Equestrians enjoy trail ride in Hartenbos
On Saturday, 30 July, the Distance Riders Garden Route (DRGR) club hosted its first ride for the Mossel Bay area in Hartenbos.
The Distance Riders' Association of South Africa (DRASA) facilitates competitive trail riding events through affiliated clubs throughout South Africa - where the focus is on paced distance riding and horsemanship.
Its goal is to promote long-lasting relationships between horses and their riders, with the interests of the horses receiving far more weight than in traditional equine sports.
A competitive trail ride (CTR) is a judged distance riding competition, based on the opinion of experts on which horse finishes the ride in the best overall condition.
All the emphasis is on doing right by your horse.
This is the first sport that is all about horsemanship, proper conditioning and being aware of the welfare of your horse.
Riders of any age group can join DRASA. Anyone can ride as well as any horse - from your new un-backed youngster to your elderly faithful friend.
Volunteered
DRGR is grateful to Inelia van der Merwe, who volunteered to host Saturday's ride at Outeniquasbosch Wildlife Estate.
A special thanks goes to DRASA judge, Janique-Ann Vrey, who travelled from Cape St Francis to judge this CTR.
Also a big thank you to our timekeepers, Lawrence Sharpley and
Daren Guberman, who do an amazing job of recording all riders' information and correlating the winners.
Thank you to our resident vet, Joane Basson, for your expertise in making sure that all horses are fit.
Thanks to the medics on hand and Larika and Andries Leonard for offering their property for camping purposes and also to the company who sponsored the mobile showers.
Thank you to the riders who travelled from as far as Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, George and outlying areas.
Anyone interested in learning more about the local club can contact the club chair, Robin Thesen-Smith (082 4583 583 or distanceridinggr@gmail.co.za).
Follow DRGR on Facebook or see DRASA.org.za for more about CTR.