JESSICA GEORGE AND WRAP UP GAIN THEIR FINAL MER TO QUALIFY FOR THE 2024 PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES

Earlier this year we looked into the technical side of qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games, and in doing so discovered that top-event rider Jessica George from Natal had already obtained two of the three required MERs (Minimum Eligibility Requirements) to qualify for the Olympics. She achieved these scores in the CCI4*-S events held earlier this year. Then, this past weekend, she bagged her final qualifying score with her classy performance at the Oaksprings CCI4*-L in Mooi River.

This achievement is hugely exciting as Jessica has met the requirements from South Africa, and is now embarking on a trip overseas to prepare for the next steps.

Jessica’s horse, Wrap Up, is a 12-year-old gelding by Greys Inn out of a Western Winter x Fort Wood mare. Greys Inn has a few other progeny thriving in their second careers, including the 8-year-old NovaStud Mr Rocks (Greys Inn x Tiger Ridge) who has jumped 1.20m this year with Cayley Keown and the 10-year-old Grey Ice (Greys Inn x Counter Action) who has also been successful in the 1.20m classes with Laura Paschini. Another of his progeny, Lucky Inn Gold, has had a great deal of success in the show ring with Elizabeth Steyn. The pair have represented the Western Cape at the SA Adult Showing Championships and came home as Reserve Novice Working Riding Champions in 2021.

Wrap Up’s dam line has produced an array of successful sporthorses, and further back in his genealogy you will find the likes of Saddler’s Wells, Mr Prospector and Northern Dancer. Some successful progeny from his damline include; Winter Axe (Western Winter x Henessey) who jumped up to the 1.30ms and is always a solid contender with Kayleigh Oakes; Fort Gossamer (Fort Wood x Fairy King) who jumped up to the 1.30ms with Hanelize Kamffer picking up several wins along the way; and Fort Bay (Fort Wood x Fairy King) who won the EV95 Gauteng Adult Eventing Championships in 2022 with Mandy Jarman.

We wish Jessica and Wrap Up all the best as they plan for their move overseas; we can’t wait to follow your story!