Kuswag Skool riders jump to glory

Two Kuswag saddle stars jumped high in an inter-school horse riding weekend competition at Toti Ranch on 23 and 24 November.

Leigh-Anne Bode, 16, and On Golden Pond claimed first place in 70cm equitation and 70cm show jumping, while Kirsten Jonker, 14, and Queen Gracie lifted the first place trophies for 60cm equitation and show jumping. Kuswag Skool also received first place for best represented school at the parade.

It capped a successful year for both girls who work really hard with their horses in between keeping up with school work to prepare for these shows. They both also attended South African National Equestrian Schools Association (SANESA) events at various venues in KZN this year. SANESA is an organisation that promotes equestrian sport in schools.

“I was quite shocked to win both my classes, but very happy to. I couldn’t stop smiling,” said Leigh-Anne, who has finished Grade 10. “I was not expecting it at all, since the horse I was riding was very inexperienced and we only had a few weeks to practice and prepare. It was also the first time the horse was jumping that height. I did the show on a friend’s horse, but I have my own horse, Mr Brock, that I’ve had for a year now.”

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She has been riding for eight years, but only jumping and competing for three. “I do showjumping more, but equitation has sparked a great interest for me and I’ll definitely be doing more.” She rides at a private yard in Shongweni and during school rides about four days a week and six in the holidays.

“What I enjoy most is not only the thrill of competing, but also having hard work pay off. It takes months of training and you only get three minutes in the arena to prove you’re the best. If you’re not on top of your game, then you don’t win, it’s as simple as that.

“On the lower grades you can get away with jumping a school pony you only see once a week for a lesson, but as soon as the jumps go up, you need to trust your equine partner and they need to trust you. You need to trust that your horse will jump everything you point them at. During the higher grades it’s important to have a horse that wants to fight for you and wants to win as much as you do. They also need to know that when you ask for the extra mile to win, they give their all.”

After practice, Leigh-Anne likes to take her horse for a ride through the sugarcane. “I think it’s important for horses to have a change of scenery and keep their minds active and happy. They have needs as well and we make it our duty to care for them and make their lives easier. It teaches you responsibility and how to cope with setbacks like your horse getting injured or being eliminated at a show. You learn how to push through tough times. Horse riding has taught me so much about not only the sport, but people and myself as well. It is something I hope to do for the rest of my life,” she said.

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“It was overwhelming at first (to win), but I was very excited and humbled by the support of my family and friends, and it was nice to be rewarded for all my hard work,” said Kirsten, who has just completed Grade 7. “I wasn’t expecting to do so well, because the rain kept me from practising, which added to the stress over the weekend. I also think if you expect to do well, you can be too relaxed during the competition.”

Kirsten has been riding for more than four years and finds it difficult to call what she enjoys more – equitation, dressage, or show jumping. “I would say I enjoy show jumping the most, because it is exhilarating and the pressure is on.”

She has had Queen Gracie, a Percheron cross thoroughbred, since June 2017. She practises at Toti Ranch with Kirsty Klopper. “We’ve recently relocated our horses to Summerveld at Invergale Equestrian Centre, where I will train even harder in the new year and coached for SANESA. I have horse riding lessons, jumping and dressage, twice a week and I practise over the weekend.”

Asked what she enjoys about competing, she replied: “I enjoy the people, making new friends, fellow competitors, the hard work put into preparation, and of course the lap of honour if I win!”

Kirsten believes there should be a strong bond between horse and rider, no matter what level or discipline you compete in and a strong bond is formed through love and understanding. For a relaxing ride, she takes Queen Gracie for a canter around Hutchison Park and looks forward to outrides around Summerveld.

“If you want to take up riding, it should be for the joy of working with an animal. It creates discipline and helps you care for something other than yourself.”

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