Equestrian Excellence – Thomas Triggol

This past weekend, Thomas Triggol, grade 8, competed in one of the biggest showjumping competitions, the Children's FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale).

Riders have to be between the ages of 12 and 14 to compete in this event. Winning this event is a big achievement as these riders compete against their peers over a uniform track in size and distance, which is set by the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale). Legs are held in different countries around the world over identical tracks, and arenas with the same specified dimensions. There are 3 different tours – Gold, Silver and Bronze. In South Africa we compete on the highest level Gold Tour, which is for children with more experience. It is run over a 1.10m/1.20m track and then on the final day, up to 1.20m/1.30m. The FEI tracks are very technical and always tricky, as the distances have to cater for both horses and ponies who work off different strides.

We are pleased to announce that Thomas won this competition on his horse, Viking Ship. Even more impressive was that he has only owned this horse for a week!

He has not only qualified amongst the top 16, but is ranked 2nd in the world amongst the competing countries in this international competition.

Thomas will now compete in the FEI finals in Valle de Bravo, Mexico, in December.

The Finals take place on borrowed horses which are provided by the Mexican Equestrian Federation. This is always a challenge to compete in a prestigious event on a strange horse.

He is currently competing in the Adult SA Championships in Durban, and has so far managed to come 4th in 1.10m in a class of 90 horses.