Kyalami Park Club gears up for the 2025 Toyota South African Dressage champs

Kyalami Park Club, South Africa's premier equestrian venue, will welcome dressage enthusiasts from across the nation for the eagerly anticipated 2025 Toyota South African Dressage Championships, scheduled from 15–21 September.

With a focus on artistry and partnership between horse and rider, this week-long event promises to be a captivating celebration of equestrian excellence.

Dressage, often called the "sport of kings," highlights the exceptional bond between horse and rider as they perform a series of intricate movements and routines. This discipline emphasizes the horse's expressiveness, flexibility, balance, and power, all guided by the rider's clear communication and trust.

As the event approaches, Kyalami Park will be filled with activity. The arenas have been carefully raked to provide the best footing, and the judges’ boxes shine in anticipation.

Show Director Angie Meredith assures competitors that they can expect nothing short of world-class competition this year. The event includes the SA Adult Interprovincial Dressage Team Championships, the SA Adult Individual Dressage Championships, the SA Adult Freestyle Championships and the SA Para-Equestrian Championships.

This year, the competition is intensified by the presence of three esteemed international judges from Germany: Henning Lehrmann, Harry Lorenz, and Carsten Munk. These experts, renowned for their rigorous standards and deep understanding of the horse-rider partnership, are set to elevate the judging experience and the quality of performances at the championships.

Adding to the excitement is a groundbreaking development in the competition's history. In a move that promises to amplify the stakes, Toyota South Africa Motors will reward one of the champions with a brand-new Toyota Starlet Cross, marking the first of its kind to be offered in the championships' history. This remarkable prize has already motivated record entries, ensuring that only the finest pairs will compete for the chance to drive away in style.

As Kyalami Park Club embarks on its fourth year of partnership with Toyota, the growth of the sport is evident. Their collaboration has not only boosted participation levels but also attracted new audiences, exemplifying the spirit of equestrian sport in South Africa.

Glenn Crompton, vice president of marketing at TSAM, said: “Toyota South Africa Motors is proud to reaffirm its commitment to the South African Dressage Championships for the fourth consecutive year. Our continued partnership with Kyalami Park Club aligns with Toyota’s brand ethos of precision, dedication and excellence.

"As part of our ongoing support for equestrian sport and rewarding achievement, we are excited to award the Toyota Starlet Cross to one of this year’s champions."

As the championships unfold, the environment will be electric with energy and camaraderie, drawing competitors, grooms, instructors, friends, and families together for celebratory dinners.

Participants are not just vying for a title but pursuing perfection in the enchanting world of dressage, a journey defined by dedication, artistry, and the remarkable bond between horse and rider.