The 41-year-old recently won the second leg of the South African World Cup Qualifiers held at Shongweni Showgrounds in Durban from 12 to 16 June.
While Nicole only started competing from the age of 18, she has had a number of wins in large competitions. “I’ve always enjoyed showjumping, I tried my hand at the other disciplines but nothing quite grabbed me like being in the showjumping ring,” said Horwood.
Horwood has had a great working relationship with Capital Stud horses that spans eight years.
“I sold the mare that I was competing with in the 1.5m classes, so I was looking for another ride and heard that Henning Pretorius was looking for a rider for one of his first imported stallions, Capital Capriccio. Capriccio and I struck a good relationship and went on to be quite successful in the 1.4m classes.”
Not long after, Pretorius imported his next bunch of stallions and Horwood’s string of horses grew to what she rides today.
Henning, who is sentimental about his favorite horse said, “He was the first stallion that I bought as a foal. His father was my favorite stallion and I was present when he won the World Cup at Aachen many years ago.”
The horse in question, Capital Don Cumarco, has also brought him what he considers to be his horses’ greatest achievement, winning the SA Derby two years in a row – both 2012 and 2013.
“This is an incredible achievement for both horse and rider,” said Pretorius.
“Nicole is an absolutely brilliant rider who does a superb job producing young horses and bringing them up the ranks. She absolutely deserves all of the success that she’s had of late, which I believe is due to the fact that she gels so well with all of her horses. They understand each other and it works.”
As for Horwood, she has advice young up-and-coming riders.”There are no short cuts. It takes hard work, commitment and many hours of practise in the saddle. What you put in is what you get out. A good work ethic is essential , have goals and remain focused at shows. Understand your horse’s strengths and weaknesses and work together as a team.”
Pretorius and Horwood share the same aspirations as horse breeder and rider which is to conquer the Olympics.
