Helen rides like the wind
Her mother, Karen Hill, said Helen has always had a connection with horses from a young age.
Helen said when she climbs on a horse, she’s usually nervous at first but then takes a leap and feels stronger and in control again.
She said she loves the adrenaline which creates her happy moment.
“It is nerve-wracking as a parent to see a little thing controlling a 500 kilogram horse but its so rewarding to see how happy she is when she’s doing it,” said Hill.
As the jumps get higher, the sport gets more technical and the rider has to make sure the stride and pace of the horse is correct for both their safety.
“Horse riding is spiritually uplifting for the mind, body and soul. The bond between rider and and horse is very special,” said Helen.
The Grade 6 learner at St Marys DSG is trained by coaches, Ashleigh Paterson and Dierdre Fox of Fox Fields Equestrian Centre in Assagay the last two years.
Helen also competed in the Nissan Easter Series Festival in Johannesburg and the Nissan Winter Classic in Shongweni where she won the one metre Pony Rider title in both competitions and was named Victor Laudorum at the Nissan Easter Series Festival.
Coach Paterson said the dedication that Helen has towards the sport is inspiring.
They get up at 5am to wash their horses, get their saddles cleaned and prepare for the race.
They train four to five hours a week and on weekends as well.
“Riders have to stay mentally and physically strong.
Horse riding teaches you to be responsible from a young age and is a great life skill – it gets you to think on your feet and is a healthy outdoor sport that sets the bar right for youngsters,” said Paterson.
Helen’s life goal is to become a horse riding coach but her ultimate dream is to represent her country at the horse riding Olympics one day.
