Zimbabwe Equestrian Federation

🇿🇼 ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN 🇰🇿 | FEI JUMPING WORLD CHALLENGE by Sarah Kay Loubser

It was an incredible honour to represent Zimbabwe on the international stage. 🇿🇼

The FEI World Challenge teaches you to adapt quickly — riding an unfamiliar horse, finding a partnership and making the most of every opportunity.

Izi Star certainly challenged me, but she reminded me that true horsemanship is about patience, feel, adaptability and working with the horse you have.

Together with my teammate Sophie Teede , and under the fantastic guidance of Ricky Johnstone , we gave it everything.

The results weren’t what we had hoped for, but we came home with something far more valuable — experience, knowledge, friendships and plenty of memories.

From the arena to exploring Astana, meeting riders from around the world and experiencing the incredible hospitality of Kazakhstan, this was a trip I will never forget.

I am proud to have represented Zimbabwe. Grateful for the opportunity. Inspired for what comes next. 🇿🇼🐎

Astana Kazakhstan

Good Luck 🍀

Charley Barford Sports and Recreation Commission Zimbabwe Olympic Committee RISING STARS MEDIA Zimbabwe Equestrian Federation- Matabeleland Branch

With just under one week to go until the Show Jumping gets underway at the World Equestrian Championships, we would like to congratulate Charley Barford & Odi and wish them the very best of luck as they prepare to make history.

Charley is the first Zimbabwean athlete to compete at this level, and she has already proved that she belongs on the world stage.

We are incredibly proud of you both and will be cheering you on every step of the way!

We are all behind you on this incredible adventure. ❤️🇿🇼

Go well, Charley & Odi — make history!

PROUDLY ZIMBABWEAN. 🇿🇼🐴



Sports and Recreation Commission Zimbabwe Olympic Committee Zimbabwe Equestrian Federation RISING STARS MEDIA Zimbabwe Equestrian Federation- Matabeleland Branch

🐎 SAVE THE DATE 🐎

✨ HILLCREST GRAND PRIX 2026 ✨

📅 17–18 October 2026
📍 Hillcrest Farm, Ruwa

Get ready for a spectacular weekend of elite show jumping, exceptional partnerships and top-class competition.

🏆 Qualifying Classes
🏆 Championship Classes
🏆 Hillcrest Grand Prix

Course Designer: Glen MacRobert-Smith (UK, FEI Level 2)

Save the date — you won’t want to miss it! 🇿🇼🐴

Tomorrow, the tradition continues… one final time. 🏇✨

Tomorrow marks the start of the 71st Horse of the Year Show at the ZITF Arena, Bulawayo.

This year’s show is one of celebration, gratitude, and reflection, as we bid farewell to the iconic venue that has been home to Zimbabwe’s premier equestrian event for the past 71 years.

From unforgettable championships and international competitions to lifelong friendships and cherished memories, the ZITF Arena has witnessed generations of riders, horses, officials, volunteers, and spectators come together in pursuit of excellence.

As we gather for one last Horse of the Year Show at this historic venue, we celebrate not only the sport we love, but the incredible legacy that has been built here.

Join us as we honour 71 years of memories and take one final lap of honour.

📍 ZITF Arena, Bulawayo
📅 8–11 August 2026

The Final Lap of Honor begins tomorrow. ❤️🐎

Save the Date for the HRIB Show Jumping National Championship 2026!

🗓️ 11 - 13 September 2026
📍HIPEC

There are still sponsorship opportunities available, get in touch to find out more.