THOMAS More College’s SPAR Star of the Month, Sydney Swanson, has always had a passion for animals, particularly horses, as she grew up on a smallholding watching her father compete in showjumping events.
However, she only began riding when she was 10 years old. She has been fortunate to have ridden some wonderful ponies over the years which have taught her so much and given her invaluable experience. Her father, Graham Swanson, who is also her coach, is always at hand to teach, guide and support her with her riding.
Sydney is currently competing on Highover Ferdinand in the Open Pony Rider category. “Furby”, as he is fondly called, is owned by Rayne Paddock.
“We are eternally grateful that Sydney has been given the opportunity to ride this wonderful pony,” said her mom, Jenny.
Sydney has been riding in the open category for a little over a year now. The combination of her love and compassion for the horse, coupled with nerves of steel and gritty determination has been the root of her success.
“We are very proud of how much she has achieved and the talented horsewoman she has become,” said Jenny.
In her first year of riding, Sydney was awarded her regional colours and represented KZN at SA Pony Champs in Port Elizabeth. She has subsequently made the regional team every year since then and last year she was awarded her provincial KZN colours for show jumping.
“The highlight of her riding career thus far has definitely been her most recent win, the 2018 President’s Cup. She has had many achievements of which we are all proud. On top of second and third places last year, she had wins at the Triple P Winter Classic, ESP Winter Extravaganza, Shongweni Pre-Winter Classic, the 2017 Landrover Derby, Shongweni Festival of Showjumping, Triple P Summer Classic, ESP Summer Extravaganza, the 18th Annual Springfair Youth Festival and The Barry Yarnell Memorial Extravaganza,” said Jenny.
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