Hoërskoool Randburg equestrian achieves remarkable results at SANESA qualifiers
Young equestrian Mareli Wassermann participated at the SANESA Gauteng West District first qualifiers with her horse, Ace, and her riding school's horse, Apolima.
Hoërskool Randburg learner Mareli Wassermann achieved remarkable results at the South African National Equestrian Schools Association (SANESA) Gauteng West District first qualifiers, entering with two horses – her horse, Ace, and the riding school’s horse, Apolima.
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Mareli said she and Apolima were anxious because it was her first competition riding the horse. “We both survived the first class (equitation), and it went well,” she said. “With the ice broken, I could relax, and we were ready to have a fun-filled day. Ace showed Apolima how it should be done by being relaxed and charming in the freestyle dressage and prix caprilli classes. I’m pleased with my results. This event was the year’s first qualifier, and we are only warming up.”
These were her achievements:
• 1st – Performance riding, level 3,
• 1st – Prix caprilli, level 1 test 1,
• 1st – Prix caprilli, level 1 test 2,
• 1st – Freestyle dressage, level 1,
• 3rd – Inhand utility, level 3,
• 3rd – Dressage, level 2 test 2,
• 4th – Dressage, test 2,
• 5th – Equitation (60cm), and
• 5th – Working riding, level 3.
Also read: Hoërskoool Randburgs rising equestrian star
“I hoped Apolima and I would perform better in the showjumping class, but, although we both gave our best, it was not our day. I am very proud of Ace and the four first places.”
Mareli only started riding at 12 years old, and has only been competing for about four years. “I knew that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, and when you know that something is your passion, you give it your all. I improved my general riding and understanding of how horses behave and react. I also used to be very anxious at competitions, but I have learned to relax and calm myself down. However, there’s always space for more improvements and better techniques.”
She is inspired by her instructor, Ria Langley, and her dream is to ride in the Olympics. “Ria often pushes me out of my comfort zone, which is needed. I appreciate her for that. Ronnie Healy, the winner of last year’s derby, inspires me as well. He’s a great rider. Horse riding is a costly sport. It would be great to have a sponsorship for a horse, to cover some of the monthly expenses.”
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