St Mary’s School, Waverley learner and equestrian ticks off her horse-riding goal

St Mary’s School, Waverley learner Astrid Eva-Lilian Blair’s recent win in the 75cm pony rider class continues to inspire her to work towards participating in the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.

Astrid took part in the South African National Equestrian Schools Association eventing qualifier at Inanda Country Base on February 17. She rode her two ponies Artemis and Pegasus Supernova, and won the 75cm pony rider class on the latter.

“When I won, I was very proud of myself and my pony as it was our first time competing in the 75cm class. The three-phase eventing means you do dressage early (showing off a horse’s training by performing a set of prescribed movements in front of a panel of judges), then showjumping and cross country in the afternoon.”

She added everything happened quickly, especially competing on two ponies.

The Grade 6 learner noted that her fondest memories of the sport date back to when she was five years old.

“My mother gave me her little ponies from when she was a young girl and my granddad paid for a pony which I received as my fifth birthday present, and began enjoying rides to the Lipizzaner’s Christmas show annually at Kyalami Equestrian Park.”

She added equestrian sport was competitive and required constant practice most days of the week. Astrid said she managed to cope with her schoolwork along with her riding by listening attentively in class.

The 11-year-old advised other children her age interested in the sport to ask their guardians to find a place to ride and see if it excited them.

“Perhaps try different places so that you like the instructor and the atmosphere and always love and appreciate the pony that you are riding. There will be difficult times but keep doing your best and remember that whatever happens, it is never the pony’s fault.”

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