‘I AM counting down the days until my adventure begins and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.’
These are the words of 16-year-old Donnè Allan who is gearing up to represent the South African Pony Club in Zambia next month.
The Grade 11 pupil from Felixton College was selected as one of five riders to participate in the prestigious event.
This opportunity is a reflection of her efforts in the field. Riding since the tender age of six with her first pony Monty, Donnè has grown into an aspiring rider and has to date received her SA Pony Club colours in dressage, show jumping, equitation and eventing.
In 2012 she placed third individually at the SA Pony Rider eventing championships and was part of the KZN team who won the event.
‘I am currently lying second in KZN show jumping for 90cm and fifth in SA for the same class. I am very excited to have been selected as one of the five team members from SA who will be competing in Zambia at the end of the month, where we will compete against Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Currently residing on a farm outside Empangeni, Donnè enjoys the company of her younger sister, parents and grandparents.
‘We have three horses that are stabled with us at home and when I am not spending time with them, I will most probably be reading.’
On arrival in Zambia, the riders will be given different horses to ride before the competition.
‘This is very exciting as I find it a challenge riding horses I don’t know.’
‘The competition is over three days and we will compete in dressage, show jumping and cross country. I’m looking forward to making new friends, furthering my knowledge and experience and ultimately making as many memories as possible.’
Donnè plans to make a career out of her riding and compete at the highest level possible. This will require eventually moving abroad to work with and get training from the best of the best.
‘For this to happen, I will need to be tenacious, dedicated and extremely hard working.’
