Mounted games in South Africa took a giant leap forward in visibility when MGASA was invited to run its Inter-Provincial competition at Equestria 2006.

Equestria, South Africa's first indoor equestrian exhibition and extravaganza, took place for the second year running at the Coca-Cola Dome, from 3-10 December, with the various equestrian events on the program being covered by national television, on Supersport 1 and Supersport 2.

"This was a fantastic opportunity to showcase mounted games to the country and we are extremely grateful to Elizabeth Mohr at Equestria for sponsoring us," said Mandé Siderfin, national chairperson of MGASA.

Teams from three provinces: Kwa-Zulu Natal, Western Province and Limpopo, took to the field in four sessions over two days, playing eight races in each. Final placings were: Limpopo, 1st, Western Province, 2nd and Kwa-Zulu Natal, 3rd.

The event generated electric excitement and the riders and ponies responded to the thrill of being indoors under floodlight and to the tremendous enthusiasm and participation of the crowd.

Adding to the glitter was the presence of the high-profile patrons of each team, being equestrian “greats”, Gail Foxcroft (Limpopo), Gonda Beatrix (Western Province) and Tracey Cockbain (Kwa-Zulu Natal).

"The children who rode would not be riding or competing in an indoor or similar prestigious show in another discipline at this stage of their careers, so it was a wonderful privilege and feather in their caps to be there," said Siderfin.

Mounted Games is also focused on developing the sport among previously disadvantaged individuals and four of its riders fell into this category, with two being in the winning team, Limpopo.

"We demonstrated that mounted games is an attainable sport for PDI’s, who can achieve without experience in other equestrian disciplines or fancy ponies," said Siderfin.

"Thank you, Equestria, for this amazing opportunity, sponsorship and support of mounted games in South Africa," says Siderfin.

"Thank you also to the patrons of the various teams, whose inspirational presence was a great motivation for the teams to perform at their best.”

Teams were as follows:

Kwa-Zulu Natal
Megan Marr on Two Cents
Megan Fick on Downeen Pippin
Nonjabula Madlala on Downeen Dunmurray
Chantal Taylor on Peppy Girl
Katie Harrison on Forrest Guy
and Jaqui Marr (Coach).

Western Province
Sofia Reith on Ebony Lass
Luisa Reith on Champaign
Kimberley Hathaway on Charlie Brown
Joseph Kau on Toffee
Phillip Crouse on Jo-Jo
Simoné Killian (Coach)

Limpopo
Natalie Monsieur on Cloud 9
Megan Frost on Cambodia
Annemie de Beer on Jade
Prince Mataboge on Medunsa Anzac
William Mahlangu on Violet
Mandé Siderfin (Coach)
and Samantha Paterson (Reserve).

Winning Team : Limpopo