Small Fish, Big Pond

Getting South Africa onto the international circuit

- Georgina Roberts

South Africa is on the cusp of being internationally competitive – we have had eventers and vaulters represent us in the World Equestrian Games, showjumpers in the World Cup final, and recently, a dressage rider at the Rio Olympic Games. We seem to be close and yet so far, but what exactly is holding us back? And how feasible, or just plain necessary, is our obsession with climbing that ladder? We speak to some of the movers and shakers in the industry to get the inside track on this aspirational venture.

Local is really lekker

One thing everyone can agree on is that we have the riders, and now more than ever, they are sitting on quality equine athletes. “The quality of the horses has improved dramatically in South Africa in recent years,” says Dominey Alexander, sport horse breeder at Cellehof Stud, top SA showjumper, and himself an international competitor, “not just because we have imported them, but because we are breeding at an increasingly higher standard with constant infusions of top-drawer bloodlines.”

Olympian Tanya Seymour seconds that, and adds, “Our riders are talented. They work hard. True, they need consistent access to top-level coaching, but they are ready for it.” Lexi Stais, who is currently based in Germany and successfully pursuing her showjumping career, is one such example of where talent can go with some exposure and hard work. Lexi says the constant access to trainers, shows, venues and facilities has been an integral part in her blossoming, even finishing second in her first ever Hamburg Derby recently.

We have the quality. We have the talent. And you need only see the steely glint in our riders’ eyes to know we have the hunger. Where to now?

Cold hard cash