The Horseyantics 2009
Friday 27 th November saw a great number of horsey enthusiasts flocking to the KEP IndoorHall to try their hand (or mouth, or body) skills at the Horseyantics – here were a range of activities presented by local stable yards, vets, farriers and individuals as a fund raiser for the Equestrian Team SA initiative –these activities included a long list of sporting opportunities not yet seen at the Olympics - sports fans had their chance to ride the bucking bull (the Vaulters), try a spot of friendly gambling (Farnham Fun), do some friendly drinking (Burlington books and bodyshots),throw horse shoes over target pins (the Farriers), use an opportunity to throw darts at images of well known local horsey personalities, or throw wet sponges at speedy equestrians on foot (Glenfox Horseplay and Equifox Hit and Hurry). Aragon Stables offered Paintball Wizards, Fourways and the Eventers flipped pancakes, Witkoppen Equestrian Centre challenged people at the Galloping Golfers' stand, Phaeton Park offered skittles and hoops on carriage, and the list goes on – one could have one's face(Penbritte) or nails painted, learn to ride a unicycle, or test one's balance in barrel racing, giant jengo, human jumping (thank you Lexi Stais!) or at Limbo lane...to everyone who helped make this evening so much fun, THANK YOU – to our 3 gorgeous ticket sellers (Tracey, Tanya & Tessa – the 3 “can can” girls) it was a case of “Yes we can!” We sold over R30 000 of tickets and made a net profit of just over R20 000 !!!!

Richard Bowyer lent his skills as MC for the evening (the Ringmaster), Di and Charles Watson donated money from the catering, as did Andrew, our ever popular “daiquiri man” – to GHS and Shelly, who have supported this drive from the outset, supplied the hall and the staff to set up and clear, we salute you...and not forgetting the generosity of Kirsten Loots and the Sun Valley Riding school team who erected and dismantled their festive marquee in record time!

There were some fabulous raffles and prizes on offer too – the raffle for a photographic weekend away in the bush (generously donated by Sandy McDonald of McDonald Hunting Safaris) was won by Kira Ivanoff. The R1000 first prize for free veterinary treatment donated by all the local Kyalami veterinary practices was won by Anne-Marie Esslinger, with Hilton Hausberger winning both 2 nd and 3 rd prizes, totalling R750.00.The Jaegermeister girls were a big hit, especially at the blackjack and roulette tables, where Theunis de Beer won the R1000 big poker prize, donated by Conrad Fourie, who also kindly donated another R1000 to Team SA. Farnham Fun for the over 18s and the under 18s raised double the number of tickets sold at any other stall, and carried away the lovely ice bucket and Veuve Cliquot champagne supplied by Tessa McLoughlin – Well done guys – this is how to do it – raise money whilst having a jol!

Paige Shiller was a huge help in the organisation of this event, and Warren Haltmann took amazing action photos, which you can order until the 15 th February 2010 (profits to Team SA, of course!) by clicking on the link, and filling in the order form, making the requisite payment and emailing both the order form and proof of payment back to me, Anne-Marie at: amess@mweb.co.za.