South Africa’s equestrian sporting calendar is entering an exciting new era as Discover Sport announces a three-year title sponsorship agreement with the prestigious Maple Ridge Presidents Cup — one of the nation’s most respected showjumping competitions.
The landmark partnership, confirmed in Johannesburg on 10 March 2026, will see the event officially presented as the Maple Ridge Discover Sport™ Presidents Cup from 2026 through 2029. The collaboration signals a significant step forward for the sport of showjumping in South Africa, while reinforcing Discover Sport’s mission to connect sporting communities across the world through innovative digital platforms.
A Premier Event in South Africa’s Equestrian Calendar
Hosted annually at Maple Ridge Equestrian Farm, the multi-day competition has long been considered a cornerstone event for the national showjumping community.
The Presidents Cup attracts elite riders, exceptional horses and passionate equestrian supporters from across the country, offering a competitive platform where precision, skill and the unique partnership between rider and horse are celebrated at the highest level.
With Discover Sport™ stepping in as title sponsor, the event is poised to expand its visibility far beyond the showjumping arena.
Expanding the Reach of Showjumping Through Digital Broadcasting
One of the most significant elements of the partnership is the expanded media coverage made possible through Discover Sport’s global digital platform.
Fans and followers will now be able to watch the action live via discoversport.com, with the platform set to live-stream all main-arena classes during the final weekend of the competition.
The live broadcast schedule will feature:
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Saturday, 14 March 2026
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Sunday, 15 March 2026
These broadcasts will include live commentary and full professional broadcast graphics, giving viewers around the world a front-row seat to one of South Africa’s most anticipated equestrian competitions.
In addition, events taking place in the second arena will be recorded and uploaded to the platform for on-demand viewing, ensuring that fans do not miss any of the action.
To extend the reach even further, a highlights package from the competition will be produced and broadcast on SuperSport Variety, introducing the thrill of showjumping to a broader satellite television audience.
A Vision to Elevate Underrepresented Sports
For Stephen Watson, Founding Director of Discover Sport, the partnership represents more than a sponsorship deal — it is a continuation of the platform’s mission to bring overlooked sporting disciplines into the spotlight.
According to Watson, showjumping embodies extraordinary athleticism and precision but has historically not received the broadcast exposure it deserves.
By streaming the Presidents Cup to its expanding international audience, Discover Sport™ aims to open the arena to new fans while strengthening the broader ecosystem around the sport.
Strengthening the Equestrian Community
For the team behind Maple Ridge Equestrian Farm, the agreement represents a powerful opportunity to grow the event’s influence and visibility.
Verity Combrink, Co-owner of Maple Ridge Equestrian Farm, emphasised that greater media exposure allows equestrian athletes, horses and competitions to reach audiences that might otherwise never encounter the sport.
She noted that partnerships like this are vital for developing the commercial ecosystem that sustains competitions and creates opportunities for riders within the equestrian industry.
Supporting Key National Title Classes
As part of the agreement, Discover Sport will sponsor two of the three headline National Title classes during the event:
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2026 Adult Presidents Cup
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2026 Pony Rider Presidents Cup
Joining the partnership as part of the Discover Sport™ Collective of Partners is Western Shoppe, which will sponsor the 2026 Junior Presidents Cup title class.
Jessica Lupini of Western Shoppe highlighted the importance of collaboration in equestrian sport, where riders, horses, supporters and brands work together to sustain the growth and future of the discipline.
A Platform Committed to Equestrian Sport
The announcement also builds on Discover Sport’s growing involvement in equestrian disciplines globally.
The platform already features programming such as FEI Ride Magazine, alongside coverage of major international competitions including:
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FEI North American League
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Longines League of Nations
Through its storytelling initiatives and the work of the Discover Sport Foundation, the platform continues to champion emerging athletes and sporting communities that often exist outside mainstream media attention.
One example is the inspiring rise of Ashley Lupondo, a young Zimbabwean equestrian athlete whose journey to compete at the FEI Junior World Vaulting Championships gained continental attention after being showcased through Discover Sport™’s live-stream coverage.
Her story demonstrated the powerful role digital platforms can play in amplifying talent and opportunity across Africa’s sporting landscape.
Connecting Fans, Athletes and Federations
With the Maple Ridge Discover Sport™ Presidents Cup now secured for a three-year run, the partnership reflects a shared ambition: to build stronger connections between fans, athletes, federations and sponsors through accessible digital infrastructures.
As the competition approaches, showjumping enthusiasts will be able to watch the action unfold live on 14 and 15 March 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of South Africa’s most respected equestrian events.
For Discover Sport™, it is another milestone in its ongoing mission to help sport travel further — and ensure that the stories, skill and dedication of athletes reach audiences everywhere.
