EC shines in tough endurance race

EASTERN CAPE NEWS - The Eastern Cape was well-represented at the annual Fauresmith National Endurance Ride, which took place from 2 to 4 July.

Three local teams participated in the Endurance Riding Association of South Africa (ERASA) and Provincial team competitions, with many riders finishing under the top 10.

Before the event, Kirsty Masterson (riding Delmar Nadra, owner Daan Landman) was selected for the ERASA team.

The three-day race, which spans over 206km, kick-started in an icy Fauresmith. "Horses and people were breathing steam out as they walked the horses to loosen them up before the ride," said Margaret Hobson on behalf of the team.

The cold couldn't stop 250 horses and their riders from participating, and day one saw Eastern Cape riders Masterson, Antoinette Birch, Shanna Oosthuizen, Mari Lord and Joanne Webber as front runners.

By day three all the Eastern Cape riders were still in the race and passed the second last vet check at Grapfontein with flying colours.

Masterson managed a 4th place in the Lightweight category, and earned her ERASA colours as part of the team who finished in the top 10. Close behind her was Webber, the first of the Eastern Cape team riders and sixth overall. Shortly after, Birch and Eloise Klopper took their place in the top 10 of the Standard Weight and Junior categories.

"The final nail-biter is always the last vet check at the end of the ride," Hobson explained. "Every horse's soundness is evaluated by three vets, who vote independently on every horse." Unfortunately, Webber and Riana Griebenouw's horses failed the check due to slight lamenesses.

"Fauresmith always ends with many emotions, but most people leave determined to come back again," Hobson added. "The camaraderie amongst the Eastern Cape members was phenomenal. "The team thanked their sponsors for making their participation possible.

The Eastern Cape teams were:

Juniors: NJ Henning (captain) riding Pacino,Eloise Klopper riding Zarka (owner Meyer le Roux) and Marelise Klopper riding Nira Thunder (owner Meyer le Roux).

Lightweight Team: Leanne Wels (captain) riding Welbech Silver Fire, Riana Griebenouw riding Welbech (owner Leanne Wels), and Joanne Webber riding Koringkloof Enzahi (owner Meyer le Roux).

Standard Weight Team: Antoinette van Zyl Birch (captain) riding Kasan Vietnam, Chantel Lotter riding Lormar Shakir,Shanna Oosthuizen riding Shan Vonk, and Mari Lord riding Beaconsfield Chief.

The Eastern Cape endurance riding team, during the parade of teams.