FEI Jumping World Challenge Results Announced

Following the conclusion of the 2020 showjumping calendar, the FEI World Jumping Challenge saw its final Gauteng leg take place at Kyalami Equestrian Park, drawing the series to a close. Unlike previous years where all three results counted to the overall result, COVID ramifications meant that the FEI would consider only a rider’s best two results. With all legs completed across the country, the results were tallied up by the FEI for each category; Gold, Silver, Bronze; and the final results have been announced.

-Category A/Gold Tour-

The tracks for 2020 were designed by German Course Designer, Christoph Johnen, who set out unique layouts and technicalities at a height of 1.25m/1.30m that had many competitors questioning their chosen height category. But commitment and dedication from our South African riders saw over 90 combinations take part in at least one of the legs. But with the best results tallied, the winner of the South African Gold tour was decided as Laurin Jean McLaren and Locarno Nandi. After a highly successful campaign, with podium positions in the 2nd and 3rd leg, the pair completed the 2020 Challenge with zero penalties and 0.25 points (which get calculated for world rankings). Trained by Nicola Sime-Riley from Sunny Park Stables, winner of the 2020 President’s Cup, Laurin has shown her consistency and competitiveness throughout the year to come out on top.

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While the full worldwide results are yet to be finalised, Laurin finished top of the Zone 8 regional rankings. The only other competitor in S.A. to conclude the series with zero penalties was Ariana Castle. Trained by Charley-Ann Crockart from CC Equestrian and riding the seasoned campaigner Tack N Togs Hillview Paddy, owned by the Mowatt family. Paddy has been an exceptional partner to Ariana who has stepped up to the plate and become incredibly competitive at the 1.30/1.35m levels, resulting in a 2nd place finish in the South African league for the Zambian rider with zero penalties.

-Category B/Silver Tour-

The Silver Tour has been an exciting competition to watch with 95 competitors taking part across the country. Set at a height of 1.10m/1.20m, the competitiveness and constant changing of podiums created a very unexpected top 5. But, after a very consistent jumping season, the top spot was claimed by Savanna Valjalo and Captain America. With only 2 of the 3 legs counting towards the final result, the single rail dropped in leg 2 was discounted and Savanna completed the season on zero penalties and 1.47 points to set her up well for the overall global rankings. Ending the season in 2nd position after a fantastic year with clears at all 3 legs was Salome Nel and Callaho Consina. Trained by Belinda Martin from Penbritte Equestrian Centre in Eikenhof, the pair have been in fine form with their 2nd position being attributed to their marginally slower aggregate time. 

-Category C/Bronze Tour-

Despite being set at a lower height of 1.00m/1.10m, Category C was just as challenging and difficult as the 89 competitors took on the technical tracks designed by Christoph Johnon. With a number of young riders and horses, the series saw a regular shift in podium positions but with the conclusion of leg 3, 4 riders successfully completed the season with zero penalties which left the deciding factor to aggregate time. Taking top honours and representing Kwa-Zulu Natal was Olivia Scribante and Callaho Qui Cassa, coached by Grant Langley from Foresyte Equestrian in Summerveld.

The pair finished with zero penalties and 2.95 points and highlighted Olivia’s talent across grades as she also finished in 4th in Category B. Claiming second position in the South African rankings was Sarah Rose Friend and Locarno Kir Royal after they completed the series with zero penalties and 5.41 points. Sarah’s 2nd position is not only an accomplishment for the young rider herself but also a tribute to the coaching abilities of Nicola Sime-Riley who has had an incredible year with numerous achievements and accolades for her pupils including a Junior win at the 2020 President’s Cup.

-The JumpOff-

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