Chartwell Stables rider comes from behind to snatch a placing in major competition
CHARTWELL – Leelah Pasterkamp and Chartwell Ginger turn up the heat at this year's South African National Equestrion Schools Association finals.
Chartwell Stables rider, Leelah Pasterkamp (12) has risen to the top ranks of equitation in her age group in just one year.
Leelah took a failure at last year’s South African National Equestrian Schools Association (Sanesa) finals in her stride, where her horse repeatedly froze before jumps and caused her to finish poorly.
But instead of giving up, Leelah worked hard with her instructor, Shirley Sadleir, and when this year’s event came she did not disappoint.
Riding for Central Gauteng on a new horse, Leelah finished seventh in the country in in-hand utility, and 11th in the novice 70cm equitation event.
The competition was tough, but the King’s College and Preparatory School learner enjoyed every minute of it and hopes to compete again next year.
“I want to ride horses for my whole life,” said the youngster. “Riding brings freedom. I love spending time with the horses because they can speak without opening their mouths.”
She explained that most of this ‘speaking’ is encouragement offered to the rider.
Leelah’s favourite form of riding is equitation because it combines the adrenaline rush of show jumping with the concentration required in dressage.
“The only thing I do not like about riding is that some people do not respect their horses. Sometimes people do not do well at competitions and you see them afterwards blaming their horses, shouting and hurting them.”
Sadleir described the bond Leelah has with her horse, Chartwell Ginger, as special.
“Leelah is a natural rider and still works very hard as well,” Sadleir said. “She sits beautifully and puts everything she has into what she does.”
Sadleir believes Leelah will need to start riding a larger horse in order to raise her game in the junior division of competitions next year.
But before Sanesa and other important competitions, Leelah looks forward to enjoying a few training shows at the turn of the year.
Also read: Megan’s riding Buddy
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