The first ever Bronberg-based inter stables team challenge was held on 23 July. Teams from stables in our area competed in a jumping show and the winning team was from Cullen Stables. All their riders jumped faultless rounds.

Team Zwavelpoort Equestrian Centre was the runner-up with only four penalties and in the third place was Team Pretoria Equestrian Centre (PEC) with only five penalties.

The idea for the event came from Misty Meadows, which suggested having such a challenge during the PEC open training show.

“In a flash the rules were decided, trophies, medals and champagne provided and the challenge was on,” said PEC’s Sue van der Merwe.

Razzmatazz, ridden by Lashay Ruck

The Bronberg area’s equestrian community has expanded considerably. Over the past twenty odd years Dave Hayman’s Sherwood Stables, Andre and Riëtte van der Merwe’s Graceland and Fanie and Sue van der Merwe’s PEC have hosted many open or training shows. These shows have started the careers of a number of the top jumpers and event riders now competing both nationally and internationally.

According to Sue there were only three approved venues in the Bronberg area in those years. In recent months two new venues have opened in our area. Stan and Leoni van de Burgh’s Burgh Equestrian Centre launched the Pro Series soon after opening. “This is without a doubt an exciting concept that has taken the jumping community to a new level,” Sue said.

Adrian and Rika van Vuuren’s Misty Meadows also recently opened and offer a multi-arena venue that has provided the Schools League with a home where all disciplines can compete comfortably on any given week-end. Both these venues have been approved by the Gauteng Horse Society. Their facilities are considered to be of the best in the country.

After the first inter stables team event, the challenge is on and hopefully a team challenge will be incorporated into the individual events at all jumping shows held in our area.

Members of the winning Team Cullen are from left to right: Wonderstruck with Armand Orton, Kayla Robinson, Janine Berrange, Lee-Anne Meiring, Lashay Ruck and Midnight. Jana Potgieter is not on the photograph

The following teams competed in the first challenge on 23 July:
Llewellyn Mason’s Team Cullen Stables: Wonderstruck, ridden by Armand Norton, Midnight, ridden by Kayla Robinson, Razzmatazz, ridden by Lashay Ruck, Manzi, ridden by Lee-Anne Meiring, Jigga, ridden by Jana Potgieter, and Have a Secret, ridden by Janine Berrange.

Team Misty Meadows: Lorelock Walleroo, ridden by Max Steenkamp, Kondos Malleloa, ridden by Rika van Vuuren, Saratoga Angelia, ridden by Rika van Vuuren, Abalone, ridden by Max Steenkamp, Brass Target, ridden by Jani Smith, and Love Story, ridden by Jani Moolman.

Team Night Riders consisted of Selbourne Stables and the Lorelock Stud: Lorelock Augustinus, ridden by Adrian Brink, Bacara, ridden by John Moore, Sam, ridden by Adrian Brink, Davenport Rustam, ridden by John Moore, Lorelock Belinda, ridden by Judy Smit, and Brandenburg Sandstorm, idden by Anri Mare.

Team Pretoria Equestrian Centre: Ulasaba, ridden by Jeanne Marais, Bobby on the Beat, ridden by Carien Liebenberg, Ruby Tuesday, ridden by Louise Kroon, Rendezvous, ridden by Janine Roos, Muthakar, ridden by Sue van der Merwe, and  Eagles Cobweb, ridden by Leoni van de Burgh.
Inneke Thirion’s

Team Zwavelpoort Equestrian Centre: Winchester, ridden by Mia Truter, Miss Naughty, ridden by Nicola Hamman, Joshua, ridden by Jaco Roestoff, Conan, ridden by Anri Locke, Aussie Rocker, ridden by Amy Gray, and Mahoney, ridden by Lucia de Villiers.

Team Esperanza: Zorro, ridden by Alida Olivier, Rashida, ridden by Zahlia Stacey, Sparks, ridden by Janners Olivier, Master of Finesse, ridden by Juan Mathee, I’m a Believer, ridden by Lital Fourie and Great Dane, ridden by Lital Fourie.

Team ECP: Rafique, ridden by Louise Kroon, Razi, ridden by Sue van der Merwe, Princeton, ridden by Louise Kroon, Golden Gantry, ridden by Jeanne Marais, Ulani, ridden by Carien Liebenberg, and Badger Moon, ridden by Andy Hasewinkel.

Team Mixed: Red, ridden by Sue van der Merwe, Sinbad, ridden by Nadine Verryn, Cavalier, ridden by Megan Roux, Hundred Runs, ridden by Carien Liebenberg, Realistic, ridden by Sue van der Merwe, and London Man, ridden by Delenei Walters.