps like ditches, banks, drops and water, testing courage and accuracy.

The course must be completed within a specific time.

Show jumping tests the horse's agility, suppleness and obedience over a normal show jumping course after the rigorous test of the cross country. This phase can often change the ranking order and thus is generally the most nerve-wracking part of the competition.

Adult 2 Star CCN winner, Bronwyn Pruett on Spark a Rhythm. Photo: Bridget Ford