St Mary’s School, Waverly equestrian prepares to fly the South African flag in Austria
Catherine Mynhardt has qualified to represent South Africa in the Junior World Vaulting Championships in Austria in September after starting the horse riding sport in 2016
St Mary’s School, Waverly equestrian Catherine Mynhardt’s international qualifying score of over 6.5, acquired in her vaulting competition in March, qualifies her to represent South Africa at the Junior World Vaulting Championships in Austria in September.
Not only is the equestrian looking forward to representing South African at the competition; she is thrilled for the experience of a lifetime.
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The Fèdèration Èquestere Internationale (FEI) Junior World Vaulting Competition is a highly competitive and prestigious event, with athletes from all over the world competing.
Catherine will be competing against the top vaulters from across the world in the junior female category, which is 15–18 years. There are different categories, such as individuals, pad de deux (two vaulters), and squads (six vaulters).
“I will be competing as an individual,” Catherine explained. “Three female athletes were selected from South Africa, as well as one reserve, to participate in the individual category of Junior Worlds, 2025. Junior Worlds will be held in Stadl Paura, Austria from July 30 to August 3.”
The equestrian noted that the qualifying competition, Concours de Voltige International (CVI) held in March, was her third experience competing at this level. “I qualified for both my one and two qualifying points, both of which are necessary to be able to compete at a Junior World event. The competition in my category was tough. I loved the event, and having a great horse to vault on, on my home turf, really made a difference.”
The Grade 9 learner began equestrian vaulting in 2016 in Zambia at the tender age of six, and currently practices three to four times a week.
Catherine’s accolades include winning the SA Champs for both individuals and pad de deux in 2024. She also competed and placed in many other Gauteng and SA Championships, two Tri-Nations and three Africa Cups over the years. “I have competed in three CVI FEI competitions, one in Budapest, Hungary in 2024. I have competed for the last nine years as an individual, as part of a pad de deux with my sister, and in three different squads of various levels.”
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