Bolander was a guest at the auspicious occasion of the Western Cape Dressage Council 2023 Western Cape Rider Awards Lunch, held at Avontuur Restaurant, where the hard work, discipline and professionalism of many people was recognised.
Held close to everyone’s hearts was Janeese Silen, a stalwart of Western Cape and National dressage over the years.
Although she was taken from us before this special gathering, her legacy and spirit live on, and her family (son Brendan and daughter Bonita and their spouses) represented her there.
A personal highlight was being seated with Megan Campbell and her head groom, Gordon Mabele, who has been working at Chilanga Stables (for the indomitable Sally Kluth, before her passing) for 40 years.
Sally Kluth’s Chilanga Stables is legendary, not just for its Riding for the Disabled programme in years gone by.
I first met Gordon almost 20 years ago, while still working on Bolander’s predecessor, Helderberg Sun, when I visited Chilanga to see the amazing work being done for children with disabilities, who would come once a week from Bizweni, to ride on the horses.
Gordon received the Best Groom of the Year memento trophy and gold medal, at the Avonture event.
Among the many awards distributed on the day, were Junior Prelim Floating trophy winner Rebecca McCarthy, and Western Cape Freetime Preliminary Amateur winner Aatiqah Galant (a Solidarity sponsored rider).
Trophies, medals, rosettes and certificates were handed out to many of those in attendance, by Sylvia Bruckner (national DSA judges), Jacqui Nicholls (WCEF), and Suzie Michaelides (President of the Western Cape Dressage Council).
The awards lunch were dedicated to Janeese Silen, who has contributed so much to Western Cape Dressage over the years, and everyone shared some of their special memories in her memorial book. Hosting the awards luncheon at Avontuure had been a long-held wish of hers, and it was wonderful to see it fulfilled.
Western Cape Dressage Council also expressed their gratitude towards the Taberer brothers, Phil and Mike, for their generous sponsorship of the beautiful venue at Avonture, and their wonderful restaurant staff.
Also thanked were Karen Dormehl (flowers, decorations and signs), Elana Hopkins (co-sponsoring the champagne on arrival), and Sally Knittel and Audrey de Vries (seeing to the trophies and medals).
● On Saturday and Sunday, Stellenbosch Riding Club was a hive of activity with horses and riders – see Bolander next week…
