POLOKWANE – Sheldon, who is a Gr 8 learner at Technical High School Tom Naudé, says he began horse riding late last year.

“I was born with a club-foot and was never allowed to play rugby. I had no interest in other sports,” he explains.

He was exposed to horses while living with his parents on a small holding, and joined El Roi Equestrian in August last year. In March, this year, he competed in his first Western Mountain Games.

“It was the second qualifying round and I had to compete in at least four of six rounds to qualify for the Limpopo team. The last qualifying round was on 22 July and I received the news that I was chosen for the Limpopo team early in August,” he says.

Sheldon explains that riders are chosen according to their times and says it is hard to explain how he feels, but amazing is definitely one of the feelings.”

His horse, Mesiekind, will join him at Nationals at the end of September, in Parys.

His mother, Mary-Ann, says his family are very proud of him. “We never thought he would be participating in nationals this year, as he only just started riding. We therefore never saved any money and it is costing us a lot. Western Mountain Games Limpopo helped us with the stable fees, but there are still a lot of other expenses.”

The school confirmed that he is the only serious horse rider in the school and they say that they are very proud of him.

Mary-Ann said that since he began riding, his marks have improved.

“Any sponsorships would be appreciated as we need a lot of money to make Sheldon’s dream come true.”

Account details:

Vorster

ABSA Bank

Cheque Account

Account number: 4091817349

Reference: Your cell number, so that they can phone you and thank you

maretha@nmgroup.co.za