Horses have her heart, she leads them to glory
Tasmin and Woody achieve second place at Horse of the Year Show.
Tasmin Smith and her thoroughbred, Collingwood took to the Eaton Farm’s Horse of the Year show and galloped right into second place.
Tasmin (15), who is currently in Grade 9 at Alma Mater Akademic, participated in the First National Bank equestrian open hack class on Sunday 25 January and came second in the Show Hack competition on her beautiful 11-year-old steed also known as Woody. The ridden classes have different categories namely Show Hacks and Show Hunters. This is where correct schooling of the horse and rider are accurately assessed and where correct conformation is acknowledged. This year the showing show was judged by world renowned judges.
Anona Frank, Tasmin’s trainer and Noordheuwel Cabellero Stable’s manager as well as Woody’s previous owner, speaks of how Collingwood does his breed proud.
“He has beauty, agility, discipline and is an absolute gentleman.”
When Tasmin and Woody met, it was love at first sight.
Ever since Tasmin can remember, she had a passion for horses and horse riding. At age five she could already canter a little pony and eventually started training at a stable at eight years old.
Frank also compliments Tasmin as a disciplined and commited rider who excells in dressage, showing and show jumping. Tasmin advises one to be extremely organised so to lead a balanced life.
When the News asked what the upkeep of such a lifestyle entails, we came to learn that a horse such as Woody can cost R3 500 a month for stabling. This excludes vetting and other expenses which is needed to keep the horse in top shape.
Tasmin thanks her support from her family and especially her mother, who herself rode horses at an earlier stage. The motivation that keeps this aspiring Olympian rider going, is her love for her horses – Woody in particular.
“When I am under immense pressure, I remember that it is not only about me anymore. I have a responsibility towards the horses.”
On 20 February Tasmin and Collingwood will compete at the annual Gauteng Horse of the Year show in Kyalami and their objective is to qualify for overall winner and ride in the Bob Charter arena, which in itself is an accomplishment.
Finally, Tasmin leaves us with a few words of wisdom.
“I have fallen off a horse many times, but that never stopped me from getting back on the saddle.”
The News wishes Tasmin, Woody and Anona Frank the best of luck in all their future ventures together.
