RIDING FOR MADIBA FAURE SMITH 2013
A few years ago a GREAT man inspired me. I asked how one treated so differently could be so lateral in his thinking and his attitude. How could he love, when all around him hated. He does so much for all of us and we did very little for him. Tomorrow I am honoured to be riding for a man who changed not just South Affric, but he changed the WORLD.
MADIBA we love you, and we pray for you, and we are now riding for you. 200km on horse back, across the Free State is a journey of love, love for you and your family in these trying times. There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. Nelson Mandela quotes If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness. Nelson Mandela quotes PRESS RELEASE
The two "Boss" ladies @ the SABC, The GCEO and the CEO of the SABC Foundation - these two AMAZING ladies - have supported my team in "Riding 4 MADIBA". Thank you Lulama and Iris, your support is overwhelming.
We are @ Fauresmith, braving the weather, camps all set up, giving the horses there last preparations before the ride. Thank you all those who have sent personal messages, your contributions and well wishes are really appreciated. I did not realise how many people JUST LOVE MADIBA ! Please SMS SABC to 40301 and we will be making one on MADIBA's dreams come true. Horses just have so many offerings to make. |
Please sms SABC to 40301 and help build MADIBA's legacy
Faure Smith 200 -The history
The first endurance ride was held as a consequence of an argument in the magazine "Landbou Weekblad" about which horse breed has the best endurance ability. In 1964 Landbou Weekblad organised a race to settle the issue. An endurance ride was held from Hanover to De Aar to Richmond and back to Hanover. In those years there were no veterinary surgeons to check the horses, as is compulsory today. The ride was a huge success, with the Arabian breed emerging victorious.(http://www.fauresmith.co.za/endurance_ride.htm)
In 1965 disaster struck when, after the ride, most of the horses appeared to have been poisoned by persons who were opposed to the competition. Approximately sixty of the participating horses died.
For more information visit the Enurance riders of South Africa www.erasa.co.za
In 1965 disaster struck when, after the ride, most of the horses appeared to have been poisoned by persons who were opposed to the competition. Approximately sixty of the participating horses died.
For more information visit the Enurance riders of South Africa www.erasa.co.za
Our Legends
The first ride after 1965 was in 1973 in Fauresmith. The area and temperature lends it to endurance riding. During the 1973 race seventeen riders competed. The number has since grown to between 250 and 300 entries each year.
After every 25 km has been completed, the riders have 20 minutes to cool down their horses. They are then checked by veterinary surgeons. Heart rate and muscles are checked, and all overstrained horses are disqualified.
After every 25 km has been completed, the riders have 20 minutes to cool down their horses. They are then checked by veterinary surgeons. Heart rate and muscles are checked, and all overstrained horses are disqualified.
Camaraderie and sportsmanship
The camaraderie and sportsmanship between riders were probably best illustrated in 2003 when Laura Woods, then a Junior Springbok rider stopped halfway through the race to assist another competitor that fell.
The Fauresmith International Endurance Ride is considered one of the toughest in the world. It is not the toughest because of the distance, but because riders must complete long distances over three consecutive days. Riders have been known to get up every hour during the freezing nights to check on their horses.
The Fauresmith International Endurance Ride is considered one of the toughest in the world. It is not the toughest because of the distance, but because riders must complete long distances over three consecutive days. Riders have been known to get up every hour during the freezing nights to check on their horses.
Chris Thiel, Ami De wet (Snr & Jnr) and Michelle Browne - our legends
Veteran riders such as Ami de Wet, Claire Amm and Chris Thiel returns year after year to compete in this gruelling race.
Ami de Wet (tweede van links) ontvang 'n medalje vir die ses-en-twintigste keer dat hy Fauresmith suksesvol voltooi het. Saam met hom staan sy seun Tjaart (20ste keer) en Michele Browne (10de keer) en Ren Lubbinge, president van Erasa
Wychwood Stables appearances @ Faure Smith
Chris Thiel - Whispering !
2006- 1- Fallyn Pedra on Al-Yautn Tabardar
2007- 1- Fallyn Pedra on Al-Yatun Tabardar
2008- 1 -Barry Wiggett on Mal Oom
2009- 5 -Fallyn Pedra on Al-Yatun Tabardar, Denis Pedra on Little Madam, Gail Pedra on Desert Storm, Willem Marais on Dakota, Barry Wiggett on Mal Oom
2010 -4- Gail Pedra on Arion, Denise Pedra on Duet, Amy Nicholson on Dakota, Marinda Belsten on Bronwydd Banner Jasmin
2010 - Little Madam, a Wychwood Stables horse, was loaned to Michelle Browne, as her horse picked up an injury a month before the event
2011 - Denise Pedra on Al-Yatan Tabardar
http://www.longridersgear.com/ http://horses.about.com/od/horsesportsexplained/a/endurance.htm http://www.aerc.org/
2007- 1- Fallyn Pedra on Al-Yatun Tabardar
2008- 1 -Barry Wiggett on Mal Oom
2009- 5 -Fallyn Pedra on Al-Yatun Tabardar, Denis Pedra on Little Madam, Gail Pedra on Desert Storm, Willem Marais on Dakota, Barry Wiggett on Mal Oom
2010 -4- Gail Pedra on Arion, Denise Pedra on Duet, Amy Nicholson on Dakota, Marinda Belsten on Bronwydd Banner Jasmin
2010 - Little Madam, a Wychwood Stables horse, was loaned to Michelle Browne, as her horse picked up an injury a month before the event
2011 - Denise Pedra on Al-Yatan Tabardar
http://www.longridersgear.com/ http://horses.about.com/od/horsesportsexplained/a/endurance.htm http://www.aerc.org/