Addison Miller recently participated for the first time at the South African National Equestrian Schools Association Regionals, representing Gauteng West.

The Grade Nine Crawford International Ruimsig learner delivered an outstanding performance, placing second and qualifying for nationals later in October.

“It was such a nerve-wracking experience. I was super nervous but also really excited to compete. When I first found out I got selected for regionals, I was honestly in shock. I was so happy; all the training and hard work I’d put in was finally paying off. I knew it was going to be hard, but I was ready to push myself and make the most of the opportunity,” Addison said, explaining how she felt when she first found out she was going to represent Gauteng West.

“When I stepped into the warm-up arena, my whole body was buzzing with nerves, like pins and needles everywhere. The warm-up didn’t go as well as I had hoped, which made me start doubting myself right before I had to compete. But the moment I walked into the arena, I pushed all those thoughts aside and focused completely on my course.”

She mentioned that the course, the 50cm Equitation Pony Class, went really well, even though it felt like she wasn’t even breathing the entire time.

“When they finally announced my results, it felt like this huge weight was lifted off my shoulders, and I could finally relax and breathe again.”

Leading up to the competition, Addison shared that at first, her training was all about equitation – improving her position and getting her horse more forward, active, and responsive.

“As the show got closer, we shifted focus to Prix Caprilli [a dressage test for horses with jumping experience], working mostly on my horse’s movement. Even so, I feel like I didn’t get quite enough time to practise Prix Caprilli before the competition,” she said.

Addison had to take two weeks off training because she nearly broke her arm, and she thought she wasn’t going to make it to the regionals.

“It was a really difficult thing to process, but luckily, it wasn’t broken,” she said.

The competition wasn’t without challenges, as Addison lost connection with her horse, which was later found to be due to depression.

“We decided to give him a break, and he came back much happier and more energetic,” she exclaims.

For Addison, qualifying for the nationals feels amazing, as she has always dreamed of competing in horse riding.

“Now that I’ve made it this far, it feels like confirmation that I can do this and that I have what it takes to compete. My ultimate goal is to place in the top three for equitation, but more importantly, I want to have fun and enjoy the experience,” she said.

Speaking on who and what inspired her journey in horse riding, Addison shared that her old trainer pushed her to become not only a better equestrian but also a better person.

“She has always been there to support me, alongside my parents, who have given and sacrificed so much just so I can compete, something I’m incredibly grateful for. The friends I’ve made have also motivated me to work harder and have been there to celebrate my achievements with me.”