Teenager Leia-Mae van der Merwe and experienced show jumper Michelle Künzle emerged as the standout riders at the annual Reitclub Okahandja Dressage & Jumping Show, which attracted equestrians from across Namibia for three days of competition.
Van der Merwe and her horse F.H.M. produced an impressive series of performances, earning high marks in the floodlight Musical Freestyle, Third Level and FEI dressage tests to claim the title of Most Successful Dressage Rider.
She also won the Junior Category of the Grace McGregor Dressage Challenge 2026, setting the stage for the upcoming Namibian Dressage Championships and FEI Dressage World Challenge at Reitclub Okahandja from 9 to 11 October.
Carolin Hoffmeister and Heidi’s Mohinho won the Adult Category of the Grace McGregor Challenge, while Morgan Priilaid and Seeis Chakalaka took the Children’s Category. The Metallum Installation Junior and Adult Musical Freestyle under Floodlight, which attracted a record 21 entries, was won overall by Svenja Späth and Seeis Anicia.
In show jumping, Künzle made a successful return with Seeis Elton following months of rehabilitation. The pair dominated the Open 1.20m classes, producing clear rounds throughout the three-day competition. They also impressed in the Ingwe Wildlife Art Derby over 110cm, completing the challenging 1,000m course and its demanding obstacles.
Louis Kotze and Apollo produced the only clear round among eight starters in the 1.00m Derby, which featured obstacles including a Devil’s Dyke, bank, water and triple combinations. At 1.10m, Altidore Z with Silvia Kleyenstueber and Amily le Roux with Capital Uzzi were among the leading combinations.
The lower classes provided opportunities for emerging riders, with Aria Kleyenstüber and Baron von Sphinxblick excelling at 90cm, while Gwynneth Bronwin Potgieter and Bon Jovi and Emma Jordaan and Sphinxblick Kalila featured prominently at 80cm. The event also recognised the important work of grooms through the annual AGRA Grooming Competition.
Ricardo Swarts, grooming Callaho Condetto, won from Martin Kambinda with Legacy’s Legato, with Darius Hochobeb and Zonjati Gunfire finishing third. The successful event highlighted the growing depth of Namibia’s equestrian talent ahead of another major competition at Reitclub Okahandja in October.
By Rudi Bowe
