The first leg of the inter-stables team challenge was held on 29 September at The Burgh Equestrian Centre. Twelve teams entered this exciting series, which consists of three shows.

The first ever Bronberg-based inter stables team challenge was held on 23 July last year. Stable yards east of Pretoria competed in friendly team events at the local jumping shows. This year the concept has been given a boost with a generous R20 000 sponsorship from Stan van der Burgh, owner of The Burgh Equestrian Centre.

Winner
In the first leg the Zambezi Dolls team was victorious after a three-way jump-off with the team from Stal van der Burgh and the Blondies Team.

Members of the Zambezi Dolls team are Delene Staynberg riding Looney Tunes, Tani Gerber riding Sailor Boy, Chereen Pestana riding Montray and Rechelle Pestana riding Alchemy’s Whatawinna.
Stal van der Burgh consists of Leoni van der Burgh riding Georgia C, Danielle West riding Al Mufty, Burme Scholtz riding Alzu Oxley and Brad Hitchens riding Camaro. The Blondies Team members are Christina Grub riding Wing it Girl, Simone Robertse riding Misty View Tarzan, Sue van der Merwe riding Realistic, and Louise Kroon riding Ramzes 11.

Leoni and Stan van der Burgh provide the venue and prizes for the inter-stables team challenge

Classes
Tora San, ridden by Isabel Botha, Orions Belt, ridden by Kaylee Hitchens, and Smart Mover, ridden by Bernedene Barnard did well in the 90 cm classes. Leoni van der Burgh jumped her newly acquired Georgia C in the 90 cm classes and had a competitive second place.

Misty View Tarzan and Simone Robbertse had a super show as they won both the 90 cm classes. Lexi Stais and her two lovely horses, Donegal and Mademoiselle Lara, and Louise Kroon on Cruise Control dominated the 1.10 m classes.

In the 1.20 m classes Rechelle Pestana and her horse Alchemy’s Whatawinna did very well. Louise Kroon’s stallion, Davenport Ramzes 11, was well placed in both 1.20 m classes. Lexi Stais was on top form, winning the final event on Magical Emblem and getting a second place on her other ride, Tannehof Baron D’Or.

Scores
The teams carry the following scores on to the second leg: Team Zambezi Champions (13); Team Zambezi Dolls (12); Team Stal vd Burgh (10); Team Zambezi Stars (10); Team Blondies (8); Team The Burgh (6); Team Country Ranch (4); Team De Oude Brug (3); Team PEC Young Riders (2); Team PEC Young Horses (1); Team Zambezi Rock Stars (1); Team Zwawelpoort Equestrian (1).

Jaap du Rand designed superb courses, which resulted in exciting jumping for the competitors. The world-class equipment and Clopf arena gave horses and riders an opportunity to test their talents under ideal conditions.

Christa Groeneveld and her daughter Marieta provided the catering.

Leoni Van der Burgh on The Burgh’s Epinal

Next
The team event format for the next leg on 20 October has a few logistical changes, as the main focus and major sponsorship of this event is to promote team participation and create greater camaraderie among riders.

The last leg will take place on 10 November. New teams interested in taking part may contact Louise at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Sue at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .