Local horse rider is leaps ahead
NORTHCLIFF – Nothing can stand in the way of up-and-coming rider, Hannah Macnamara.
Hannah Macnamara (15) and her horse Torch Singer, are setting the local school equestrian sports scene alight.
The Northcliff High School teen and her nine-year-old Thoroughbred have only been together since the beginning of the year and already they are reaching the pinnacle of school equestrian sports in Gauteng.
Hannah, who has represented Gauteng at Nationals before, and represents Gauteng West at Regionals each year, won the Inter-School Qualifier Four in June, with two first-place finishes in Prix Caprilli, and good performances in dressage.
Furthermore, Macnamara was named the top rider in Prix Caprilli at the Gauteng West Awards in June, and third place overall across the four qualifiers.
The Glover Paddocks rider has also competed in showjumping, equitation, working hunting and working riding with other horses, but is just getting settled in her saddle, as it were, with Torch Singer.
“Riding horses makes me happy all the time,” Hannah smiled, as she prepared her spirited horse before training.
“The horses are the best part. They are very forgiving and love you.”
She explained if a rider is grumpy or scared, the horse can pick up on it and can react. But the bond between a rider and their horse leads to an understanding, and they support each other.
Hannah joked that the ground is the hardest part about riding horses. Yet one concussion, a hairline fracture and a haemorrhaging wound she has suffered, are only described as ‘minor injuries’ by this enthusiastic rider, who hopes to ride for South Africa one day.
“Hannah is hard-working, listens well and puts her all into what she does,” said her trainer, Tasmin Maher. “She takes her time to understand her horses and they [Hannah and Torch Singer] work well as a team.”
Maher added that between Hannah’s incredible talent for her age and determination, she could go as far as she wants to in the sport.
For breaking and community news, visit our websites:
And to become a member of our WhatsApp community, send your name and surname to 079 439 5345.
