This year's Nissan Winter Classic, to be held at the Durban Shongweni Club from 13 to 17 June, includes a range of equestrian displays and competitions to complement the top calibre of show jumping performances. With a vaulting display and the Nissan six-bar event on the cards, the prestigious event will demonstrate a range of spectacular equestrian sports for the whole family's enjoyment.
"The Nissan Winter Classic is one of a series of Nissan-sponsored equestrian events and we are delighted that spectator numbers are steadily increasing," said Nissan South Africa managing director Mike Whitfield.
The Nissan six-bar has proved to be a particularly popular event since its introduction in recent competitions. Each horse and rider combination has a chance to attempt the six jumps, which are placed in a row and in ascending order. Partnerships that clear the entire line of obstacles advance to the next round where the height of the jumps are raised again.
With a height of 1.85m cleared by both Emma Garson on Nissan Nabab Forever and Johan Kachelhoffer on Capital Castigo at the recent Nissan Easter Festival, this competition, held on Sunday 16 June, is guaranteed to be a nailbiter and fun for the whole family. Additionally, all entry fees for this event will be donated to the Kloof SPCA Horse Care Unit, which has recently been struck by a devastating fire causing major damage to the buildings and other amenities.
Another event that is sure to be a hit with the family is the vaulting display before the 1.50m World Cup Qualifier event on Monday 17 June. Vaulting is a beautiful display of balance, flexibility, creativity and horsemanship in which a gymnastic routine is performed on a moving horse. Seventeen year old Paige Jansen van Rensburg and 13-year old Brooke Holm will perform the display. Both talented vaulters have competed internationally and have obtained international qualifying scores.
With dazzling costumes and impressive skills that combine grace and perfection, the vaulting display will provide entertainment for the entire family.
Show Organiser Jodi Wolhunter is excited about the new additions to this year's event: "The Nissan Winter Classic is a super way to spend the day out in the country and there is something for everyone – from top competitive show jumping from around the country to a wide variety of equestrian excellence."
Over 545 horses have entered for the event, which features show jumping and equestrian displays in three different arenas from 8am to 4.30pm each day. With other attractions including a tea garden and restaurant, a variety of stalls, a kids' supervised play area, as well as a Nissan and Infiniti vehicle display and test drive station to showcase the Innovation that Excites range, the Nissan Winter Classic is geared for success.
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