Parktown High School’s learner, Rebecca Hingst came out tops in the recent Second Core League Qualifier.
Rebecca said she felt overwhelmed with joy and pride in herself and her horse, Champ. “I nearly cried. I have always ridden in someone else’s shadow so I felt like a real champion that day.”
Her results were:
- 1st place in the Level 2 Showjumping Pony
- 1st place in the Level 3 Working Hunter
- 1st place in the Level 6 Equitation Pony
The 14-year-old began riding horses in 2019, “Earlier that year I watched my older cousin Micaela competing, and I admired how everyone looked so smart and enjoyed being around horses.”
Rebecca added that when she watched her cousin perform showjumping, it was when she knew then and there that she wanted to do the same. The flame within her was lit and nothing was going to put that fire out.
The horse rider explained that her challenges included struggling to communicate effectively with her horse, ” I also sometimes get nervous about a certain jump when competing. In general, this sport is highly competitive but it’s important to put your horse first.”
Rebecca said she juggled her academics with horse riding by having a good routine and made sure she was organised and stayed on top of school work so that she could be fully committed to her riding.
“I plan on riding horses professionally after completing high school because it is a huge part of me. My advice to future horse riders would be to never give up and respect other riders as well as your horse and it will all work out someday.”
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