YOUNG HORSE PERFORMANCE SERIES
HOW THE YHPS STARTED
In November 2004, the THS Show Jumping Committee was tasked with ‘creating’ a fundraiser to boost their show jumping funds. The idea of holding ‘age category’ shows originated from Bob Neill and the committee decided to try and hold three shows for the following year. There was immediate enthusiasm, with a number of committee members offering trophies to be awarded to the best horse in each age group.
Dominey Alexander and Gail Foxcroft were asked to draw up the rules for this show in January 2005. In April the series was to be run by the THS office, with Sue van der Merwe and Gail helping with the officials and general organisation.
The final leg was to be held at the Pretoria Showground’s at the end of August. Gail and Sue managed to secure a number of trophy sponsorships, 12 day sheets and
R10 000.000 towards expenses and prize money. By May 2006 the series was still limping along and the management had decided that K.E.P. arenas need to be profitable and the series would be discontinued.
Both Gail and Sue decided to run the series privately, and with the help of Maria Kroon, some wonderful friends and sponsors, the series has flourished, with entries as far as Namibia and Botswana, and is currently in its 6th year.