A Grade 9 learner from Crawford International Lonehill achieved amazing results in the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Dressage Challenge recently.
Riding since the age of six, 15-year-old Janina Rexrodt rode in the youth class, and impressed judges with her and horse Rosalie’s precision. Janina rides at a medium level and has two horses – Rosalie in dressage and Cefania for jumping shows.
She said her first time competing against riders from around the world was a surreal feeling.
“It was different, but still the same since they didn’t come into the country. But just knowing that I’m riding against someone in Australia, New Zealand and even Japan was an insane feeling.
“I’ve come first at a lot of my competitions and I am always riding against my own score due to not many people being in my age group in the level I ride at. This time, it is nice to ride against other people.”
Janina said that it was tough to balance training, shows and her studies.
“Last year was hard in terms of time management because I would get home at about 6pm every night and I would still have to study or do homework. In a normal week, training can be up to five to six times a week.
“Time management has become better since dropping water polo and hockey. Riding, singing and academics are now my top priority.”
Riding in the CHIO Aachen (Concours Hippique International Officiel) is a dream for Janina since it is the top dressage show in the world. It takes place every summer in Aachen, Germany.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever make it into Aachen, but it is definitely a goal I have. My aunt once rode there and was placed third.
It’s the Grand-Prix special and is against everyone who makes it. It’s definitely a step up from the Olympics.”
Janina also took part in the Dressage South Africa Challenge on the weekend of 7 November, and is currently placed first in the country for Gauteng, with Western Cape and Eastern Cape at second and third respectively.
