Eswatini’s dressage talent shines on international stage

MALKERNS- Eswatini’s dressage riders produced a series of impressive performances as the country hosted the FEI Dressage World Challenge and 7 Nations Challenge at Nyanza Stables in Malkerns.

Sarah Fawcett won the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Senior II Class riding Desert Fantasy, while Jenna Morris claimed the FEI Senior I Class with Memory Lane. Both riders topped their respective classes after delivering strong tests.

Chazelle Smith was another standout performer, securing victory in the 7 Nations Challenge Novice Class on Levente. She completed a successful double by also winning the Senior Preliminary Class while riding Bomber Grigio.

Bezuidenhout added another home victory after taking first place in the Youth Novice Class with The Peruvian Matador.

The competition was held from August 7-8 and brought together riders, officials, families and supporters at Nyanza Stables, providing a platform for competitors to test their skills and gain valuable competitive experience.

The event was hosted by the Equestrian Federation of Eswatini, which said the competition formed part of its efforts to develop dressage and create opportunities for riders of different ages and experience levels.

The federation said the event also showcased the dedication and growing talent within Eswatini’s equestrian community, while giving riders an opportunity to compete in an environment aligned with international standards.

The organisers thanked the officials, volunteers, sponsors and partners whose support contributed to the success of the two-day competition.

The event received backing from Galliley Financial & Asset Management, Oracle Insure Eswatini, Eswatini Flooring & Interiors, Swazi Trac, LTM Aluminium and Glass, PG Glass Mbabane, Malufeni Ranch, Grant Thornton, Go Raw, VIVA and the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council.

The results underlined the depth of Eswatini’s dressage talent, with home riders collecting victories across the FEI Senior, 7 Nations Challenge, Youth Novice and Senior Preliminary classes.