Christmas cheer will abound at the SPCA Horse Show, taking place on 10 and 11 December at the Constantia Valley Riding Club (CVRC), Brommesvlei Rd, Constantia.

The weekend event is the largest charity horse show in the Western Cape and benefits the SPCA’s Horse Care Unit in Grassy Park, which cares for abused, abandoned, sick and injured horses, ponies and donkeys. Generously co-sponsored by Abax Investments and Mr and Mrs Jack Mitchell and family, the weekend event will present showing classes and a gymkhana from 9am on Saturday 10 December and show-jumping classes from 8am on Sunday 11 December, with a Christmas market, food stalls and children’s entertainment on both days.

Fully endorsed by the Western Province Horse Society the show is open to riders of all ages and is regarded within the Cape riding fraternity as a wonderful practice event for young riders and those bringing on novice horses. “It’s a lot of fun for the riders, their family and spectators”, said SPCA Events Manager Juan August who has organised the last six SPCA Horse shows. “There is something for everyone – from Little League classes for riders aged 10 and younger to the SPCA Championship show jumping class for more experienced show jumpers wanting to practice for future graded events”. “We’ve enjoyed wonderful support for the show over the past 15 years and we anticipate that this year’s Christmas theme will make the event extra special”, he said.

Entry fees for the SA Riding classes are R60 per class or R200 for six classes; Little League classes are R40 per class or R140 for 4 classes, R100 per show jumping class and for late show jumping entries on the day R120 and R80 for the practice jumping and R100 for late entries on the day. Prizes will be awarded to the top 4 places, with rosettes to all other places. A ground levy of R50 per horse will be charged and a fee of R50 for the Gymkana games. Entrance for spectators is free and a parking fee of R30 will be charged per car. Cars with horse boxes will have free entry.

For more information visit www.spca-ct.co.za or contact Juan August on (021) 700 4180/41 or email [email protected] for programme details or to book a stand at the Christmas market.