Learner is national champion in horse riding

Rael du Plessis, a Grade 10 learner at Hoërskool John Vorster participated in the South African National Equestrian Schools Association (SANESA) championships during the October holidays.

All the provinces of South Africa were represented during the national championship.

Rael was crowned South African Stadium Eventing champion.

“The competition was very strong with an average of sometimes up to 50 riders competing in a class per discipline for the title of national champion,” said Francois du Plessis, Rael’s father.

“Rael has received her Ekurhuleni, as well as her Gauteng colours in three disciplines – stadium eventing, show jumping and western mounted games.

“When a rider competes on the national and provincial level, she needs a strong support system.”

Rael is coached by Belinda du Plessis (owner of Fabel Appaloosa stud and Rael’s mother).

“The community and businessmen of Nigel saw the potential in this young rider. As we know our Nigel community, they stood together to support Rael,” Du Plessis continued.

“Hennie Dames of Miracle Mesh offered to sponsor Rael during her preparation and qualifiers for the Gauteng finals and national teams during the year.”

When Rael was chosen for the Gauteng and national teams, individuals and other businessmen came to the table to sponsor her where needed.

“Mkulu Construction offered to sponsor fuel to and from the nationals held in Johannesburg and Parys,” Du Plessis said.

“Epson Motors left us speechless when they offered to sponsor Rael one of their best 4×4 vehicles to tow the horsebox to the nationals. This has been an exceptional honour to be supported by Epson.

“We immediately saw the competition was intimidated by Rael as they were looking at the logos and the flags at the stables. We are sure this caused a bit of pressure on the competition,” Du Plessis explained.

“The fact that a company sponsors a child says a lot about the child’s potential and is associated with success.

“It is an honour that Nigel’s businesses are prepared to get involved in the future of the youth and their sport. “We also want to thank Arie Nel Pharmacies, who made sure the first aid kit was stocked for horses and riders,” she said.

Rael was thankful to her sponsors as this gave her extra motivation to work harder.