ZIKIDA ESTRALITA – 2025 WAHO Trophy Winner – Namibia

ZIKIDA ESTRALITA, Grey mare, 2018. (EKS Ameer / Om El Emilie) Bred by Dr. A.S. Van Der Westhuizen. Owner: Dr. Ida Swanepoel. Strain: Not Recorded (Arabka De Pompadour)

The Arabian Horse Breeders Society of Namibia have awarded the 2025 WAHO Trophy to the versatile young mare Zikida Estralita.

Citation from the breeder Dr. Stephan van der Westhuizen

It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I nominate the outstanding Purebred Arabian mare Zikida Estralita (commonly known as Estralita) for the prestigious WAHO Trophy as Namibia’s Arabian Horse of the Year.

Zikida Estralita perfectly embodies the versatility, beauty, temperament and athletic ability that make the Arabian horse the most celebrated breed in the world. She is a true ambassador for our breed in Namibia – excelling not only in the show ring but also as a willing partner for a young rider, a successful competitor across multiple disciplines, and a proud representative of the Arabian horse at open and non-Arabian events.

From a young age Estralita demonstrated her quality in halter classes. Shown only a handful of times as a youngster, she consistently placed highly thanks to her beautiful, balanced conformation and functional correctness. What truly sets her apart, however, is her exceptional disposition – calm, kind, intelligent and always eager to please. These qualities make her the ideal family horse and an outstanding example of the Arabian character.

As a broodmare she has already produced two lovely foals, contributing valuable bloodlines to the Namibian Arabian community.

In 2024 I sold Estralita to Ida and her daughter Lexi, and under their dedicated ownership the mare has blossomed into a multi-talented performance star. Partnered primarily with young rider Lexi, Estralita has swept the boards in both Arabian and open competition, proving that a Purebred Arabian can dominate against all breeds.

Highlights of her recent achievements include:

At the National Arabian Show:

• Champion Child Rider Western Pleasure
• Champion Hunter Pleasure
• Champion Child Rider
• Champion Native Costume Class
• Outstanding performances in Liberty

At non-Arabian / open shows (including the prestigious Grootfontein show):

• 1st Arabian Mare 7 years and older
• 1st Arabian Child’s Riding Horse
• 1st Open Three-Gaited Child’s Riding Horse
• 1st Arabian Native Costume Class
• 1st Open Three-Gaited Child Rider
• Champion Arabian Child’s Riding Horse
• Champion Open Three-Gaited Child’s Riding Horse
• Named Horse of the Yard at Grootfontein and consistently placed in the top three overall competitors across all disciplines

Beyond the show ring, Estralita has quickly mastered Western Trail events, learning cattle work with ease and excelling over obstacle courses. For fun she enjoys jumping and long trail rides with Lexi, demonstrating her willingness, stamina and sure-footedness in any environment.

In an era when many question the modern relevance of the Purebred Arabian under saddle, Zikida Estralita and her young rider Lexi are living proof of our breed’s supremacy. They have turned heads at open shows, proudly carrying the Arabian flag and earning admiration from judges, competitors and the public alike. Estralita’s gentle nature combined with her competitive fire make her the perfect role model for the next generation of Arabian enthusiasts in Namibia.

For her consistent excellence across halter, performance, liberty, trail, costume and open competition, for her contribution as a broodmare, and above all for being an outstanding ambassador who showcases everything that is wonderful about the Arabian horse.