Brescia House showjumper reaches new heights

Showjumper Erin O’Dwyer who attends Brescia House School recently achieved new heights in her equestrian career as she competed in the South African Youth Championships.

After only moving to a competitive riding yard at the age of 12, Erin and her horse Perci not only won the Children’s 1 metre championship class but they were also honored as the overall winners of the South African showjumping challenge.

According to mother Sandy, Erin has always had a passion for horses. “Erin’s love affair with horses started when she was just 18 months old on a beach in Mauritius. She had her first little riding lesson at just four years old and has ridden fairly consistently ever since,” she said.

The young rider began competing at the age of 10 and competed in four South African Equestrian Schools Association (Sanesa) qualifiers. “When Erin turned 12, she moved to a competitive riding yard and started really developing the skills she required to be an equestrian athlete. Two years ago, she started riding more competitively, taking part in SA showjumping graded shows as well as the Sanesa events,” Sandy added.

Early last year it was time for Erin’s horse, Star to semi-retire and she was introduced to the beautiful grey mare Perci. “After only six weeks together they entered their first competition and have gone from strength to strength ever since with multiple wins under the belt.”

The committed rider continues to work hard, riding with Perci five to six times per week in the hope to further pursue her skill level as an equestrian.

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