Four Kingswood Junior School riders feel “nervous but excited” about representing the Eastern Cape (EC) at the biggest equestrian schools event in the country next month.
Four Kingswood Junior School riders feel “nervous but excited” about representing the Eastern Cape (EC) at the biggest equestrian schools event in the country next month.
“I can’t wait to go,” said Megan Du Preez who will ride her pony Rocky II. Alison Knight, on Assegaai’s Retina R, said she is looking forward to sharing the experience with her teammates.
It is the first time for riders from Grahamstown to qualify for the Schools Nationals Competition hosted by the South African National Equestrian Federation (Sanef) in Johannesburg from 24 to 26 September.
Taryn-Marie Wille on Assegaai’s Garrick said she is scared because there are going to be “lots of really good riders”, but like Jaime Kent, on Assegaai’s Fold a Kiss, she is excited about participating in such a big event.
Points add up
The four riders made it into the 24-strong Eastern Cape Schools Equestrian Team by accumulating points at qualifiers throughout the year.
Their excellent performance at the EC Schools Equestrian regional finals at the Grahamstown Riding Club earlier this month also contributed to their selection.
Kingswood were the overall primary school winners in the Eastern Province (EP) section of the finals and also scooped the Primary Schools Equitation, Winning Showing Team and Winning Show Jumping team awards.
Their disciplines for the nationals include showing, dressage, equitation and show jumping. SANEF EC Equestrian chair Glynis Fuller says it is a great honour for the children to be selected for the provincial team, and that it will be a fantastic experience for them.
More than a sport
Horse-riding, however, requires hard work and dedication.
“It’s not like a hockey stick that’s being thrown in the back of the cupboard,” said Kerry Longhurst, an instructor from Assegaai Stud Riding School where three of the girls train.
The year-long commitment by the riders and their parents is what makes Kingswood’s inclusion in the provincial team a deserved honour.
