Fairleads rider Talita Pitout’s horse, Pinkerton, was restless after completing rounds of barrel racing, figure-eight flags and figure-eight stake on the opening day of the South African Western Mounted Games (SAWMG) Gauteng Championships at Six Trees Stud in Jatniel on July 25.

The equine neighed and refused to let anyone other than Pitout brush him after the 15-year-old rider and Pinkerton galloped around the course with precision in the three events, setting their sights on qualifying for the national championships at the Afridome in Parys later this year.

At the end of the two-day competition on July 26, Pitout and Pinkerton claimed the junior Level One title with 44 points.

They finished ahead of Ekurhuleni teammate Sage Coetzee and Jessica, who were second on 33 points, while Tshwane’s Danica van Heerden and Champion Chivas completed the podium with 33 points.

Pitout said success in the sport is about far more than speed.

“The bond with your horse is everything,” she said.

“If you have a really good bond with your horse, you can do an amazing job together. That’s what I love most about Western Mounted Games, besides the adrenaline and the atmosphere.”

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She was introduced to the sport at the age of 10 and quickly fell in love with its unique blend of horsemanship and high-speed competition.

After stepping away from the sport for two years, she returned this season with renewed determination.

“This is my first year back after taking a break, and it’s been an amazing experience,” she said.

“I think this sport really helps you build self-confidence. It’s also really good therapy. When you’re not having a good day, your horse always makes it better.”

The teenager was pleased with her performance despite admitting Pinkerton was slightly anxious during the competition.

“We had a good ride and I’m really proud of him,” she said. “I hope we qualify, but it’s up to both of us. I think tomorrow will be even better.”

Pitout knows what it takes to succeed on the biggest stage, having won the level zero national title in 2021.

Now competing at level one, she has set her sights even higher.

“In a couple of years I want to be riding level four. I also want to win the level three title at the national championships. That’s one of my biggest goals.”

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