Latest news with #KyalamiParkClub
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Toyota qualifier at Kyalami set to challenge top riders in quest for World Cup ticket
Toyota Midrand World Cup qualifier Leona van der Merwe is one of the favourites at the Toyota Midrand World Cup qualifier at the Kyalami Park Club. Image: Supplied This weekend, Kyalami Park Club will transform into a battleground as South Africa's top equestrians compete for glory in the Toyota World Cup Qualifier, paving their path toward a coveted World Cup ticket. With a capacity crowd expected, the stakes are high for both horse and rider as they tackle awe-inspiring jumps and face intense performance pressure. The competition proper starts on Saturday, showcasing elite talent in classes ranging from 1.30m to 1.40m in height. Here, riders will confront demanding courses designed to test their skill and tactical prowess, with substantial prizes adding an enticing layer of competition. The excitement peaks on Sunday when all the action takes place on the course, crafted by the renowned Frank Rothenberger. With over 35 years of experience and a portfolio that includes layouts for both the Olympics and World Championships, the design promises to challenge the nation's best riders. From the first fence to the finish line, the pressures of competition will surge as riders navigate increasingly complex obstacles. Leading the charge in this high-stakes environment is local hero Ronnie Healy, currently leading the Kyalami Club's 'Year of the Legend' rankings. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Healy achieved notable success earlier this year, securing the Toyota SA Outdoor 1.50m Grand Prix title in April. Yet the competition is fierce, with rising stars like the Van der Merwe couple, Leona and Chris, also keen to secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup in Texas, USA. Only the ultimate victor of the qualifying series, which concludes in October, will be entered into this global event. Leona van der Merwe spoke candidly about the dynamics of competing alongside her husband, saying: 'Chris and I are each other's biggest supporters but also each other's biggest competition.' Balancing a demanding equestrian career with motherhood poses challenges, but with a strong support system, she maintains that her family's encouragement makes her journey easier. 'I do what I love every day, and my family supports me, which makes life easier,' she added. Leona aims to make her mark with her two formidable mares, 334 Finale U and 334 Callaho Vidante. Both horses have shown remarkable resilience and competence, with Callaho Vidante making waves at the highest levels of competition, even after losing an eye in her youth. Heather Mpofu, the Event Director at Kyalami Park Club, highlighted the event's emphasis on growth and camaraderie amongst riders. 'We have exceptional course builders, world-class facilities, fantastic sponsors, free entrance, and sound sportsmanship in place,' she noted. 'These factors contribute to an event that promises enjoyment for competitors and spectators alike.'
The Citizen
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Equestrian centre hosts annual jump show
Honeydew — To kick off the Easter season, the Honeydew Equestrian Centre (HEC) hosted an exciting show jumping event on April 13 for their riders to ease off the competition jitters and enjoy a fun day of doing the sport they so dearly love. The day was filled with bright colours, big smiles, and enthusiastic equestrians enjoying quality time with their beloved horses. Family and friends gathered to cheer on the riders, who competed in a variety of classes – from simple poles on the ground to more challenging jumps, making the event accessible to all levels of experience. ALSO READ: Equestrian team gallops to success HEC stable manager Martinique van der Westhuizen explained that the jump show is hosted annually to allow the riders to just have fun with their peers and family members present. 'Around this time, some of the riders are competing in the Kyalami Park Club and the South African National Equestrian Schools Association leagues, which come with a lot of pressure,' Martinique adds. This event was primarily a way of allowing them to relax and be in their zone. 'More fun festivities continued with our mounted Easter Egg Hunt on Good Friday.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
