Amy is riding high
Eleven-year-old showjumper wins the South African Pony Rider Micro Derby one metre division.
MT EDGECOMBE showjumper, Amy Michau might only be 11 years old, but this petite horse rider is making huge strides in the showjumping industry after winning the South African Pony Rider Micro Derby one metre division.
Taking up horse riding as a fun hobby only three years ago, Amy started competing on her ponies two and a half years ago.
“After riding on ponies at the Shortlands Stables for two months I thought she wasn’t learning as fast as she could, so we bought her a pony,” Amy’s mother, Chantell said.
Amy, in her short showjumping career, was awarded the Victrix Ludorum twice; once at the Nissan Easter Festville and again in the KwaZulu-Natal 90cm category (calculated by adding a year’s points).
The modest Umhlanga College pupil said right now she’s set her sights on jumping higher, aiming for a height of 1.2m.
When asked what she loves about the sport, Amy said: “I love my ponies, GI Jane, Waterside Royal Sensation and Waterside Gold Rush, and I enjoy competing.”
As far as her role models go, Amy said she hopes to be as good as Nicole Horwood one day. Horwood recently won the 1.5m Nissan Water Classic in Shongweni.
Life is a real balancing act for Amy, as she trains six times a week. “I train six times a week for about three to four hours at a time, then I get home and start my homework. I also try to do as much as I can on a Monday, because it’s the only day I am not practising.”
In the first week of July, Amy will head off to Johannesburg where she will compete in the SA Pony Championship.
