Shongweni Para dressage rider dreams of Olympics

KZN para dressage rider, Natasha Meyer (24) is a very determined rider with big dreams.

Meyer, who has cerable palsy, has been riding for eight years and describes horse riding as not only her therapy but her passion.

“My disability effects my muscles and balance. Horse riding has improved my balance and muscle tone to the point where I don’t need constant assistance from others. I do horse riding at least twice a week to maintain my fitness.”

She started competing in 2011 and loves the show atmosphere. KZN Championships and South African Championships are just some of the competitions she has competed in. She also received The La Bon Memorial floating trophy for perseverance and dedication to dressage for the second consecutive year.

Her biggest competition to date was the FEI CDI3* Para Olympics qualifier that took place in Johannesburg in May. Meyer was one of five disabled ( Para) riders from KZN that took part in this show. The riders were lent horses for the competition.

“I did well but I unfortunately did not qualify. I came fifth on the first day and sixth on the second day but I enjoyed every minute of that show and I got advice from a lot of people and learned valuable methods to improve my riding.”

Her Instructor is Ros Hill, assisted by Sue White and she currently rides a 15hh boerperd named, Jonty who is owned by Mary Carr and stabled at the Durban Shongweni Club.

‘I have been riding Jonty for a year now and we are starting to understand each other. He is a very caring horse that makes me feel safe at all times. We do outrides together and he is very sweet during competitions. ”

“I have ridden many different horses though out my horse riding career and gained valuable experience from different people along the way and the fact that I learn something new every day is what makes this sport so exciting.”

One of her biggest goals that she is working hard towards is to take part in the Para Olympic games in 2020.

“The Olympics has been my big dream since I started my riding journey. To take part in the Para Olympics would mean everything to me. I work very hard and to get to that level will make all my hard work worth it.”

Her goal after the Para Olympics is to help other riders to get to that level and show them that it is possible and that dreams can come true.

“Horse riding gives me confidence and makes me believe in myself. With dedication and hard work anything is possible.”