Equestrian flair
KYALAMI - Rider, showjumper and instructor, Dominey Alexander is an equestrian celebrity.
“I think this is my God-given talent, so I followed what I loved,” said Alexander of his entrance into the world of professional riding. And he is not exaggerating – Alexander is ranked among South Africa’s top five riders, competes across South Africa and internationally, and owns Kyalami-based stud and riding school, Cellehof.
Having been surrounded by horses from a young age at his mother’s Zimbabwean riding school, Alexander has been involved in training and showjumping for many years. Being a professional sportsman, he says, is more than a 24/7 job – it’s a lifestyle.
Spending much of the year on the road to every major show in South Africa, Alexander finds that the hardest part of the routine is being separated from his family. Hard work and sacrifices are a small price to pay, however, for spending every day pursuing his passion.
“I love working with horses,” Alexander revealed.
“To get two minds to work together so closely is an unbelievable feeling.”
As a competitor in both dressage and showjumping, Alexander is often asked which discipline he prefers.
“I really can’t tell you, but I can say I like winning,” he said.
“The two disciplines are very different. Your blood is pumping when you are galloping in the grand prix, [while] your brain must be so calm for dressage. Both require huge concentration.”
But whether it is the rush of the race or the intense focus of dressage, success on the day follows months of preparation.
“During the season, the horses need to be kept fit and sound – that is always important,” said Alexander, adding that most preparation is done two weeks prior to a big event.
Travel and training do not come cheap, and while Alexander is sponsored by Discovery Health, most South African riders battle to find sponsorship. Despite this, South Africa is not short of equestrian skill.
“Riders in South Africa are very talented because they have learnt to ride on less talented horses,” he suggested.
“If we were closer to Europe or it was easy to get the horses into Europe,we would be a nation to be reckoned with.”
