The 67th annual Reiterverein Swakopmund dressage and show jumping tournaments concluded over the weekend at the coastal town, during which top-tier equestrian talent in various categories were recognised.
The tournament showcased a range of talents across various categories. Emily Le Roux triumphed as the most successful child rider in both dressage and jumping on Capital Uzi. In the junior category, Shani Friede on Calaho Lucien demonstrated exceptional skills, securing the title of the most successful junior rider.
Event organiser Silvia Kleyenstüber herself excelled on Altidor 2, earning the accolade of the most successful adult rider.
Tommy Davies impressed the judges and audience alike in the Café Anton Jumping Derby open (1,2m to 1,3m), showcasing his prowess on Monsun.
In the elementary music freestyle dressage, young talent shone brightly, with Rachel Frankle winning on Neapoltano Theodora for juniors and Carolin Hoffmeister on Batman for adults. The medium musical freestyle dressage saw Rachel Frankle again winning, this time on Captain Jack Sparrow, and Carolin Hoffmeister on Monhinho for adults. Sumari Piepmeyer’s performance on Legolas clinched the win in the adult medium musical freestyle dressage.
Kleyenstüber pointed to the emerging talent among the youth.
“The highlight was our juniors competing in higher classes, showing a really high standard. We have great up-and-coming young riders who have progressed remarkably over the past two years,” she said, adding that one of the challenges is retaining riders after they finish school.
However, she remains optimistic about the future of equestrian sports in Namibia.
“We’ve been hosting this annual event for 67 years, drawing participants and spectators from across the country and beyond. This year, we had a great turnout with about 50 riders and 72 horses, and nearly 400 entries in various classes,” Kleyenstüber said. “This year we also welcomed two riders from Great Britain.”
The event also featured a parade through town and a trophy handover.
“The support we received this year was really phenomenal. Our sponsors are crucial in making events like this possible,” she added.
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