Johannesburg – The Kyalami Equestrian Club is proud to announce the return of the much-anticipated ten day Toyota Easter Festival taking place from 23 March – 1 April 2024 at the Kyalami Equestrian Park.

Now celebrating its third year of partnership with Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), the show continues to be South Africa’s premier Equestrian event with cars queuing hours before opening, over-subscribed entries, excellent prize-money and the rewriting of record books daily. The annual competition challenges riders of all ages across four categories Dressage, Equitation, Showing and Show Jumping. Add to that the Easter egg hunt, Toyota vehicle parade, a kid’s zone and a variety of food and market stalls and there really is something for everyone… for free.

Whilst celebrating excellence across various aspects of the sport, one of the most important components of the Toyota Easter Festival is increasing participation at the event. Hosts Kyalami Park Club will once again run a development programme that offers assistance to talented riders from disadvantaged backgrounds who, without the support of the club, would not be able to further their careers in the sport.

Heather Mpofu, Kyalami Park Club Event Director says, “We have riders who are employed as grooms, riders with disabilities, riders coming from single parent households and more. Most of these riders compete on sponsored horses and Kyalami Park Club sponsors their club membership as well as show entries. This show offers us a valued platform on which to give back to those who need it most.”

“We are proud of our partnership with the Toyota Easter Festival. It unites riders across multiple disciplines, and various age groups and promotes an environment where these skilled athletes and their trusty steeds push themselves to perform at their highest level. Toyota continues to support this journey where passion and precision converge in equestrian excellence,” says Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at TSAM.

Anne-Marie Esslinger FEI 3* course designer and a seasoned competitor who holds so many accolades in the 1.50m competitions and has competed in the 1.50m grand prix many times before, is once again the course builder for the shows premier class which gets underway in the Bob Charter arena at 14h00 on 1 April: The 1.50m Toyota SA Outdoor Grand Prix. The two-round competition sees the first round being set over 12 or 13 fences including a water jump, a double and a treble combination. It’s the top 30 riders who will compete in this final event, with an estimated six to eight riders qualifying for the jump off. Once again, the stage is set for the continent’s best, including all previous champions from the last five years set to defend their titles.

“The entire equestrian community is extremely grateful for the unwavering support of Toyota which certainly elevates our show offering both inside and outside the arena’s. This show combines the finest horsemanship with quality and keen horses, powered by Toyota – it simply doesn’t get better than this and I’ve no doubt our stands will be packed out as per every year,” says Esslinger.

With a refreshment area offering a wide range of food and beverages as well as a host of stalls selling equestrian equipment and pet loving and other products, why not join us and become a part of the Toyota Easter Festival history. The show will run from 27 March – 1 April 2024 with free entrance. Follow the show on social: Twitter: @ToyotaSA. Facebook: Toyota SA. Instagram: toyota_sa

Show highlights include:

  • Pony Rider Toyota SA Outdoor Grand Prix
  • Junior Toyota SA Outdoor Grand Prix
  • Adult 1.50 Toyota SA Outdoor Grand Prix
  • Other Show jumping classes from 80cm – 1.50m
  • Toyota Invitational Top Score Competition
  • Easter egg hunt
  • Toyota Equestrian fancy dress
  • The Philip Smith Memorial Equitation Championships and other Equitation classes
  • Top Dressage competition
  • Showing classes show casing the best of our stunning 4-legged competitors

Written for and on behalf of Kyalami Equestrian Park by Caroline Malan, The PR Machine