THE 2018 Lormar Endurance FEI 3* Ride took place on October 19 and 20 on Fairview Farm, 50km outside Middelburg.
Many participants plan their entire year to be able to attend the Lormar ride because of its uniqueness and social vibe.
The ride was the brainchild of Piet van der Merwe, who passed away November 2017. His vision for the ride was to make it more technical, forcing riders to resort to skill and experience to come out on top.
The results were astonishing, enjoying high completion percentages and few injuries.
The national ERASA event runs alongside the international FEI event at Lormar, giving riders the opportunity to proceed with young horses novice phase and help with the qualification process to eventually participate at Fauresmith.
Fauresmith requires three 80km rides to be able to qualify to ride the 200km event.
The ride had two extremes of weather, being hot the first day and cold the next. The Karoo is known for its unpredictable weather and brought in an extra challenge with mountains.
Riders and grooms stayed jolly with hearty home cooked meals and hot coffee. Everyone riding the 120km and 160km enjoyed the spectacular view from the mountain.
True endurance spirit was shown at this ride and everyone had a good time. In true Lormar fashion, the social part of the event was upheld by the few who kept things cheerful.
The Eastern Cape Championship Trophies were awarded to a few outstanding riders who performed well over the year. Marli Geldenhuis was awarded the Eastern Cape Junior Champion Trophy.
Eastern Cape Horse of the year Trophy was awarded to Daan Landman’s horse, Delmar Storm, ridden by Anri Wolmarans.
No senior champion was chosen for 2018. Winners are chosen from Nasional (ERASA) Categories and International (FEI) Categories fastest times. The ride was held under international (FEI) rules.
The following riders stood out above the rest:
FEI 160km Standard-weight: Lara le Roux on Welbech Jamal (fastest time 08:41:59)
ERASA 160km Young rider: Lara van Niekerk on FS Eusebio (09:04)
ERASA 160km Lightweight: Joubert Sambo on Willoi Magnum (08:52:12)
ERASA 120km Child: Amy Rose van Zyl on Om-Sura Scotty (08:23:31)
FEI 120km Junior: Lara van Niekerk on Esmak Jadyn (06:45:44)
FEI 120km Lightweight: Lara le Roux on Koringkloof Fadjur (06:45:44:)
FEI 120km Standard weight: Johnny (Jnr) Fourie on Okmar Fareed (06:53:38)
FEI 120km Heavyweight: Christian Troskie on Gnu Prince Echo (08:53:31)
ERASA 80km Child: Gian Steyl on Steyl Texas (04:29:29)
FEI 80km Junior: Marli Geldenhuis on Lormar Tarzan (04:03:56)
FEI 80km No-weight: Jason Jacobs on El Sahra Aladin (fastest time 03:58:26)
ERASA 80km Standard-weight: Mari Louw on Beaconsfield Chief (04:04:24)
FEI 80km Heavyweight: Hendri van Wyk on Perdeberg Oregon (04:31:35)
