Development programme empowers students for a sustainable career in the equestrian industry

The FirstRand Youth Development Programme, in association with the South African Lipizzaners Students Programme, aims to assist in the development of previously-disadvantaged equestrians.

Trainee rider Jhan-Mari van den Berg explained that the programme started in 2016 and enables students to not only improve their riding but also learn the fundamentals of caring for horses and managing a stable yard.

Van den Berg said that students are also prepared for examination with a series of mock exams set according to the modules by the Equestrian Qualifications Authority of South Africa.”The programme has already provided past students with real opportunities to follow their passion to work with horses and find a sustainable career in the equestrian industry,” said Van den Berg.

Students Juandré Strydom, Gregory Mdluli and Kenny Kgoedi are part of the FirstRand Youth Development Programme while Abel Mokgwateng is sponsored by Dykes van Heerden Attorneys to join the rest of the team.”These students have worked exceptionally hard and have turned into incredible horsemen and women. As riders, they are empathetic and always improve themselves before blaming the horses. I’ve worked with many riders throughout my life, but very few, if any, have worked as hard as these students to become better riders,” said Van den Berg.

Strydom said she began riding at age seven and has learned a lot about horses and riders through the programme.Mokgwateng, who began riding in 2012, said, “What I love about the Lipizzaners is that you have the opportunity to learn, go out on rides and ride young stallions, quadrille and more.”