Makayla van Greuning’s dedication and bond with her horse, Mushka, have carried her to new heights.

This year, she not only earned selection for the Gauteng A teams at the SA Youth Championships and the South African National Equestrian Schools Association (Sanesa) Nationals but also secured her place in the Sanesa Eventing Nationals, her most recent achievement.

What is eventing?

It is often called the most difficult Olympic sport. A horse must be proficient in dressage, able to gallop over varied terrain, jump over gates and go through water.

It is a three-phase competition comprising dressage, show jumping and cross-country.

Eventing works on a penalty system. Riders are penalised for every mistake they make. At the end of all three phases, judges tally the penalties, and the rider with the fewest is declared the winner.

Makayla has proven her ability in all three phases and walked away as the best participant with a red rosette in three out of four qualifiers this year.

Her bond with her horse has been key to her success, “I was happy and excited when I learnt I was chosen. Eventing is our favourite equestrian sport. Mushka is my best friend. She even gets upset if I miss a day with her,” she said.

A mother’s pride

Makayla’s mother, Sunette, has witnessed her daughter’s growth on and off the field.

“She has become responsible for taking care of her horse and has grown so much in every discipline. That has shaped her into the responsible, loving and goal-driven girl she is today,” she shared.

Sunette said horse riding is part of their everyday lives, with Makayla spending afternoons at the stables, having lessons six days a week and Sundays reserved for Mushka’s care.

From first lessons to Gauteng colours

Makayla learnt to ride under Dumi, who taught her the basics while she still rode school ponies.

Sunette said Dumi still supports her at shows, helping with show jumping course walks at times.

Since 2022, she has trained with Bernice Clarke, who introduced her to eventing, now her favourite discipline.

Achievements and milestones

Makayla has a long list of accomplishments leading up to her Gauteng selection.

She competed in the national Sanesa Eventing team at 65cm in 2024, represented Gauteng at the Youth Championships in Durban at 65cm the same year, and again at the Youth Championships at the Ranch in Polokwane at 75cm this year.

This year, she won three out of four Sanesa eventing qualifiers, earning top placements and proving her consistency.

Clarke praised her determination, “Makayla has taken Mushka from knowing nothing to winning at the provincial level. Eventing requires perseverance, fitness and precision across three very different phases, and she has excelled,” she said.

Eyes on the nationals in October

Makayla and Mushka will compete at the nationals on October 5, where all three phases will take place in one day over a challenging 2km course.

For Makayla, the highlight of the year was not just the wins but the bond she formed with Mushka.

“She understands my emotions and is always there to lift me when I have an off day. That is what I love most about riding; knowing she will always be my best friend,” she said.

Call for sponsorship

With the nationals ahead, Makayla has already proved herself as one of Alberton’s standout young athletes, carrying the hopes of her school, family and community into every competition.

As the journey to nationals continues, Makayla needs sponsors to support her training and competitions. If you want to contribute, call Maxie Kruger on 082 431 7701.