Equine award event hosted at Avontuur

• Published date: 17 April 2024
• Author: CAROLYN FROST
• Publication title: Bolander

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...