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Brandon Moyo, [email protected]

ALL is in place for yet another interesting Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) and for horse lovers from Bulawayo and Zimbabwe as a whole, things will be done differently this time around.

The traditional competition will not take place, but there will be a chance for the upcoming riders to learn and develop their skills thus, leaving horse-riding as the winner for this year’s edition of the decorated ZITF.  Despite having no competition, horse-riding lovers will once again enjoy an ultimate show for two days at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre.

A young trainer from the South of the Limpopo River will be brought in to do development training with tomorrow’s riders.

“It’s very helpful for our riders at all levels to receive training from highly qualified coaches, both locally and from South Africa, to help develop their skill and technique so that they can progress, improve and reach higher levels in the show jumping grades,” said the Zimbabwe Equestrian Federation (ZEF) Matabeleland Branch Chairperson Hayley Freeland.  This will not be the first development program to take place this year and will not be the last as the association is working hard to make sure that their riders get as much assistance as possible from the best in the business. “We have them (development programs) fairly frequently as part of our development program. We had one in March with a different South African coach, we have this one now, we are having one next month with an ex-Zimbabwe show jumper from Harare. “It’s very important for us to try and help our riders progress as much as possible,” said Freeland.

Over the past years, show jumping has been one of the headlining sporting activities that take place during the ZITF. It has always given horse-riding lovers a time to remember and this year, despite it not being a competition, it will be yet another memorable horse-riding fiesta. Show jumping enthusiasts will once again be entertained in what promises to be a crowd puller like in the previous years. Show jumping is one of the most entertaining events during the Trade Fair week and the sport is a permanent feature at the showgrounds. — @brandon_malvinEnds.