Meet a successful showjumper
CHARTWELL - It's been a successful journey and Team Nissan team member, Lorette Knowles-Taylor, tells her tale.
Chartwell resident and renowned Team Nissan team member, Lorette Knowles-Taylor, shared her showjumping journey thus far.
“My hopes for the season are for a Team Nissan success and also keeping all the team horses sound, which is always a key priority. Personally, though, I have a lovely group of competitive horses this year and a really fabulous young grand prix horse in the Jansen’s Catwalk 22,” said Knowles-Taylor.
She added that her horse, Nissan Titanic, recently had his first World Cup qualifier and jumped a clear round, but with a time fault. “I do feel he could be up to winning one towards the end of the season when he is a little more experienced at that level.”
“My goals for this year are to win an open class show, end top three on the rankings at the end of the year and preferably in top spot! I hope to have a World Cup win as well.”
Her love of showjumping began when she learnt how to ride at the age of eight. “All I have ever wanted to do after learning to stay on was to jump. The thrill of jumping tall fences at pace still thrills me 30 odd years on!”
“My journey thus far has been amazing! I would not swap my job for anything! I must admit it is hard work and can be very emotionally draining, especially when your horses injure themselves or get colic, retire or pass away, that is the downside. For the most times, learning about them each day and making a partnership with each one and gaining their trust and yours theirs, the highs do outweigh the lows. It is a sport that cannot be beaten, in my eyes.”
The seasoned showjumper explained that some of her top horses were Nissan Titanic who jumps the World Cup qualifiers for her, Nissan Epsom Emma who, after a long time was down in form but is now back and winning in the 1.40 metres, and the young grand prix horse which has started in the grand prix World Cup level.
“My biggest challenge in terms of my personality is my super competitive spirit and my ‘need for speed’ which can sometimes be a problem. I am never just content in jumping a quiet, clear round in the jump-off and settling for a place. I always want to be speedy and win and often have a fence down in the process!” she explained.
Knowles-Taylor wished to thank her headline sponsors, Nissan South Africa and clothing sponsor Equestrian Affair, as well as her sub-sponsors. She also wanted to thank the owners of the horses she rides.
“My message to young showjumpers is that showjumping is a tough sport, but a wonderful sport with these amazing equine athletes. It is essential to work hard, be kind to your horses, and always be humble and never, ever give up!” she advised.
Details: www.farnhamstables.co.za
Read more:
Showjumper’s hopes for this season
Showjumper Oscar Ncube shares his experience as a rider and his hopes for the season
