Ian van Schalkwyk is Back

The Kyalami Park Club Christmas Show incorporating the SA Outdoor Grand Prix started with great gusto yesterday as the Bob Charter saw riders take on their first qualification classes, but one rider, in particular, caught our attention in the Peter Minnie arena as he marked his return to competitive riding after a year-long hiatus due to injury; Ian van Schalkwyk

Ian van Schalkwyk, The JumpOff — Ian van Schalkwyk riding Capital Kosmo | Photo credit: Denford Studios

1.50m rider, Ian van Schalkwyk, has been a regular feature at the top levels of the sport for a number of years with his long time partner, Kuda Insurance Capital Don Costello, by the recently retired Capital Don Cumarco. After sustaining a rather severe broken leg during a training session on a young horse at his home base, London Lane Livery, Ian has been sidelined for over a year with several complications prolonging his recovery. David Wilken, of Burlington Stables, was the chosen rider to keeps Ian’s horses active until he also took an injury which saw the horses going to Colin ‘Chookie’ Ferreira, who has successfully returned Don Costello to the 1.50m competitions whilst waiting for Ian’s recovery.

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Ian van Schalkwyk was spotted in the 80cm classes on a young Capital gelding, Kosmo, by Capital Stud’s Kronos, as the pair took to the ring for the first time together and claimed a 2nd place in their warm-up class and capped off their return with a victory in the championship as the only double clear . A remarkable achievement for both the horse in his first ever competition and for Ian on his long awaited return.