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MBABANE - Eswatini rider Liam Emmett has claimed a historic victory at the 2025 South African National Eventing Championship, securing his place as the continent’s top eventer.
Emmett made sporting history by becoming the first rider from Eswatini to win a South African national title at the elite three-star level. Competing aboard with his horse Big Parade, the Eswatini star topped the overall championship leaderboard, following three intense days of competition.
Eventing is widely regarded as the most demanding of all equestrian disciplines, seamlessly blending the precision of dressage, the thrill of cross-country and the finesse of show jumping—mirroring the three Olympic equestrian events in a single competition.
This year’s championship, which is the main event of the year for the discipline, drew 125 qualified entries from across the region, including a strong contingent of 12 riders from Eswatini.
Speaking after his landmark win, Emmett shared his elation at being crowned national champion. “It’s absolutely amazing. We worked hard and for a long time too. I am honoured to be part of the list of names that have won the competition,” expressed Emmett.
He further shared his passion for the most exhilarating phase of the sport. “From all three disciplines, I love cross country.”
“I believe eventing is about cross country. It’s not easy because it takes a lot of training, for the horse as well, because it is not easy to train a horse for all three disciplines,” the champion added.
Emmett concluded by expressing pride in his equine partner, Big Parade, who sustained an injury earlier in the year but returned to the top level spectacularly.
“He sustained an injury on one of his front legs, but it wasn’t a career-ending injury. He is a phenomenal horse. Now it’s time for him to take a holiday and wait for the next season,” concluded Emmett.
Emmett’s three-star triumph was particularly ground-breaking. As the only rider to qualify for this pinnacle level, he became just the second Eswatini competitor ever to do so—the first being Thokozani Nhlabatsi in 2003, who finished third overall.
Moreover, Emmett not only topped the three-star championship with Big Parade but also claimed first place in the 85 class on Callaho Equidor, sealing an impressive double victory.
His winning streak extended beyond the nationals. Representing Eswatini in the Africa Shield against teams from Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, he delivered the sole clear round to secure the title on Big Parade.
This remarkable feat cements his status as the number one eventing rider in Southern Africa and marks the first time an Eswatini athlete has won a South African national championship across any equestrian discipline at the highest level.
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Liam Emmett was crowned the South African National Eventing champion this past weekend. (R) Emmett going through the tough course on his way to being crowned the South African National Eventing champion this past weekend. (Courtesy pic)