Impressive first and second finishes for local horse rider

The future looks bright for 12-year-old rider Caela Roelofse from Randpark Ridge who emerged second to none when she participated at the SANESA Gauteng West Q1 horse riding competition on February 5 and 6 at Maple Ridge Stables.

The first Core League Qualifier proved to be a good day in the office for Caela as she managed to obtain first and second positions in her two 50cm showjumping classes.

The Grade 7 learner from Ruimsig Montessori International School said she would have jumped higher, but since she hasn’t had her horse for long and hasn’t seen how she behaves at shows, they decided to play it nice and safe.

Caela started horse riding when she was five and began riding more seriously in the following year.

She practises her riding at Aragon Stables in Muldersdrift and usually rides four to five times a week, though other days she would go and see her horse after school.

“It’s my goal to go to Nationals this year and to compete in 100cm classes in upcoming years. I enjoy the aspect of the sport that includes the feeling after both horse and rider had a very exciting, thrilling ride. Horse riding is a sport that uses a lot of energy and many of your muscles, so it could be useful for building muscle and balance. I deeply enjoy sports and doing active things, but for me, riding takes the win,” said Caela.

When asked to share a word of inspiration with the youth who would like to start riding, Caela did not hesitate to advise that young people should not expect everything to come very quickly, as riding is very different from other sports because you’re also controlling and telling an animal what to do.

She added that she loves the relationship you develop with your horse. “You become so close.

“The horse has a mind of its own, also you’re maintaining your safety and the horse’s,” said Caela.

SANESA is an organisation acknowledged by the South African Equestrian Federation (SAEF) and SASCOC, and has dedicated itself to promoting all forms of equestrian sport within the South Africa’s schools community.

The Members of SANESA (Schools) are represented by their learners, and riders do not need to belong to any other Equestrian Association/ Club to participate at any SANESA event.