Showjumper shares his journey

FOURWAYS - Read up on Team Nissan Showjumping team member Liam Stevens' journey of the past and hopes for the future.

May 11, 2016

Masego Seemela 2 minutes read

Photo: TB Images SKILLS: Team Nissan Showjumping team member, Liam Stevens on a flying Nissan Wanda.

Team Nissan showjumper, Liam Stevens recently shared his showjumping journey with Fourways Review.

“My journey and love for showjumping began when I went to watch the Easter Show 10 years ago while on school holiday. I remember thinking that it was not possible for horses to jump great heights and that was really exciting for me to watch. After that experience, I was hooked. I went home and begged my mother to let me start riding,” Stevens expressed.

He explained that his hope for the season is that his horse and he are able to continue in fit form and said he is looking forward to it.

“The name of my top horse is Nissan Wanda who is a really special mare. She has a heart of gold and is always out to try her best. Our partnership is now eight years old and I owe all of my success to her,” Stevens said.

Stevens stressed that his goal for this year was to win the World Cup Qualifier Series, which he believes has many good, competitive horse-and-rider combinations.

“My journey thus far as a showjumper has been very humbling and exhilarating, and I have learned a huge amount from my coach, Barry Taylor, horses, peers and, of course, my parents who, along with my sponsors, Nissan and Western Shoppe, have been unbelievably supportive. I am looking forward to the rest of the journey as a showjumper,” Stevens said.

He explained that he tries to stay positive in his journey as a showjumper and believes in his horse, which is important. “If you do not believe in your horse’s ability you will always be nervous.

“I am really happy about my result and I feel that there is always room for improvement. I have a few things in my riding that I believe that I need to iron out such as riding with more rhythm and holding myself more so that I am less of a hindrance to my horse.

“My message to young, aspiring showjumpers is to have patience, dedication and self-belief – which are the three most important qualities that people who want to pursue showjumping and equestrianism should have.”