St Mary’s School, Waverley, is proud of its two equestrians
St Mary’s School, Waverley’s two equestrians walked away with impressive results from recent SA Youth Championships.
St Mary’s School, Waverley’s two equestrians, Astrid Eva-Lilian Blair and Julia de Villiers, recently walked away with impressive results in the South African Youth Championships held in Limpopo.
The South African Youth Championships took place at Kyalami Equestrian Park from 2-6 July. Fifteen St Mary’s School, Waverley senior and junior school equestrians took part in Showing, Equitation and Showjumping over the five days.
Astrid Eva-Lilian explained that the championships were quite the experience, “I competed in Eventing throughout the beginning of the year and did well and was chosen to ride at Youth Champs for the Gauteng team in the 75cm junior team on Capital Robyn and in the 85cm pony rider team on Supernova. I came 3rd on Robyn and 6th on Supernova.”
Julia said it was her first time taking part in the SA Eventing Youth Championships as she only began six months ago.
“However, I have competed at several SA Showjumping Championships, and I have mainly competed in showjumping. I was chosen to compete in the Gauteng novice, 95cm, team on Odaiba, and it was an amazing experience riding at the ranch.”
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Astrid Eva-Lilian noted that her horse-riding journey began at the tender age of five. Her mom booked riding lessons for her because she enjoyed playing with her ponies.
Julia rides her horse, Odaiba, five to six times a week.
“I plan on jumping in the 1.20cm and 1.30cm at a few upcoming shows and will be preparing for the Adult SA Eventing Champs as well. I’m looking forward to making the most out of the last few months of my junior U18 riding career,” said Julia.
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Astrid Eva-Lilian concluded that she was preparing for the South African National Equestrian Schools Association Nationals, which will take place in October. “I will also be participating in the Young Horse Performance Series Final on Capital Robyn since I will be competing with a six-year-old horse.”
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