VN September 2023

September 2023 15 “ The spirit of endurance shown here by veterinarian Dr Tino Dakwa to 11-year-old Marli Jacobs at the end of her very first Fauriesmith ride. Marli was riding Desperado Wild Fire in the Children’s Category and Finished 6 th ” South African Equestrian Federation Despite of fewer participants this year (280 in comparison to 286 in 2022) the results reflected just how competitive the participants are. The winners of the different categories are as set out below, which shows the time they took to complete the ride and the average speed at which they rode during the ride. Where teams for clubs competed the results show strong competition between the various clubs. The international flavour was added by visiting teams from Namibia. It is amazing how this event always generates enthusiasm and support since its inception in 1974. The only exception was in 2021 due to Covid. There is a core group of people this event can count on year after year, including veterinarians and officials who have been officiating for many years. The event is presented at the same venue every year and despite the smaller number of participants this year, the competition was still strong and of the highest level. The smaller number of participants, unfortunately, impacted the budget for organising it this year. Therefore this event could not take place without help from the industry, therefore the veterinary teamthanks Zoetis for supplying a VETSCAN® VS2 Chemistry Analyzer and therefore making critical clinical decisions possible for horses in need during the ride. v Assessments Number: % of Horses Completed 142 50,35% FTQ - Gait 109 38,65% FTQ - Metabolic 14 4,96% FTQ - Minor Injury 2 0,71% FTQ GA (Pre-Vet-Check) 2 0,71% Retired 13 4,61% Grand Total 282 100,00% Photos generously supplied by Johanette Vosloo van Heerden from Joh@nette Photography Horses and riders on the start line – Thursday morning CATEGORY TIME IN 2022 TIME IN 2023 Light Weight 8 hrs 23 min 8 hrs 7 min Young Rider 9 hrs 25 min 8 hrs 7 min StandardWeight 9 hrs 10 min 8 hrs 33 min HeavyWeight 9 hrs 57 min 9 hrs 30 min Child Rider 10 hrs 7 min 9 hrs 52 min CATEGORY NAME RIDE COMPLETION TIME 2023 AVERAGE SPEED Light Weight Marchane Steyl 8.07.08 hours 25, 3728 km/h Young Rider Gian Steyl 8.07.34 hours 25, 3497 km/h Standard Weight Yanke Human 8.33.03 hours 24, 0907 km/h HeavyWeight Sammuel van Zyl 9.30.37 hours 21, 6605 km/h Child Rider Mienke Jordan Heyns 9.52.52 hours 20, 8475 km/h Dr Glynn Catton with Lightweight and Junior Rider – Marchane Steyl and Gian Steyl. Marchane kicked dust in all participants’ faces and won overall. Article