Horse-riding is Genevieve’s passion
Genevieve, a 26-year-old from Loumarina plots speaks about her passion for horse-riding.
Some prefer hitting the gym, others take to the road but for Genevieve Kruger it’s horse-riding.
“I have always loved animals. My love of horses in particular started when we moved from Nelspruit to Hermanus where I saw this massive farm (through a child’s eyes) with all the horses,” she said. Genevieve, 27, started horse-riding at the age of 10 and has done so for the past 17 years. Her latest achievements include having competed in the Galencia Property South African Derby in 2016 as well as the World Cup Qualifier in Midrand earlier this year.
She is currently working at Kellow Park Stables in Muldersdrift. She rides there as well as her two horses are stabled there. All this contributes to her gaining riding experience, as the level on which she competes requires versatility and the ability to ride many different horses.
The first of her two horses is Assegai Roman Holiday which she described as exceptionally strong, sensitive and with a lot of scope. It has the potential to jump very high, Genevieve explained. The other horse is Winslow Cape Velvet, who is overly sensitive.
Both her horses are South African Warmbloods, which have been bred to do show jumping. Assegai Roman Holiday is currently sponsored by Equi-feeds and the company supplies its feed. Winslow Cape Velvet is fed Midfeeds Cubes. Both horses also get the daily roughage and supplements they require.
She and her two horses have been successful in the 1,30 metre and 1,10 metre jumps at various shows across the country. They compete at least twice a month at local events to keep the horses fit and ready for the big events.
“It is all about preparation right through the year. I ride both my horses six times per week to keep them fit and in show condition,” Genevieve explained.
When asked about the best sport horses, she said the best horses for competitions are the ones bred for specific disciplines. She and her horses compete in various disciplines, for which there are specific shows/ competitions throughout the year.
“A well-bred Arabian horse is not necessarily a great jumping horse – although it can jump. It would rather excel in endurance races, as that is what it is bred to do,” Genevieve continued.
As many of us know, falling off a horse can be devastating, especially if you love riding. Genevieve’s advice for someone who has fallen off a horse and wishes to ride again is, “Saddle up and get back on”. She said horses can sense when you are tense or scared.
“The best way to get over your fear is to get back on. The best thing to do when you fall off – provided your injuries are not serious – is to get back on immediately. There is a saying that, “The only emotion that belongs in the saddle is patience”.
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