A 13-year-old learner came second when she represented Reddam House Waterfall at the recent South African National Equestrian School Association’s (Sanesa) second qualifier showjumping competition.
Ella Long participated in the first qualifier two weeks before at Eaton Park in the 70cm showjumping and achieved second place. In the second qualifier at Kyalami Park Equestrian in the 2x 70cm challenge, she achieved second place as well. She competed against riders from some of Johannesburg’s top schools including St Stithians College, St Peters College, Kingsmead College, Rodean School, Beaulieu Prep and College.
Ella started horse riding in 2019 and said that it has been good so far, though there had been a few falls.
She said the competition was tough and nerve-wracking, however, she always knew she would make herself proud at the end of the day. “I was really excited when they called me up and said I came in second place. I think the work I put in really helped. Which was a lot of practice, every Thursday and Saturday with my coach.”
Ella’s mother, Nicole Long, was proud of her daughter’s achievement. “I think she believed she would win, she’s got that ‘I want to win’ mentality. I wanted to cry,” she said.
