Hawkestone’s Debbie jumps to success

HAWKESTONE Equestrian Centre’s owner and instructor, Debbie Greenwood (neé Power) did extremely well at the recent Nissan Easter Festival in Kyalami, JHB winning the 1.20m adult Victor Ludorum title.

Riding Equifeeds Congo Mist, a chestnut Thoroughbred mare, she won three out of her four classes to take the title. She also came second and third in her 1m classes on her other horse, Ekeneb Odonto (Odie), a dark bay Boerperd.

Both horses were ex-clients horses and have proven their worth. Debbie said of her horses, “Congo Mist is a very sweet mare who has proved she is brave and she is quick against the clock which has been to our advantage. Odie is full of character and is like a pony trapped inside a horse’s body.”

When Debbie is not competing she is busy teaching at the riding school based in Assagay or schooling clients’ horses. She teaches all ages but says her speciality is teaching children and teenagers.

She started riding at the age of five and competing at the age of 12 and has never looked back. She has done well in lots of shows and has made it up the grades, competing in 1.30m classes but has had bad luck with horses that have gone lame or been unable to compete at the higher levels anymore.

She also has three children, two twin girls (8) and a four year old boy. The two girls have shown an interest in riding and each have their own pony.

“The girls are interested in horses and have started competing in school shows. I would like them to continue riding but I am not going to be one of those parents who pressurises them.”

Debbie’s pupils also did well at the Easter Show with Kelsey White (17), part of the SA team in the Inter- Africa Cup Equitation in which SA won and Alex Dumas (12) winning the Children’s 90cm Victor Ludorum title.

“It was a good show all round for Hawkestone and we are hoping to continue the success at the Nissan Shongweni Show,” said Debbie.