KHS’s passionate horse rider
KHS learner Rach Gordon Davis takes on the Western Qualifier to climb the horse riding ranks.
Horseback riding is an experience that’s difficult to explain to someone who hasn’t tried it out for themselves. Up high on a horse’s back, it’s like you’re sitting on top of the world, as close to nature as you’ll ever get.
Rach Gordon Davis fell in love with this very sensation when she was just five years old, and climbed atop a horse for the first time.
“I never wanted to compete. I just wanted to learn and ride; just enjoy being on a horse. I was about ten years old when I started with more formal lessons and I rode a horse named Red,” Rach explained.
She is now a Grade 9 learner at Krugersdorp High School, this year taking her horse riding to a new level. On Sunday, June 20 Rach competed in the South African National Equestrian School Association’s (SANESA) Western Qualifier 3 at Rose Lanes Stables, going through to the upcoming fourth qualifier in the series. Her main goal, currently, is to qualify for the national competition where she will compete against riders from schools across the country.
Rach participated in three events on the day. She placed first in the Western Trail event where she and her horse Kiara had to complete a course while she guided Kiara over obstacles. In the Western Pleasure event, Rach was evaluated on how comfortable she looked while riding, and placed first in this section. For the Western Horsemanship segment, where she was judged on her posture, sitting and hand and feet positions, Rach came in second.
She explained her preferred riding style. “Western Riding has evolved from the cattle-working and warfare practices of the Spanish Conquistadors. Today’s training methods, riding styles and tack are a direct result of American working cowboys. They spent long hours in the saddle with a need to control a horse, often at high speed, over rough terrain, while herding cattle or roping a cow was imperative.
“I have a dream to go overseas and work with horses. My current trainer, Tamryn Thorp, is my role model. She has multiple national champion titles in both SANESA and RWPHSA. She qualified for the AQHA World Cup in Texas where she placed ninth in the world for Ranch Riding,” Rach explained.
“I adore horses and being one with the horse when I ride. I forget about everything and it’s just me and my horse.”
