Q and A with South African dressage rider, Andrea Harrison
From an early morning to start to riding close to eight horses a day, South African dressage rider shares what a typical day looks like for her.
Top rider Andrea Harrison took part in the 2023 Toyota Easter Festival at Kyalami Equestrian Park. During the competition, she was awarded Victor Ladorum on horse Legacy’s Lap of Luxury in the Medium Dressage discipline.
Harrison was introduced to the sport by her mother at the age of eight. She said her mother had an immense dedication and took her to the stables every day.
Currently based in Glenwood Stables in Glenferness, Harrison has daily early morning rides.
“I start coaching or riding at 05:00. This really is the best time of the day although it is tough in winter. I generally will ride eight horses per day and coach until 17:30,” she said.
“It’s a long day but I do have the best job in the world. It’s fantastic to live at Glenwood Stables and have these beautiful horses on my doorstep.”
She added that she has learnt valuable lessons from her horses. “I’ve learnt to be humble. They are great levellers too. They teach patience and kindness. I must admit some days I’d rather be around horses than humans. They are so forgiving and always try their best,” she said.
To get her mind off the sport, Harrison said she turns to her family, who are very supportive, for some quality time.
Harrison has advice for riders looking to achieve many accolades, like her, in the sport. “Never give up. True hard work and love for the horse and sport go a long way. There is no better feeling than achieving your goals. Make sure you have the right team behind you in order to succeed,” she said.
“Be patient, be kind and be humble. Above all else: Love the horse. No hour of life is lost when spent in the saddle.”
This year, Harrison rode six horses at the festival. These included:
- Havenspride Bewitched owned by Bridget O’Neil in the novice category, she placed second
- Korino owned by Belinda Irish in the elementary medium division, who came second
- Don Diablo owned by Ashlee Becker in the medium
- Legacy’s Lap of Luxury in the medium. luxury won both his classes and the Victor Ladorum
- Rivendell Daktari owned by Harrison in the advanced and Wildthing and owned by Steffi Ford in the Grand Prix
- Wildthing came second in the intermediare 11.
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