Local showjumpers shine in Brazil
Alexis McLaren won the championship class while sister, Kellen, finished fourth.
Siblings Kellen and Alexis McLaren, from Sunny Park Stables, proudly represented South Africa at the Longines São Paulo Horse Show at the Sociedad Hipica Paulista in São Paulo, from August 18 to 23.
Riding horses provided by South African showjumper Charlie Bays, now based in Brazil, the sisters competed against some of the top international and Brazilian riders in the indoor jumping competition.
Alexis, on For Fly, started the event strongly with third place in the training show class, progressing through three qualifying rounds leading up to the championship final.
Kellen, paired with Berlinda dos Umburanas, finished sixth in the opening round. Alexis maintained her form, moving from third to second in the next class, while Kellen claimed fourth place, securing both their spots in the championship class.
In the final, Alexis delivered a flawless ride to win the championship, while Kellen was narrowly beaten by a single pole, finishing fourth.
The sisters described their experience as “an absolute blast” and expressed gratitude to everyone who supported their participation.
“We are thankful to Charlie Bays for his generosity and to our coach, Nicola Sime-Riley, for her hard work and belief in us. Her guidance continues to shape us into the riders we are today,” they said.
Coach Sime-Riley congratulated Kellen and Alexis, noting, “It was an amazing achievement for these talented young riders, who continue to make their hometown proud on the international stage.”
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