Rising equestrian star on her ride to success
Jessica is training hard at the stables and this year she looks forward to qualifying for and competing at the South African National Equestrian (SANESA)Championships .
BRIGHTON Beach Primary school’s Jessica Beeslaar, 13, was recently awarded the most improved horse rider for 2019 at Queensway Stables.
The rising equestrian star made her school proud with the achievement. She has competed at inter-branch level and received a number of rosettes, earning her stripes with every horse ride.
“I started horse riding three years ago and I could say it has been in my blood. My mom used to do horse riding and ever since I found this out I’ve always been curious about the sport and I fell in love instantly. I didn’t think that I would get as far as I have so far. It has taken long hours, tears, frustration and lots of practice. I have fallen off, been bitten, stood on and even kicked, yet I am drawn to what I love most in this life and that’s horse riding. It’s the one place I can go without being judged or when I need an escape. It’s just me and my baby Tintin,” she said.
Jessica is training hard at the stables and this year she looks forward to qualifying for and competing at the South African National Equestrian (SANESA) Championships, of which she has passed her first round of tests. SANESA is a dynamic organisation, acknowledged by the South African Equestrian Federation (SAEF) and South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (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. Each province in the country has SANESA representation and some provinces are also broken up into districts. Every province holds up to six SAWMGA competitions in the first seven months of the year and then the top four riders in each level go forward to represent their province at the annual SANESA National Championships during the September/October holidays. “My goal for this year is to earn my SA colours,” said a hopeful Jessica.
When she isn’t bonding or competing with Tintin, the Grade 7 learner also enjoys playing hockey out on the field and maths and natural science are her favourite subjects in the classroom.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
