Showjumping legend prepares riders for derby
KYALAMI - SIX time South African Derby winner and showjumping legend Gonda Beatrix may be retired from the competitive scene but is still heavily involved in the showjumping arena.
She now trains advanced showjumpers.
Beatrix held a practice session at fellow showjumper Bryce McCall’s stable yard on 23 September with talented showjumpers and favourites for this year’s derby, Nicola Sime-Riley and Nicole Horwood. Both Sime and Horwood have been training with Beatrix for more than 30 years between them and have advanced in the showjumping arena since training with her.
Leading up to the derby, Beatrix stepped up the intensity of training, as the prestigious derby is unlike any competition. Beatrix recalled the competition as a ‘derby for advanced riders’ as it hosts up to 18 obstacles covering 1 200m. The derby is infamously known for its Devil’s Dyke and bank, which has a 2m-drop, requiring both the rider and horse to maintain speed and concentration.
“A bold horse and confident rider who isn’t afraid to take risks on this course will excel on derby day,” said Beatrix. She added that a loss of concentration and control of the horse is one of the major obstacles a rider will face in the derby.
Moreover the breed and type of horse is vital when competing at a professional level.
The practice course, which Sime-Riley and Horwood used during a lesson, was set out with the same obstacles that they will face at the actual event.
Beatrix stated both Sime-Riley and Horwood are level-headed riders and are confident, excellent competitors and are sure to dominate at the derby. They both illustrate perfect attitudes and the professional ability to take on any obstacles at the derby while controlling their horses’ simultaneously.
Sime-Riley and Horwood will be competing at the Galenica Property South African Derby on 5 October at Kyalami Park.
