MOUNT Edgecombe’s Alison Inggs is no stranger to the equestrian world. The 15-year-old recently participated in the Nissan Winter Classic, which was held at the Durban Shongweni Club. The Danville Park Girls’ High School Grade 10 pupil competed in a number of classes, placing fifth in the 1.30m (welcome class) on River Dancer (out of 111 adult and junior competitors from all across the country). She also placed fifth in the 1.20m championship class on Medicine Man.
It’s been a busy few weeks for the equestrian star. Northglen News recently caught up with her to find out what’s next on her calendar. This was Alison’s second Winter Classic and the youngster said she was pleased with her performances.
“I competed in the 1.20m classes last year but this was my first time riding in the open classes (1.30m), which was tough. I thought that both of my horses did very well during the show. I have only been riding River Dancer for 18 months, but I have already formed a strong bond with him,” she explained.
Alison also went on to win the KZN Open Junior Championships on River Dancer.
“I was very excited to have done so well and almost couldn’t believe that I had won. I was very proud of my horse. Going into the competition I knew that the competitors were going to be tough to beat, yet I was just hoping for a double clear round, winning was a bonus,” she enthused.
Alison’s next competition is the SA Adult Champs at the Durban Shongweni Club from 6 to 9 August.
She added a key aspect of the sport was having a good relationship with your horse.
“The stamina and speed of your horse is tested over the course of jumps, but it’s the relationship between horse and rider of total trust that brings success. The better the bond with your horse, the better you will do,” she said.
