RIDERS had a blast at the Lormar Endurance Middelburg FEI 3* Ride that was held on Fairview farm, 50km outside Middelburg, on March 1 and 2.
The ride is over a flat course, which is in contrast to the October event that circles over the mountain. Being the last opportunity for riders to qualify for teams at SAIC, riders came from all over the country to compete for a spot.
The route, planned carefully by Lormar event founder, Piet van der Merwe, enjoys beautiful scenery, wild life and technical jeep tracks passing though farms surrounding the venue.
Well-seasoned riders took advantage and reaped the rewards, while some were unlucky with unexpected challenges ending the day sooner than expected.
A total of 114 horses started over two days, and only 22 were eliminated.
Winners are chosen from national categories (ERASA) and international categories (FEI). The ride was held under FEI rules.
The following riders stood out:
- FEI 160km Standard Weight: Ashley Dale Vorster on Waterlea Bosun (09:32) who also won Best Conditioned and Best of the Best in the 160km category.
- FEI 160km Young Rider: Luame van Wyk on Blok Hantami (09:59) ERASA 120km Lightweight: Charlene Grunow on Saruk Kaydi (06:23) also winning Best Conditioned and Best of the Best in the 120km category.
- FEI 120km Standard Weight: Samson Mjika on FS Eusebio (06:18) also winning Best Conditioned in the 120km Standard Weight category.
- FEI 120km Heavyweight: Hendri van Wyk on Shadow (06:49) also winning Best Conditioned in the 120km Heavyweight category.
- FEI 80km Young Rider: Gamay Tromp on Arkab Burkan (04:30) also winning Best Conditioned in the 80km Young Rider category.
- FEI 80km No Weight: Liza Botes on Janor Taban (03:59) also winning Best Conditioned and Best of the Best in the 80km category.
- FEI 80km Standard Weight: Joseph Rapulana (03:59) also winning Best Conditioned in the 80km Standard Weight category.
- ERASA 80km Heavyweight: Andries Ferreira on Kate (04:28) also winning Best Conditioned in the 80km Heavyweight category.
