Fourways rider put SA in the map in NRBC
Minki Venter’s groundbreaking win at the NRBC is inspiring local riders and putting South Africa on the global reining map.
Local rider Minki Venter made her first appearance at the prestigious National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and left an indelible mark in the reining world.
Reining is a western riding competition for horses in which the rider guides the horse through a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops.
Not only did she secure the Rookie Level 2 Championship, but her impressive scores and performances also made history as the first South African to win these classes in America.
Competing against more than 80 riders per class, Venter achieved remarkable results, scoring a perfect 73 on all three runs in the Rookie Level 2, as well as winning the Youth 14-18 class and placing 15th in the Youth Unrestricted category.
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The highest possible score in reining is 70, making her achievements even more extraordinary. Her victory was celebrated by the National Reining Horse Association with a heartfelt post on Facebook, highlighting her groundbreaking success.
Venter’s journey into reining began at the age of nine, after discovering that jumping wasn’t her cup of tea. “I didn’t enjoy jumping, so I turned to western performance riding.
“It turned out I’m an adrenaline junkie, and I fell in love with reining.” Her desire to compete internationally was fuelled by the limited opportunities for growth in South Africa’s reining scene.
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“There’s not much room for improvement in South Africa, so I decided that the next best thing was to come here and challenge myself.”
Preparing for her first trip to the United States was a mix of excitement and nerves. “My first run in America didn’t go as planned; I was very nervous, and it affected my performance. But after relaxing and riding like I did in warm-up, I found my rhythm.”
With the support of a dedicated team, including trainers Tamryn Thorp in South Africa and Patrick Flaherty in the US, she embraced the cultural and riding style differences, working tirelessly to adapt.
Her partner in this historic achievement was Bigshot In The Dark, affectionately known as Frank. Bred by Story Book Stables in Arizona, Frank is a seven-year-old gelding.
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Venter describes him as ‘an amazing, sweet, and loving teddy bear.’ Since partnering with Frank, she’s gained invaluable experience, both in the saddle and on the ground, and feels confident about future competitions.
Building on her success, Venter has her sights set on the renowned Run For A Million event in Las Vegas, where she and Frank have qualified to compete.
Venter’s achievements have not only elevated her career but have also put South Africa on the map in the international reining community. “It feels incredible to make history as the first South African to win these classes in America. I am truly honoured and proud to represent my country.”
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