Mon Sep 30 11:30:14 SAST 2013
EQUESTRIAN sporting events are fast becoming the biggest social events of the summer.
As Jozi's socialistas mingle at the Inanda Africa Cup today, it's clear that horsing around has evolved from being aristocratic to being the ideal platform to host high-end events.
In the past few years, event organisers have jumped on the horse-show bandwagon of hosting relaxed but exclusive equestrian functions.
Gone are the days when the annual Durban July and the J&B Met were the highlights on the South African equestrian calender.
Nowadays, the Inanda Africa Cup Polo Tournament, the BMW Polo series and the Galencia Property SADerby are among the events attracting celebrities and the Joburg glitterati.
Unlike the July and the Met, which draw big crowds, these small, low-key gatherings are "more boutique", says TV and radio personality and socialite Jennifer Su.
"It's much more about just having a relaxing time with a few good friends.
"People are dressed up in lovely hats and dresses, but there isn't as much pressure to go all out."
Let's face it, many of us have witnessed wardrobe malfunctions at these type of events, such as stilettos and evening dresses at polo matches.
"Overly glamorous and over-the-top dress codes at a polo match or horse show are a sign that people are not understanding the brief," says fashion consultant and blogger Jerri Mokgofe.
"It's a fashion lifestyle event, not a red carpet event.
"People need to not only distinguish between day wear and evening wear, but must also make an effort to look more polished by knowing the difference between day make-up and night make-up.
"No metallic eye shadow at the polo, please."
So, what should we wear to these horse shows?
"The ambience at these kind of events is stylish but relaxed, with the feeling that you will be out of town and in the country for the day," says Polo South Africa marketing manager Laura Stewart.
"Most importantly, one has to consider the sun . Hats are a must; the bigger, the better.
"Light, cool linens and cottons are essential. Easy, flowing dresses for ladies, and classic chinos and light shirts for men. Flat shoes are essential."
Luxury designer label Polo is bringing the new International Horse Trials to Joburg from Friday, October 4, to Sunday, October 6.
The horse trials, also known as eventing, is a three-phase Olympic sport that combines the three disciplines of dressage, cross-country and show jumping.
This "equestrian triathlon" will open on the Friday at the Peter Minnie Arena at Kyalami Equestrian Park.
The event will be attended by the crème de la crème of the international equestrian community and local celebrities such as TV and radio personality Dineo Ranaka, model Lerato Moloi, Su, actor and comedian Siv Ngesi, Zuraida Jardine, rugby legend Breyton Paulse and soccer star Jimmy Tau.
mokhemam@timesmedia.co.za
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