A cantor to the top
The young equestrian celebrates her success at the recent South African Equestrian Schools Association Qualifier 2.
The idiom ‘hold your horses’ could probably apply to many in most situations.
It does not, however, apply to Sive Singonzo, especially given her spectacular performance at the recent South African Equestrian Schools Association Qualifier 2. There, she placed first in both her elementary dressage pony rider tests, first in performance riding level five, first in equitation level one, 50cm and first in dressage freestyle novice.
For her, preparation for such competitions takes commitment, hard work and a few tears. In the lead up to competition days, she will have several lessons with her instructor along with run-throughs of her tests and movements she struggles with. “It sometimes becomes a challenging time, hence some tears. I have to juggle the preparations with my school work. I made a deal with my mom that school work comes first.”
Even with all of this, she has a great love for the sport. When it comes to dressage, Sive loves the challenge it gives her as she moves up the various levels. She also loves the rush she feels when she gets certain movements correct.
Though she may look serious in her performance photos, she is actually having the time of her life – a time she just so happens to be sharing with horse, Kondos Andraki II, Andraki, for short. To the young equestrian, he is very special and has helped her develop so much as a rider and person. She adopted him in 2020, during Covid-19 lockdown, and ever since then a bond has developed between them.
Sive loves being an equestrian because of the life lessons she has gained through it. “The time I get to spend with these amazing animals that we call horses, and the atmosphere of being around people who love what I love, is so special.”
When not preparing for competitions, she is at Glover Paddocks training twice a week with her instructor with an added ‘free ride’ where she can ride on her own.
She finds inspiration through equestrians, such as British dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin and Enos Mafokate, whose Soweto yard was where she had her first horse-riding lesson. The young rider’s ultimate dream is to one day compete and represent South Africa at the Olympics in a sport that has taught her she is actually braver than she thinks.
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