Riveting equestrian spectacle expected at the 2015 Nissan Winter Classic
The Durban Shongweni Club is set to come alive with activity as the annual Nissan Winter Classic kicks off from 12 to 16 June.
South Africa’s top showjumpers will be proving their skills on another stunning course designed by level 3 FEI designers Michel Ismalun of France and Kevin Sprately of Cape Town, South Africa.
Leading rider and equestrian coach, Barry Taylor, will be competing alongside his wife, Lorette Knowles-Taylor, in Team Nissan.
Barry – who has been riding since the age of four – has a string of titles to his name including four-time winner of the South African Derby, two-time winner of the South African Showjumping Championships and President’s Cup as well as being ranked Number 1 South African Showjumper for the years 1999 to 2002, 2004 and 2005.
“I have competed in every Nissan Winter Classic and am really looking forward to this year’s competition,” said Taylor. “I have three really good horses (Counter Attack, Bacchus and Cheveyo) and all six Team Nissan riders will be there in a competitive spirit.”
Taylor said the amazing arena vibe coupled with some tough competition make this a great event to be competing in.
Commenting on riders to watch out for, Barry said his wife, Lorette, last year’s winner, Nicole Horwood, Dominey Alexander, Nicola Sime and Anne-Marie Esslinger were top contenders.
Another instantly recognisable name on the equestrian circuit is Cape Town-based rider, Anthea Erasmus.
Erasmus has also been riding since childhood but returned to the competitive scene 12 years ago after a 15-year hiatus. She now travels across the country with her top-performing horses, competing in all the best showjumping events.
This year, she will be riding Meerenhof Properties Comazio in the hopes of taking the top title.
“The Nissan Winter Classic is always a hit with the public and riders. It’s very well organised with an internationally-designed course, beautiful jumps in a great arena and fantastic sponsors, which includes Nissan and several others,” said Erasmus. “The KZN public loves and understands horse events and they attend en masse, making a fun vibe for all the competitors.”
Fresh from her recent World Cup Qualifier win, Anne-Marie Esslinger will be competing with top horses, Carinjus, Alzu Oregon and Alessio, the same horse she was riding when she won the Grand Prix at the World Cup Qualifier.
Esslinger, who co-owns Burlington Stables in Johannesburg, said she was really looking forward to this year’s Nissan Winter Classic.
“It’s a friendly, well-organised show with good prize money,” she said. “I will bring some of our students along as it’s a good stable outing and I have some really great students joining me at top competitions.”
Riders participating in the Nissan Winter Classic will also accumulate ranking points for the FEI World Cup Qualifier Series. And showjumpers competing in the main FEI class stand a chance of winning a portion of the R60 000 prize money up for grabs.
Mike Whitfield, Managing Director of Nissan SA, said the Nissan Winter Classic has become one of the most pedigreed events on the equestrian calendar.
“As a brand, we live to create innovation that excites, and the Nissan Winter Classic is firmly harnessed to these principles,” explained Whitfield.
“In many ways it is the apex of the journey between horse and rider that demands trust, confidence and understanding built together over years. This is reflective of our shared journey with our customers and the relationships that we strive to establish.
“I have no doubt that this year’s event will, once again, live up to these expectations.”
Whitfield also encouraged visitors to the Nissan Winter Classic to take the chance of test-driving some of the latest vehicles on offer at the Nissan Test Drive Station.
The South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA), a non-profit organisation which provides horse riding as therapy and skill for children with special needs from the greater Durban area, will receive funding raised at the 2015 Nissan Winter Classic.
Visitors to this year’s Nissan Winter Classic can also browse a variety of quality craft stalls and sample some of the delicious food available at the restaurant or various food stalls. This family-friendly event has entertainment for the children in the form of a fun kids’ play area.
Keep up-to-date with the 2015 Nissan Winter Classic at www.nissan.co.za, on Twitter #NissanWinterClassic or on the Nissan Winter Classic Facebook page.