Kurland, in partnership with Nedbank Private Wealth, takes eventing to new heights.
Kurland Eventing – Photos: G Photography
With its flair for spectacular course design, Kurland Eventing will be hosting the prestigious South African Individual Eventing Championships from 16 to 18 September this year.
A 700-hectare estate nestled in the heart of the Garden Route; Kurland Hotel has always offered the discerning holiday maker something special. Bringing old world charm and modern sophistication together to create unique, tranquil experiences with incredible surrounds, it comes as no surprise that the venue will play host to the prestigious South African Individual Eventing Championships next month. Taking place from 16-18 September 2016, the event will include dressage, cross country and showjumping components. Thanks to the partnership with Nedbank Private Wealth, Kurland will also be hosting its first 2* FEI track.
Kurland Eventing – Photos: G Photography
“Kurland Hotel is extremely proud to be the host property to Kurland Eventing and the upcoming National Championships which is now in its second year. It is fabulous to see so many visitors, contestants and families come together from all over South Africa, and spend wonderful days utilizing all the facilities our estate offers, which once again reiterates our family friendly hotel,” says Diana Howell, Kurland Hotel’s General Manager. “Kurland, with its acres of green spaces, Polo fields, stables and the magnificent Pavilion lends itself to equestrian events such as these. Adding to this, it also has such a positive effect on business and tourism in Plettenberg Bay itself as well as the Garden Route.”
Kurland Eventing – Photos: G Photography
Sarah Arnot, President of the Western Cape Eventing Association (WCEA) says that Kurland is an optimal eventing destination for a number of reasons. “First of all the ground is really good, which means tracks run over good footing, neither too hard nor too soft, something that is very important for the horses. There is space for our course designers to build their dreams tracks, and spectacular viewing and facilities for spectators. What makes it even more special is the magical setting, the green polo fields and stunning white buildings nestled into the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. I never look at that view without getting shivers down my spine, it is pure beauty.”
She adds that the right facilities, a great organising committee and officials who handle the stress of shows with a balance of firmness and sympathy are imperative for successful equestrian shows, adding that a sense of humour is also important. “We are blessed with these elements in WC and especially at Kurland.”
Kurland Eventing – Photos: G Photography
Since its inaugural show in 2015, Kurland Eventing has grown from strength to strength, and has attracted top riders from across the country with the Kurland Winter Classic. “Without a doubt Kurland Eventing has certainly made its mark on the Eventing Map in SA,” says renowned Gauteng rider Colin Hallaby. “Superb going, friendly and top class organisation paired with world-class course design and building in such an exquisite setting made the long trip from up country worth every second! I will be back in September in full force to compete in the Individual National Championships and again at every major show in the future.”
Kurland Eventing – Photos: G Photography
The partnership established with Nedbank Private Wealth is a wonderful step forward to growing not only the venue but the sport as a whole in South Africa. Phil Cunningham who heads up fundraising for WP Eventing says, “The team at Nedbank Private have been fantastic to work with and genuinely collaborative and supportive in the spirit of true partnership.”
Many locals and horse enthusiasts attend these events. Spectators have a bird’s eye view of the dressage, show jumping and cross-country from the beautiful Kurland Pavilion. Anna Roberts Antonsson is a passionate eventer and a friend of Kurland. She says that its breath-taking landscape, ample space to gallop and wide variety of XC obstacles at all levels all combine to make Kurland the best that eventing has to offer in the Western Cape. “Combine this venue with a dedicated and hard-working team that goes out of their way to make this a memorable event for everyone participating and you have a recipe for success. Although it’s a long journey to travel to and from Kurland, the atmosphere, the people and the amazing venue makes it all worthwhile.”
Kurland is not only set apart in its offerings, but its course is just as original. This is Africa’s first Eric Winter (one of FEI’s top international course designers) signature eventing course, and includes working with local designers Graham Winn, Jacqui Berry and Andile Balula. The shows attract visitors from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, with their latest show, the Winter Classics, a roaring success.
Kurland Eventing – Photos: G Photography
Lance Gibbons, the show director of the event, says they are looking forward to hosting the first ever 2* FEI Long Format Track in the Western Cape. “The team has worked extremely hard to achieve this international acclaim, under the watchful eye of Eric Winter, The event is going to be bigger than ever; we invite families to come and enjoy all that Kurland has to offer and to watch SA’s top riding talent.”
Heidi Caine, who represented South Africa for Eventing at the World Equestrian Games in 2010, won the 2* Class at the Kurland event. She says the venue stands out for her primarily because the going for the horses is superb and the “best in the country by far”. “We always want our horses to have long careers and so are always aware of the footing for the horses. That aside, the venue is absolutely beautiful and has every available facility. From fantastic stabling, great arena areas and the amazing pavilion thrown into the mix you definitely couldn’t ask for better.” She looks forward to the Champs in September, adding that the course design always makes for a great event. “I will definitely be there with both my horses again and am defending my title so I’m hoping both are on form.”
Nedbank Private Wealth are the Championships’ title partner this year.
This is the first time the Western Cape will host the SA Individual Eventing Championships, and their first international CCI** Horse Trials. According to Arnot, they wish to show visitors that although they are far from Gauteng, they are close to the world. “Kurland is a world class event, run to international standards and we are incredibly proud of it and the Kurland Eventing Team,” she concludes.
