PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plettenberg Bay will once again host some of the country’s top horse riders during, among others, the SA Adult Eventing Championship next month.
The event is one of the area’s premier horse-riding events and will be held between 21 and 23 September at the Kurland Hotel and Polo Estate in the Crags on the outskirts of the town.
The competition is a three-phase event encapsulating the three elements of dressage, show jumping and cross-country. “This is one of the best ways to develop the infrastructure necessary for all disciplines of competitive equestrian sports,” says Kurland Eventing Committee member Lance Gibbons.
During the weekend’s event Kurland will host the SA Adult Eventing Championships and the Kurland Cup, which will include dressage cross-country and show jumping.
“Our Kurland Cup event has shown steady and sustainable growth since it was established in 2016. Aside from our obvious equestrian focus, we are excited about building an event with a variety of outdoor attractions focused on healthy living and lifestyle.”
More on the menu
Over and above the equestrian activities there will also be trail running and cycling events. “Last year we introduced a trail run to the weekend’s events. It was a great success with 130 runners and 250 spectators enjoying the morning at the estate.
Gibbons adds that this year they are very excited to add the Dr Evil mountain bike race, which could cater for 300 entries.
There will also be local cuisine and a produce market for visitors to enjoy. “The 2018 Kurland event is now the perfect weekend of outdoor fun, with something for everyone to enjoy.”
Gibbons says they are also planning evening entertainment with cocktail functions, a braai and other events hosted by the event’s various sponsors.
Since its inaugural show in 2015, Kurland Eventing has grown from strength to strength and has attracted top riders from across the country with the Kurland Winter Classic. During last year’s show, 92 participants took on the course. A few months later it was the Western Province Adult Eventing Championships, which was equally successful with 140 entries and about 300 spectators over the competition weekend.
A further few months later they wrapped up their second Winter Classic with 107 entries, exceeding the previous year’s figures.
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