Passion and excitement have become synonymous with the FEI World Cup series, showcasing the best horsemanship and, as part of this international event, the Bay will play proud host to the Nissan World Cup Qualifier from November 13 to 17.
Established in Europe in 1978, the FEI World Cup series is active on a global scale and comprises 15 continental leagues. This year South Africa is hosting six qualifiers, which will count for the overall standings. The winner of the South African series will receive an invitation to participate in the final, which takes place in a different country each year.
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism’s chief executive officer, Mandlakazi Skefile, said they were delighted to welcome top riders, their families and supporters to this world-class Nissan-sponsored event in Port Elizabeth.
“It is a privilege to once again host the Nissan World Cup Qualifier. As in the past, we know that people in the metro will give their full support to this illustrious event.”
Esteemed riders, Barry Taylor, Loretta Knowles Taylor, Dominey Alexander, Katie Walters, Liam Stevens, Carey Pohl, Jeanne Engela, Nicola Horwood and Grant Langley have already indicated their participation in the PE event.
Hosted at the Port Elizabeth Riding Club – an exquisite equestrian venue, with superior arenas and facilities – Nissan World Cup Qualifier entrants will be put through their paces on a course designed to international standards by renowned French course designer, Frederic Cottier, head Course Designer for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy in 2014.
Show director and organiser, Tanja Radke, says they are proud to welcome highly respected officials on the ground jury, consisting of world-renowned equestrian stalwart Jean-Michel Turlot, a foreign jumping judge from Belgium, Cottier, Val Beuster (Gauteng), chief steward Sandy Cox (KwaZulu Natal), President of the ground jury Pippa Swift (Eastern Cape), and Cindy Hall (Gauteng.
“The ground jury watches every movement of the horse and rider combinations and, according to the rules, they give penalties, clear rounds and disqualify if necessary. They also monitor the time taken in the jump-off which could be the deciding factor in a win,” said Radke.
The horses will be in excellent hands throughout the competition, with Beuster looking after their wellbeing in her capacity as chief steward.
“Val will ensure that the horses are being well cared for, from checking the stables, to ensuring they are given water on a regular basis and being fed,” said Radke.
All horses competing in the World Cup Qualifier class will be checked by a veterinarian on the Wednesday prior to the start of the competition. Any unfit horse will be excluded from competing.
Carey Pohl from Grahamstown will vie for top honours in the Nissan World Cup Qualifier taking place from November 13 to 17 at Port Elizabeth Riding Club
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