HOEDSPRUIT – Local equestrian champion Gustav Müller has once again proven his prowess in the saddle, earning an impressive third place overall at the South African Western Mounted Games Association (SAWMGA) nationals 2025.

Competing among 697 entries from across the country, Müller’s consistent performance and determination secured him a spot among South Africa’s elite riders.

“Although it was unexpected, it is very exciting to be part of the elite riders,” Müller said after his stellar performance. “There are a couple of moments I am proud of, but being selected as the third best overall in South Africa really stands out.”

Müller, who represents the SAEF Veterans Men’s Team, set his sights on breaking the Poles 2 nationals record, a title previously held by his daughter, Anisa Müller, since 2021.

He achieved the feat, albeit briefly, before the record was surpassed later that same day by Lyla Kruger of the Northern Cape.

Central to Müller’s success is his spirited Australian stockhorse, Lightning Lady, whose explosive energy and responsiveness have become the hallmark of their partnership.

“Lightning Lady is very energetic, and guiding that energy in the right direction takes patience,” he explained. “It is an amazing feeling when a special horse like her starts to trust you. We started three years ago, and it has been an incredible journey. We still grow every day.”

Müller trains daily, often rising before dawn to prepare for competition.

He follows a strict training and feeding regimen that includes Alzu’s Maize-Free and Performance Feed, ensuring both horse and rider maintain peak condition.

At this year’s nationals, Müller dominated the Veterans Level 4 category, achieving several first-place finishes.

“Western Mounted Games is an amazing sport the whole family can be part of,” Müller said. “This year, the youngest rider was four years old and the oldest was 81. You can never be too old or too young to start riding.”

Looking ahead, Müller hopes to be selected as a Protea rider, with ambitions to join the Barrel Race Team in the United States and reclaim his Poles 2 record at both the Limpopo and national level.

“The more you practice, the luckier you get,” he added. “Build a bond with your horse and trust him.”

Alzu Feeds, one of Müller’s supporters, praised his achievements, calling him a “record-breaker, game-changer, and champion”.

“We are beyond proud, Gustav has set the bar sky-high,” the company said in a statement.

Results:

• Overall, 3rd out of 697 horses
• Barrel Race Champion (best overall)
• Big T Champion (best overall)
• Veterans Level 4 overall champion
• SAEF overall 3rd
• Veterans Level 4 skill games award

Individual Veterans Level 4 event results:

• Barrel Race – 1st;
• Big T – 1st;
• Figure 8 Flags – 2nd;
• Figure 8 Stake – 1st;
• Bi-Rangle – 1st;
• Keyhole – 1st;
• Poles 2 – 1st;
• Poles 1 – 1st.