New horse show to celebrate all riders and breeds

A new equestrian event is on the horizon in Namibia, promising an inclusive, community-driven space for horse lovers across all breeds, disciplines and levels of experience. The Show Horse Association of Namibia (SHAN) has announced that its first event will take place on 10 and 11 October 2025 at the Rolé Equestrian Centre at Brakwater, Windhoek.The initiative aims to provide more than just a traditional show format. According to the organisers, the concept is built around openness, participation and a renewed sense of community among horse owners, riders and families.SHAN chairperson Karin Schreuder opened a recent planning session with a call for unity and shared purpose. “The interest and feedback we have received so far clearly shows us that our equine community is hungry for more than just a show. We seek togetherness,” she said. “We share a genuine love for horses, and in doing so, we build something special.”Schreuder emphasised that SHAN is not defined by breed exclusivity. “We don’t stick to breed or breeder. On the contrary - we want to collaborate with other Associations, complement and reinforce each other. We don’t want to compete with others; we want to compliment them.”Expanding visionSHAN vice chairperson Ronel Slippers laid out the mission behind the new event. She said many horse owners have stopped participating in shows due to politics, lack of classes, or feeling that they no longer fit in. “These are some of the reasons why we decided to fill this void,” Slippers explained.She stressed that SHAN’s approach is not about rigid competition, but about offering every rider and horse a space to take part. “We are not so much planning a show, but a showcase of horses and people.”Slippers proposed the inclusion of breed-based classes such as Saddle Horse, Friesian/Flemish, Arabian, and Quarterhorse categories. However, she noted that the structure would be more flexible than conventional breed shows. “For every person with a breed type that doesn't fit in anywhere, like a Clydesdale or a Percheron or a miniature donkey, come to this show, we want to see your horse, we want you to fit in and we will create a class for you,” she said. Novel classes are also part of the plan. Slippers mentioned ideas like a ladies’ evening dress class, a men’s “shorts and vellies” class, and a parent-child obstacle course, where children guide their parents on horseback.The participation of children will also play an important role. Slippers encouraged all participants to bring children, even those not riding competitively. “What we would like to achieve is to have a class where there are 30 or 40 kids involved. We can have the children take part ... to make them part of the show so that they can experience the enjoyment and excitement of it,” she said. Children would groom, dress up, and later take part in additional activities to deepen their involvement in the show.A place for every riderThe organisers want the event to accommodate everyone - including people who no longer ride under saddle. Slippers spoke about building groundwork obstacle courses for older adults, children or others who prefer leading horses rather than riding them.Ideas for new classes are welcome. One suggestion shared during the meeting, was to ride a class with a bridle and then repeat it without one. SHAN encourages participants to share such proposals which can be incorporated into the final programme.Those wanting to showcase or sell horses are also invited. Horses can be presented in-hand or under saddle, depending on their condition. SHAN will include horses-for-sale adverts in the show programme for a small fee.“There will be classes where the universal horses (low-action) and the traditional horses (high-action) can compete against each other,” Slippers added. These mixed classes will first be held within breeds and later across breeds - including Friesians, Saddle Horses and Arabs.Annegret Urban will oversee the sponsorship committee and the budget for the October event stands at approximately N$85 000. Any sponsor is welcome - whether in cash, services, or prize donations. Call for participationAs October approaches, SHAN invites riders, families, trainers and horse enthusiasts to get involved and help shape a unique event that puts inclusion and enjoyment at the centre of Namibia’s equine calendar.“We don't believe there is anyone who owns a horse who doesn't like to show or show off their horse somewhere. It's not about how the horse looks, it's about you being able to ride or show him off in a certain way, even if it's on a leadrein – we want to give you an opportunity to bring your horse to a show where you and your horse can participate and feel welcome,” said Slippers.Finally, Schreuder reiterated the association’s intent: “We want to build something together that's sustainable, inclusive, and proud - a home for every horse and every rider.”

New horse show to celebrate all riders and breeds

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-22

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New horse show to celebrate all riders and breeds

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-22

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