While the bulk of Van Niekerk’s titles came with Friesian horses, he showed breadth of talent competing in Saddlebred competition as well. The South African native, earned multiple titles throughout the year in the IFSHA/USEF competition at the regional and World Championship level. For his achievements in 2014, Van Niekerk was awarded the Horse World Magazine People’s Choice Friesian Under Saddle Award, as well as the United Professional Horseman’s Association Chapter 8 Horseman of the Year title, becoming the first trainer in the region to be honored for his success in Saddleseat competition with Friesians.
This is the first time Van Niekerk has been awarded the C.J. “June” Cronan Trophy.
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