Horses, castles and family fun at the 10th Avis  Rental SA Derby

Face painting, jumping castles, pony rides and daring vaulters are glorious ingredients for a day filled with family entertainment at the 2011 Avis SA Derby, 5 to 9 October at Kyalami Equestrian Park organised by the Gauteng Horse Society. Avis Rent a Car is sponsoring this activity-filled family event for the tenth year in succession and this year is set to surpass all others in drawing the crowds for a unique outing.

The Derby has become one of the most popular and prestigious events in the sport’s annual calendar and is excelling in its ability to reach further out into the broader spectrum of South African society, exposing thousands more to what used to be considered a somewhat elite sport. It will once again be broadcast on SuperSport which brings contact with the sport into thousands of more homes.

Thanks to the work of the Soweto Equestrian Centre, over 700 children have been exposed to horses and riding. The Centre hosts “pat a pony” days and offers riding lessons to children from the local community, care homes and orphanages.
Avis has teamed up with World Horse Welfare to sponsor the Grooms’ Handling courses, the first of which were succesfully held in January and April 2011. The next course will be held in November 2011.

A team of Soweto children were also trained at vaulting, which entails gymnastics on a horse, attaining the remarkable achievement of becoming the 2009 South African Mixed team National Champions in less than year. They topped that success by retaining their crown in 2010 and are preparing for the 2011 championships with the same determination and commitment. They will be performing at the Derby and are among the most anticipated items on the programme.

In addition to the displays by professional riders, all of considerable standing in the equestrian world, the Avis SA Derby includes an all-important Development Day, where Avis has invited children from St Mary’s Children’s Home to a special outing. This is the day also set aside for showcasing the skills of up-and-coming young riders and grooms, giving them opportunities to ride with the professionals in various events.

Definitely an event not to be missed for excitement, glamour and adventure, the Avis SA Derby presents families with a great opportunity to escape the daily grind and enjoy fun-filled entertainment.