Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
THE Matabeleland Branch of the Zimbabwe Horse Society is set to make an emotional exit of the use of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Grounds during this year’s heroes holidays.
This was confirmed on Friday by the chairperson of the region’s body of equestrian sport, Babra Nicholas. She said high rentals and the envisaged Smart City Project by the owners of the facility had also been a factor leaving the sport unsure of its future.
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The Horse Society has been at the ZITF Grounds since 1956 and at first competitions were held at the Show Grounds Main Arena before they secured a corner on the northern end near the Bulawayo Agricultural Society in 1993.
“It has been a painful decision taken in earnest. We looked at sustainability of the club amid dwindling numbers of participants. We have a monthly cost of US$1 300, a huge fee for a small organisation like ours, money which would have been good with us bringing in foreign coaches to help to develop the sport,” said Nicholas.
She said the other reason that had forced them to leave the facility is the fact that the owners of the facility have been talking of a Smart City Project.
“With uncertainty hovering over the future there, we did not want the uncertainty that goes with that, despite us failing to sustain our stay there that was the other problem. It is sad to leave a place we have called home for ages, so many great riders and horses have been there, a whole legacy going,” said Nicholas.
Some of the local stars of the facility are riding in circuits in South Africa and Europe like Charlie Crockart.
The Society has a competition this weekend which ends this afternoon and will have the final preparatory competition for the August Championships next month.
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We want to exit with a bang, a fabulous event that will carry so many memories for many,” said Nicholas.
Paula Dakin, a champion at the venue for so many years who at one stage finished third at the World Championships in Chile over a decade ago, said: “I have ridden on that era for 30 years. It has always been the best surface in Zimbabwe to show jump on, so many memories.”
Nicholas said they are hopeful that they will find space at some private properties to help keep the sporting discipline kicking.
