Jodi and Jack hoof it

HONEYDEW – When meandering through the Honeydew Equestrian Centre’s grounds in the afternoons, you might find Jodi Fernandez doing a few jumps with Jack, her horse.

Or you might find her in the stable brushing Jack delicately, and although she is the only human he completely trusts, he is still easily spooked.

Fernandez is 12 years old and has already spent about two-thirds of her life around horses. The Honeydew resident started riding at the age of four, and her mother Rozaan could not stop her from wearing her helmet and riding boots to nursery school. As she grew up she spent endless hours riding almost every day of the week and volunteered to clean the centre’s stables during school holidays.

“I love horse riding, it is like therapy for me. It calms me down,” Fernandez smiled. “I was a bit nervous when I started with Jack three months ago because he gets scared of shadows and things but he is more chilled now. I feel so relaxed and safe on him.” Jack, about 22 years old, is owned by Martinique van der Westhuizen, the centre’s stable manager and instructor.

“Jack was going to be a racehorse because he is so fast, but he did not grow large enough and was easily frightened so now I get to jump with him,” Fernandez said.

The Curro Academy Wilgeheuwel learner has competed in the School League for the past five years, and every year she has qualified to compete for Gauteng West at Regionals. She hopes to achieve a 70cm jump in showjumping and a 60cm jump in equitation with Jack this year. Her highest recorded jump is 70cm.

“Jodi started riding with me when she was five years old, I have watched her go from strength to strength,” commented Van der Westhuizen. “She is a super confident little rider who always gives her best and gets the best out of the horse she rides. Even when she has had a difficult class at a show, she always comes out with a smile on her face.”

The School League starts on 18 February.

Details: Honeydew Equestrian Centre, honeydew.equestrian@gmail.com or 082 477 0114.

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