A history
Photography: Merlynn Trichardt from 2024 Philip Smith Memorial
In 1969, George Morris visited South Africa to clinics in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Salisbury (Harare, Zimbabwe). At this stage in Southern Africa, a great variety of riding styles and theories were practised. This likely stemmed from the diverse sources of horsemanship; namely farming, military and imported techniques from Europe. However, it was observed by George Morris that despite the eclectic riding techniques, most individuals could produce results with their horses. He rather diplomatically noted that ‘some’ achieved these results more attractively than others (naming Gonda Butters/Beatrix, Mickey Louw and David Stubbs as examples of the former).
Into this setting, George Morris introduced his American school of thought that presumed that “Perfection of style produces perfection of performance from the horse”. This seems a very logical theory, as the perfect style would, by definition, be the most helpful position and series of actions a rider can perform to achieve the best results. Essentially, a rider would be giving their horse the best chance to do what they are being asked to do!
The introduction of this theory led to the realisation that, in general, riders’ skills needed improving in Southern Africa and that there was a lack of access to regular and correct coaching.
The next steps
Following a period of extensive travel and research on this subject, Equitation as a discipline was formally introduced to South Africa by Charlotte Stubbs in the 1970s. The aim of Equitation was to provide constructive feedback to riders (especially those who may not have access to regular coaching) and to improve the effectiveness and correctness of riding in general.
Charlotte Stubbs, when questioned on what it would take to win the National Equitation Championships, said: “hard work would be essential, but the prestige of winning would be enormous for both riders and the instructors”. This most certainly was the case then and still is today.
National Equitation Championships – then and now
In 1971 the first National Equestrian Championships were held, with 24 riders (silver medallists) who were provincial winners competing for Gold. Each province could award a maximum of four BP Silver medals, and these individuals were awarded bursaries consisting of subsidised lessons with their instructors and equestrian equipment. The National Equestrian Championship was held over several days and several phases in the indoor arena at the historic Rand Show venue, where the silver medal competitors were eliminated on a round-by-round basis. The penultimate round included the top six riders and required swopping of horses. The final round was then a head-to-head between the top two riders who had to complete a flatwork and jumping test on a ‘mystery horse’. This competition, over time, evolved into what is now the SA Junior Individual Equitation Championship.
In 1982 the Prestigious Witwatersrand Agricultural Society (WAS) Supreme Equitation Championship was launched and quickly became a new title for all ambitious young riders to aspire to win. The title was won by some of today’s top riders, including Jonathan Clarke and Andrea Harrison. The WAS Championship invited the top six competitors from the SA Junior Individual Championship and used six borrowed horses, three for the flatwork tests and three for the jumping tests.
Fast fact
Lorette Knowles-Taylor has coached four PSM winners, Alexis Stais (2011), Lawrence Mowatt (2012), Chelsey Gertenbach (2013) and Cheyenne de Beer (2017).
In 2001 the Philip Smith Memorial (PSM) Trophy became the successor to the WAS Championship. It is named in tribute to Philip Smith, an incredibly talented and stylish rider who represented South Africa on many occasions. The format was again changed as it was becoming difficult to loan the calibre of horses the competition required. Today the PSM invites only the top four finalists from the South African National Junior Individual Equitation Championships in the preceding year to compete.
The first day of the Championship is the flatwork test, where each rider will ride the test on their own horse and then on each of the other three horses. They are judged on their ability to produce smooth and correct movements on a variety of horses.
The second day of the Championship is the jumping test which they ride on their own horse and then the other horses. This starts with a gymnastic, ridden one-handed with no stirrups, followed by a short course of jumps set at a height of 1.15m/1.20m. Competitors are not allowed any outside assistance for the duration of the competition, including for course walks and warm-ups! A glance at the previous winners of this event makes the trophy one that any young rider would aspire to win!
Fast fact
Both Gertenbach sisters have won the PSM; Kayla in 2008 and Chelsey in 2013.
When Equitation was launched in South Africa, the main aim was to uplift the standard of riding, and this goal was most certainly achieved. This is still the goal of Equitation today and becoming a more correct and effective rider should be an ideal for all riders. To quote international Showjumper Jessica Springsteen, “The best riders in the world with the best horses make it look so elegant and graceful. When you watch it done well, it looks so easy that it’s difficult for the public to understand how hard this really is.” This ‘effortful effortlessness’ is what we should all strive for as riders, coaches, and parents.
Final thoughts
If you want to check out all the action from the Philip Smith Memorial 2025, you can watch the replay of the livestream on Equestrian Live (YouTube).