Eastern Cape produces top sporting stars

For decades, the Eastern Cape has been synonymous with outstanding sports men and women with Equestrian Show Jumping proving to be a valuable force within the province’s sporting arena.

Eastern Cape’s riding prodigy, Tyla Radermacher recently clinched the title of South African Champion at the Pony Rider South African Championships in KZN.

Held at the popular Durban Shongweni Club, South Africa’s top children riders arrived in full force to fight for the title of South African Champion.

With the Show Jumping classes ranging from 70cm to 1.15m it was a showcase of new talent, rising stars and seasoned pony riders from all over the country.

After months of hard work, dedication and weekends sacrificed, it was 14 year old Radermacher who rode to victory on her superb pony, Ebb & Flow’s Why Not.

“Tyla is a bubbly out-going person but in the same breath is focused on getting the job done. She won the Grand Prix on the Wednesday and went into the Championship as the highest qualifier. Her big match temperament is what enabled her to deliver double clear rounds on both her ponies” commented renowned coach, Anthony Kay.

The Eastern Cape also won the Pony Rider Team Championships with KZN placing 2nd, Gauteng 3rd, Western Province 4th and Mpumalanga taking 5th place.

“Our province is currently home to the top pony rider, Tyla Radermacher, the top junior rider, AJ Radermacher (Tyler’s brother) and two-time Avis Derby winner, Jade Hooke.

Our success may have something to do with the fact that we do not jump our horses as much as the other provinces and consequently they are keen to do the job” added Kay.

The Eastern Cape has also produced top Show Jumper, Andre Ferreira who set the world long jump record in 1975 and is home to veteran dealer, Diane Snodgrass-Botes who is responsible for selling a host of South African Champion horses in all disciplines across the country.

With the upcoming Adult Championships, World Cup Qualifiers and the prestigious Avis Derby, South Africa’s Equestrian world should keep an eye on this front-running province.

Upcoming Event Details:
SOUTH AFRICAN ADULT JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Date: 1st-5th August 2012
Venue: Durban Cycling Stadium

RESULTS:

SA Pony Rider 1.15 Championship
1st – Ebb & Flow Why Not & Tyla Radermacher ECHS

2nd – Ebb & Flow Pebbles & Tyla Radermacher ECHS

3rd – Windrush Larkrise & Bianca da Silva GHS

SA Pony Rider 1.10m Championship
1st – Font Scarface & Amy Whitehead ECHS
2nd – VDMMA Henham Coconut Ice & Morgan Jacobs WPHS
3rd – Trevan Silver Feather & Caydene Oppenman GHS

SA Pony Rider 1.00M Championship
1st – GI Jane & Kirsten Roberts WPHS
2ND – Da Cheeta Girl & Jessica Lindenberg KZN
3rd- Waterside Nile Wizard & Syl Via Dixon GHS

SA Pony Rider 0.90cm Championship
1st – Shadowfax & Reine Marshall KZN
2nd – Kilshane Cinderella & Sammy Griessel WPHS
3rd – Carel Hancke Jukskei & Emma Barrow GHS


Pony Rider 0.80cm Championship             
1st – Sugar Boy & Josephine Susmann WPHS

2nd – Two Tone & Erin dos Santos GHS
3rd – Mika & Kirsten van der Watt GHS

Pony Rider 0.70cm Championship
1st – Figment & Kyla McLoughlin KZN
2nd – David de Lange & Ashgar Rowena
3rd – Creamy Cuppachino & Savannah Jackson KZN