27/07/2026
🐴 A Weekend of Friendship, Firsts and Fantastic Riding! 🏆
What an unforgettable SANESA weekend at the Bloemfontein Equestrian Centre for our Aero Equestrian family!
A very special congratulations to Luke Po***ck, who competed in his first-ever SANESA show — and what better way to experience such a milestone than alongside his riding buddy, Lorenzo Garella-Hall?
There is something incredibly special about watching two little boys grow up together through horses. Between the early mornings, polished boots, plaited ponies, nervous smiles and excited chatter, they encouraged one another, celebrated every round and showed us exactly what equestrian sport is all about: friendship, courage, teamwork and a shared love for the horse.
Luke and Lorenzo rode their hearts out and achieved some beautiful results:
🌟 Luke
Dressage: 4th and 5th
Equitation: 1st
Jumping 30 cm: 2nd and 1st
Working Riding: 2nd
🌟 Lorenzo
Dressage: 4th and 6th
Equitation: 3rd
Jumping 30 cm: 3rd and 2nd
Working Riding: 3rd
We could not be prouder of these two little horsemen. They were kind, supportive and an absolute delight throughout the weekend — although we suspect the ponies may have had slightly less to say about the endless supply of boyish energy!
A huge congratulations must also go to Gareth Po***ck on his incredible performance alongside his son. Gareth clearly decided that standing at the arena fence, carrying jackets and offering advice was simply not enough — he had to get fully involved! From lead-rein duties to moral support, he delivered a championship-worthy performance of his own. What a wonderful father-and-son memory to share.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Samantha Ferreira of Ferreira Equestrian centre, who assisted by calling the boys’ dressage tests and also helped plait the girls’ tails. Samantha, your calm support, kindness and willingness to help were deeply appreciated.
We are also incredibly proud of Johanika Ferreira, who rides out of Ferreira Equestrian Centre and attends school with our boys at NENA. Johanika produced a brilliant set of results in the Off the Lead, 9 and Under classes:
🏅 Dressage A — 2nd
🥇 A2 Competition 30 cm — 1st
🥇 A2 Competition 40 cm — 1st
🥇 Working Riding Off the Lead — 1st
Luke, Lorenzo and Johanika represented NENA with such enthusiasm, sportsmanship and wonderful manners. They supported one another, laughed together and reminded us that the ribbons are lovely — but the friendships, memories and confidence built through horses are the real prizes.
And, as every horse person knows, no successful show weekend happens through the efforts of one person alone.
We were surrounded by the most incredible support from everyone at Aero Equestrian Estate. Granny and Grandpa Po***ck, together with Joleen, stood faithfully on the sidelines, cheering, helping, feeding and watering us all, and making sure nobody collapsed from hunger, thirst or show-day nerves!
Back at home, our wonderful grooms washed ponies, packed equipment and helped ensure that everything was ready for the journey. Phumlani took exceptional care of the ponies throughout the show, making sure they were comfortable, settled, fed and treated like the true stars they are.
A special thank you must also go to Bukani of Ferreira Equestrian Centre, who beautifully plaited our ponies and helped them arrive at the arena looking every inch the polished SANESA competitors.
This weekend was a beautiful reminder that it truly takes a village. Riders may enter the arena alone, but behind every polished pony, brave child and successful round stands an entire team of people giving their time, energy, love and support.
Our village was exceptional.
An incredibly special show, an unforgettable weekend and three young riders of whom we could not be prouder.
Well done, Luke, Lorenzo and Johanika. Keep riding bravely, supporting one another and enjoying every stride of this wonderful journey. 🐴💙🏆
