Grahamstown’s Carey Pohl is among an elite group of South African horse riders taking part in the Nissan World Cup Qualifier show jumping event next week.
Grahamstown’s Carey Pohl is among an elite group of South African horse riders taking part in the Nissan World Cup Qualifier show jumping event next week.
The Nissan World Cup Qualifier, which takes place in Port Elizabeth from 13 to 16 November, is the final leg of the World Cup Qualifier series for 2014.
Pohl said she plans to compete her home-bred mare, Pohlands Witch Hazel, in the smaller warm up classes (1.35m and 1.40m level) leading up to the main event.
"If everything goes well and she feels good, we will hopefully jump in the main World Cup Qualifier class on Sunday," she said.
Phrosnè Phillips, speaking on behalf of the Port Elizabeth Riding Club, said: “The cream of SA show jumping talent will be vying for the title of winner of the eight-leg series and an invitation to compete in the International Federation for Equestrian Sports World Cup in Las Vegas, USA, in 2015."
Speaking of her chances at the event, Pohl said: “I'd like to think that in any sport there is always the chance of the underdog causing an upset, so it would be fantastic to have a good result in the main class and finish in the prizes.
"Realistically, after hardly having competed this year, my goal is to just jump in the World Cup Qualifier and finish the year off with a confident round over what will probably be the toughest course of the series.”
While there are no qualification limitations in any of the World Cup Qualifier legs in South Africa, Pohl said there are only a small number of horse/rider combinations that compete in the series.
This is due to the size of the fences (1.5 metres) and the technicality of the course that needs to be jumped.
The top-class arenas and spectator facilities of the Port Elizabeth Riding Club will play host to the four-day equestrian feast of events on an international-standard course, culminating in the Nissan World Cup Qualifier on Sunday 16 November.
Top names in SA show jumping will compete in categories ranging from 1.0m to the 1.50m Nissan World Cup Qualifier, on a testing course designed by Kevin Spratley, a FEI Level III international course designer and one of South Africa’s most highly qualified in this field.
The Nissan World Cup Qualifier event on the Sunday will make for thrilling riding – and viewing – as it must have a water jump, at least two 1.60m jumps, and the rest at 1.50m, in order to be considered an international qualifying course. Pohl said her preparations have gone well.
“I'm always at a slight disadvantage in terms of not having as much ring time or competition time as the other competitors on the circuit, but my horse and I have been in this position before, so hopefully we can pull something out of the bag.
“Competing against the best in the country is always quite exciting – not only is it an opportunity to test yourself against them on a personal level, but it’s also an opportunity to show that the smaller provinces can produce top quality show jumpers that can compete against the best in the country, despite the challenges faced when living far away from the heart of the show jumping circuit,” she said.
Nissan SA Managing Director Mike Whitfield said: “The event adds to the international flavour of the PE sporting calendar, and offers a great – and free – day out in the fresh air for the whole family.”
Entrance to the event is free. For more information about the Nissan World Cup Qualifier 2014, visit the Port Elizabeth Riding Club website at www.peridingclub.co.za or telephone 041 367 4220.
World-class competition: As of 5 November, Nicole Horwood was ranked number one in the South African League of the FEI World Cup Leagues for 2014/2015, followed by Barry Taylor and Shaun Neill. The Longines FEI World Cup Final takes place in Las Vegas 15-19 of April 2015. Three leagues have concluded
