Okahandja Reitklub to host Western Horse Festival and Show

There will be lots of cowboy action this weekend at the Okahandja Reitklub, where the Western Horse Festival will be held. The event will be hosted by AWESHA (African Western Stock Horse Association), and sponsored by Osona Village. Events will include all the Versatility Ranch Horse activities, as well as mounted shooting, pole-bending races, team penning and branding. There’s lots of fun for the whole family, who can try their luck on the mechanical cow. A jumping castle for the kids will also be put up to provide entertainment for the young ones. The sport of Western Riding is said to be growing in popularity in Namibia. Sakkie and Anri van der Merwe own the Bronco Stud and are one of Namibia’s top quarter horse breeders. These horses are suitable for cattle work on farms, and they also excel in the show ring. AWESHA’s membership has grown rapidly over the last few years. As such the association decided to host their own show this year. Because cattle are used for many of the events, this type of show is always very interesting for spectators. One of South Africa’s top Western Riding judges and competitor, Lynn Muller, will be judging. WINDHOEK-SPORT REPORTER