As we approach the first major title competition of the 2021 showjumping season, we take a look at how one of the most unique competitions on the calendar runs and what makes the President’s Cup a success and target for top riders around the country. The President’s Cup competition is not only designed for the 1.50m riders but also caters to the top level of each age category, namely Juniors, Childrens, and Pony Riders and, with Maple Ridge Equestrian Farm having recently revamped their main arena, competitors are surely excited to see how their mounts will perform on the new surface
The President’s Cup is a great test of consistency. It expects riders to display their ability to maintain their composure and display their stamina and precision by accruing points over several competitions over several days. The final competition is where it all comes down to the wire. Carrying forward any points that have accumulated, riders are then required to complete 2 rounds of competition to determine the victor and title champion. The same competition rules apply to the top heights of all age categories. The brains behind the tracks this year is the FEI 2* talent, Brett Webber. Having developed a great reputation for his abilities and talents, the riders will surely be excited to see what he has in store for them this year.
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With the U18 category riders all returning with enthusiasm this year, including 2020’s Junior winner, Hailey Strydom, Childrens winner, Nicolas Du Plooy, and Pony Rider winner, Katherine Franck, and the proposed Pony Rider rule to limit pony riders by age being denied, the top heights in each age category are sure to see some new contenders making their way through the competition to claim the title of President’s Cup champion. The adult category will also see some new contenders vying for the title including Hanelize Kamffer who made her debut at the 1.50m heights at the President’s Cup in 2020. Defending her title, Nicola Sime-Riley will return to the competition with both Insaghi DB, who was the victorious horse last year, and Eagles Lazer who only recently stepped up to the 1.50m heights in the latter half of 2020.
Jeanne Korber will also be making her way into the top competition on the striking gelding, Callaho Lexington, whose dam, Callaho Fiorella, was also competed by Jeanne in the 1.50m classes. Chatan Hendriks has started off his 2021 showjumping season successfully which has seen him claim 1st and 2nd place in the silver category at the Reonet Riders Grand Prix as well as a 2nd place in the Gold tour at the most recent national event, the Puresan Stokkiesdraai Cup incorporating the Riders Grand Prix. After his recent successes, Hendriks will be looking to take on the 1.50m classes with Biogen’s Greta G with his sights firmly on the final title class and his first major title victory under his belt.
The usual contenders will be returning once again including Nicole Horwood on her 2 steeds, Mark White Nissan Capital Hitoshi and Mark White Nissan Capital Chantilly with whom she claimed victory at the 2020 South African Championships in Shongweni and placed 3rd in the 2020 President’s Cup last year, while Jonathan Clarke will also return with the 2 Slade Equestrian-owned horses, Data Sciences Enouche RK and Data Sciences Hummer van het Bevrijdthof to try and improve on their 2nd place from last year. Dominey Alexander will also be eyeing success as he aims to claim victory on Natalie Robertson’s Jelle S.
With COVID-19 restrictions still in place and spectators strongly discouraged from attending events, the team from EquestrianLive SA have stepped up to the plate to ensure that the final day of competition will be live-streamed for comfortable home viewing. We wish all the competitors the best of luck and may the best combinations be victorious.
-The JumpOff-
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