Representing the Central Gauteng Equestrian Team is a highlight for Parktown High School for Girls’ Megan Crous

Parktown High School for Girls equestrian Megan Crous reflected on being selected to represent the Central Gauteng Equestrian Team for the first time.

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The 17-year-old recently participated in show jumping and Team Prix Caprilli Class at Kyalami Equestrian Park.

“The environment can be quite stressful but I learned a lot while participating as well as my pony. My sense of accomplishment is not driven by medals and placings but instead being able to build my pony’s courage and reach the potential I know it has.”

Megan began riding at the tender age of eight on her grandparents’ farm and was drawn to the excitement and adrenaline rush that she experienced when riding an animal that has a complete mind of its own.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and the satisfaction of overcoming fears that many equestrians are predisposed to when beginning with riding.”

She noted that every horse had a distinct personality, and the one she competed on was a stubborn pony named Benjamin Button.

“Every day I learn a bit more about him that requires me to slightly alter the way I ride to ensure both of our success.

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The Grade 12 learner has won numerous rosettes over the years and received a gold medal for multiple placings at the South African National Equestrian Schools Association event last year.

“My favourite achievement was being selected for the Gauteng Regional Team. This stands out for me not because it’s a big achievement, but because my pony, who was only backed last year and arrived from a farm having known nothing, had gotten this far.”

Megan said without riding she would never do well in her academics, “Juggling the two has never been difficult for me. Riding keeps me sane when the school workload gets overwhelming and it’s a reason for me to escape to clear my mind. When I know that I am going to be riding, I make sure to get enough work done the day before, so I have less to do on the day.”

She concluded that she intended to compete at higher levels in the future.

“I don’t see riding professionally as something I will do one day but I have always wanted to be a vet and work with all kinds of animals and currently I have been provisionally accepted to study veterinary nursing at Onderstepoort at the University of Pretoria.”

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