Jumping into the big league

The budding equestrian is now a Team Nissan showjumper. At 19, Stevens won the Midrand leg of the Mini Grand Prix in 2012. He also won the Port Elizabeth World Cup Qualifier in the same year.

“I was born in Cape Town in March 1993. I lived there until I matriculated in 2011 and then moved up to Johannesburg to begin riding professionally,” said the young protege. He currently runs a stable yard called Disa Stables and teaches showjumping.

Stevens said he grew up with horses and that is where his love for riding came from. “My father has been a professional showjumper and trainer since he left school. My mother’s family has been involved in racing and showjumping since they were children,” he said.

Stevens said he had always been an animal lover. “I love working with horses as I believe they have so much to teach us – they demand patience, kindness and dedication.”

Speaking of his accomplishments, the youngster said he was proud of his first World Cup Qualifier in Port Elizabeth. “I had jumped other big classes, but I had never seen jumps that size and I was absolutely petrified.” He added that he took pride in doing well against some of the most experienced and professional riders in the sport.

“My horse, Nissan Wanda, at that stage an inexperienced horse at that level and at nine years old, relatively young, was unbelievable.”

The other memorable win for him was the Grand Prix in Cape Town. “Jumping in front of your home crowd is exhilarating and always adds that bit of pressure.”

Stevens and Wanda recently competed in the FEI World Cup Qualifier in Polokwane, and got clear rounds in the 1.35m classes. “When things come together at competitions, it makes every early morning in the middle of winter worthwhile. I wouldn’t do anything else.”

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