Mpiletso Motumi
THE SOWETO Equestrian Foundation is sending 15 young riders to this year’s Soweto Classic horse show, which will host more than 650 riders and 400 horses.
The event will take place at Waterfall Equestrian Estate in Sunninghill, Sandton, on Sunday.
“The intention and hope is that the Soweto Classic, which we hope to be a major fundraiser for the Soweto Equestrian Foundation, will be held on an annual basis and that it will become an important fixture on the riding calendar,” said foundation administrator Marie Girard.
The Soweto Classic, then known as the Soweto Games, was first hosted in 1990 at Elkah Stadium, where the foundation operates.
“I’m very proud of the students. They will be participating in the beginners’ section,” said Enos Mafokate, who founded the foundation in 2007. Mafokate is South Africa’s first black international riding champion. “We are looking forward to seeing hundreds of relatives and friends who will be coming out to support the participants.”
The Classic will begin early on Sunday and continue until late afternoon. Alongside the main classic, there will be a graded show and competition with R100 000 prize money. Lead rein classes and events like showjumping and a “Jump for Joy” class will be part of the activities on the day.
The foundation teaches both young and old the skills needed to train, ride and care for horses. Mafokate’s passion for horses led him to start the foundation and open the world of equestrian sport to people who would never have thought it possible.