EL NIZE FELICIA – chestnut mare, 2011. (El Nize Elcarush / Elkasun Festiva). Bred & owned by Marte-Lisa Swart. Strain: Family of Nightingale, 1932.
The Council of the Arab Horse Society of South Africa is proud to announce El Nize Felicia as the recipient of the 2025 WAHO Trophy. Felicia represents the finest qualities of the Arabian horse — endurance, intelligence, elegance, heart, and unwavering determination. She has not only excelled in the competitive arena but has also become a true ambassador of the Arabian breed in South Africa, inspiring both established and emerging riders alike. This exceptional mare has demonstrated consistent excellence throughout her endurance career, competing successfully at the highest level over several years. Her combination of athletic ability, outstanding recovery, calm temperament, and strong partnership with her rider make her a perfect example of the Arabian horse’s versatility and resilience.
Citation from her owner:
Felicia embodies everything that makes the Arabian horse the ultimate ambassador of the breed – elegance, stamina, intelligence, beauty, and above all, heart.
Felicia is a once-in-a-lifetime mare whose achievements and character elevate her beyond the ordinary. She has proven herself at the highest level of endurance racing in South Africa, consistently excelling in national competitions against the very best. What makes her even more remarkable is her role not only as a fierce competitor, but also as a leader and inspiration – both as an ERASA and Protea Team. Her ability to combine athletic excellence with unwavering temperament makes her a true representative of the Arabian breed.
In 2025, this exceptional mare achieved remarkable success, winning her division in both of South Africa’s most iconic endurance events — the SAIC (South African International Challenge) and the Fauresmith National Endurance Ride.
The SAIC is one of the country’s premier international endurance competitions, recognized by both ERASA (Endurance Ride Association of South Africa) and the FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale). It draws elite riders from across South Africa and endurance-strong nations such as Namibia, Botswana, and the UAE.
The Fauresmith 200 km National Endurance Ride, often referred to as the “Comrades Marathon for horses,” is organized by ERASA and serves as South Africa’s official National Championship Ride.
Adding to her outstanding record, this mare has consistently demonstrated excellence, achieving first place in nearly all her endurance rides — a true testament to the endurance, heart, and spirit of the Arabian horse.
2025 Achievements
- Winner – Fauresmith 200 National Ride (Lightweight)
- 1st Lightweight Winner
- 3rd Overall
- Represented ERASA Team and selected as Team Captain
- AHSSA Winner – Fastest Time
- Winner – SAIC National Ride (Lightweight)
- 1st Lightweight Winner
- Overall Winner
- Best Condition Award
- Selected as Protea Team Captain
- AHSSA Winner – Fastest Time
- 1st – Louwna Ride (Lightweight)
- 1st – The Willows (Lightweight)
- 1st – Bloemfontein (Lightweight)
- 2nd – Schweizer-Reneke Ride (Lightweight)
- Additional 1st at Louwna Ride
2024 Achievements
- 3rd Lightweight & 4th Overall – Fauresmith 200 National Ride -Represented North West Team
- 1st – Louwna Ride (Lightweight)
- 3rd Lightweight – SAIC National Ride
- 2nd Lightweight – Sandveld Ride
- AHSSA 3rd Fastest Time
2023 Achievements
- 1st – Schweizer-Reneke Ride (Lightweight)
- 1st – Louwna Ride (Lightweight)
- 1st – Louwna Ride II (Lightweight)
2022 Achievements
- 1st – Lichtenburg Ride (Lightweight)
- 1st – Lichtenburg Ride II (Lightweight)
- 2nd – Wolmaransstad Ride (Lightweight)
- 6th – SAIC National Ride (Lightweight)
2021 Achievements
- 1st – Louwna Ride (Lightweight)
- 3rd – Wolmaransstad Ride (Lightweight)
2020 Achievements
- 1st – Louwna Ride (Lightweight)
- 1st – Louwna Ride II (Lightweight)
El Nize Felicia is far more than a champion mare – she is a symbol of the Arabian horse’s timeless heritage. Her record of victories at South Africa’s most challenging and prestigious endurance rides, including winning both the Fauresmith 200 and the SAIC National in the same year, stands as a testament to her stamina, heart, and spirit.
She represents not only her breeder and rider with distinction but also the entire Arabian community of South Africa. Her achievements bring honour to the breed and make her a worthy and exceptional recipient of the 2025 WAHO Trophy.
