So far, nothing is stopping the rise of Elizabeth Yates and Anya Brink, two Northcliff horse riders who compete for Gauteng West on the regional equestrian circuit.
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Yates (13) rides her boerperd, Mafakeng, and has taken a number of first-place finishes in South African National Equestrian Schools Association (Sanesa) competitions and other graded shows this year. These wins were in equitation, utility, Prix Caprilli, dressage and performance.
Brink (12) rides her thoroughbred/boerperd/Arabian mix, Kashan, and has done well in show jumping recently. She earned first and second place finishes at a graded show at Fourways Riding Centre and placed in the top three in several Sanesa competitions in show jumping as well as Prix Caprilli this year.
These two Glover Paddocks riders will compete in the Sanesa Nationals at Kyalami Park from 5 to 7 October, but all the medals they win will not compare to the joy they feel while doing what they love.
“Riding is my way of escaping any challenges I have at home or at school,” said Yates.
“It is where I can be who I want to be.”
Brink said Kashan loved to jump over beams and so does she. “When I jump I feel like I am flying,” she smiled.
The girls shared how the personalities of their horses were exceptional.
Apparently, while Kashan is busy carrying riders, he likes to eat hay and share his hay with other horses. Mafakeng, on the other hand, is terrified of lizards.
Their trainer for three years, Tasmin Maher said the riders were both dedicated and loved what they did.
“Anya’s strength is she is ambitious and sets high goals for herself. She is dedicated enough to reach them,” Maher said.
“Elizabeth takes time to understand her horse before she pushes them to do difficult things.”
