South Africa’s Showjumpers Shine with Silver Medal in Portugal

Team South Africa went head-to-head with some of the world’s top showjumping nations before narrowly missing out on gold in a dramatic jump-off against Spain.

Lisbon, Portugal (26 May 2026) – South African showjumping is having a moment right now, and Team SA proved exactly why with a massive silver medal performance at the 2026 FEI CSIO3 Nations Cup in Lisbon, Portugal.

Competing against powerhouse teams including Great Britain, France, Switzerland, Spain and the United States, the South Africans delivered a composed and determined performance across two demanding rounds at the historic Sociedade Hípica Portuguesa.

Representing Team South Africa were Ronnie Healy with Callaho Connor, Charlie Bays with Ninety Stone Pullman, Tamara Rueda with Callaho Liantos and Alexandra Ruiz Carter with Calvarole VG Z, under the guidance of Chef d’Equipe Lisa Williams.

The competition came down to a dramatic finish after South Africa and Spain ended level on four penalties following the two rounds, setting up a tense jump-off under the Lisbon evening sky.

One of the standout moments came from Charlie Bays and Ninety Stone Pullman, who delivered a superb double clear, while Alexandra Ruiz Carter and Calvarole VG Z followed up with another crucial clear round to keep South Africa right in contention.

In the final jump-off, Spain narrowly edged South Africa for gold, but the silver medal still marked a massive achievement for the South African riders and horses on the international stage.

The emotion after the event said it all.

“Not only did I feel the honour and privilege of wearing the Green and Gold colours for the first time, I felt the amazing team spirit that we had and couldn’t be happier for what we did as a team,” said Charlie Bays.

Alexandra Ruiz Carter called this a career defining moment.

“I’m the proudest I’ve ever been of Team SA! To have such a result with such a supportive and talented team, this is definitely a career highlight for me.”

For Ronnie Healy, the experience was unforgettable.

“What an amazing day and result not only for us as riders but also the whole team of supporters back home. I’m blown away by all of the support and excitement we have received.”

Tamara Rueda described the moment as a dream come true.

“Being a part of this team is something I have dreamed about my whole life and having the opportunity to all compete together as a nation and have the support from everyone back home has been an absolute dream come true. I feel so proud to be South African.”

The strong performance in Lisbon is another exciting sign for South African showjumping ahead of the 2026 Aachen World Championships campaign, with several local riders continuing to compete internationally.

Sources: Supplied 

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