The shining star of Aintree South Africa, Kaylene Waghorn (21), has made her instructor and riding school proud, not only over the past few years but this year specifically, as she has racked up plenty of first and second places at every single event she has taken part in.
To name a few:
• Gauteng Champs 2021: riding her horses Tatiana (90cm) placing second and third and Lily (1m) placing 22nd and ninth out of 106 people.
“I was feeling very demotivated during this championship,” said Waghorn.
“Not only were the politics at my riding school affecting me, but I had also had a car accident a few weeks before this competition in which my car had been written off. I had minimal injuries, luckily, but all of this threw me off my game. So coming away with the results I did, really meant a lot to me.”
• Dunblane Derby: Lily (110cm) placed second and third and Tatiana (1m) placed second.
“I had the best time at this event. First was my first competition back where I felt ready since the politics and my accident.”
• Fourways Showjumping Competition: Tatiana (90cm) placed first and second and Lily (110cm) placed second.
“Through thick and thin, Kaylene has risen to all challenges put in front of her,” said Aintree owner and instructor Louise Kennedy.
She puts her head down and gets to it, working hard at every challenge that comes her way.“
She is proof in the pudding that if you put your mind to what you want to achieve and work at everything, giving it all that you have got, then there is nothing and no one who can stop you.”
This Boksburg resident began riding at age eight.
“Although I began in Grade Two, I stopped for a couple of years, but this year it has officially been 10 years that I have been riding,” she explained.
“No one in my family rides, I fell into the sport because there was a riding school up the road from where I lived and I used to see the horses and get so excited. My parents then helped me achieve my dream and follow my passion.”
This Woodlands College matriculate indeed followed her passion, chasing her dreams to countless podiums and believes she could not have done it without the support of her family, friends and instructor.
“My mum comes to every single one of my competitions,” she said.
“The rest of my family attend when they can but since Covid-19, not many spectators have been allowed. I missed my ponies so much when the lockdowns hit, so it felt amazing to be back when we hit levels three and four, as this was the only time we were allowed back. I am so happy with the results I have achieved throughout this year and wanted to let anyone thinking of joining the equestrian world know that if you start at a place where you are comfy and happy. Ignore those who tell you ‘you can’t’ and put in the work and dedication. I promise you, you will achieve. Don’t give up on anything you do. There will be people out there trying to make you small, but rise up and fight for your passions.”
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