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Paula Dankin

Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
A LOW turnout is expected at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair show jumping contest.
So far nine riders have confirmed their participation at the competition scheduled for next week.
Show jumping is one of the most entertaining events during the Trade Fair week and the sport is a permanent feature at the showgrounds.
The equestrian sports are held in the last two days of the Trade Fair.

Matabeleland Horse Association chairperson Kerry Watson said most riders would be away on holiday since the event will be held soon after Easter.
“A lot of people will be away since Trade Fair is so close to the holidays.

“We have registered a low turnout because usually we used to have at least 30 riders but this time we have about nine,” she said.
Watson said the change of dates for the ZITF affected their plans.

“Most people thought the event was in  May as initially the Trade Fair was scheduled, so the sudden change of dates means that most riders are now tied up,” she said.
There will be youngsters such as the McAlister sisters Sommer and Misty Lee.

Misty Lee with her horse Vrosnky and Sommer with Happy Days will be expected to thrill fans.
Paula Dankin, Mkhululi Mkandla, Tsepo Ngwenya and Watson will be the senior show jumpers at the exhibition.

Watson said they expect at least two riders from Harare to grace the event.
“There will be two riders from Harare while the rest of the team will be from Bulawayo and because of numbers we will just have one category,” she said.