Aqua excited to compete this season
With renewed focus for the new equestrian season, Aqua Indiana Douglas Pedersen looks forward to displaying her skills.
Aqua Indiana Douglas Pedersen is looking forward to stepping back into the equestrian arena with a fresh perspective and clear intentions for the season ahead.
“It’s always exciting coming back at the beginning of a new year. People say being fit is the most important thing, but I actually think my horse loves a holiday. She came back feeling confident, and it’s really exciting getting back in the ring.”
Her return to show jumping recently marked an important moment.
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“We had not done an open jumping show in a while, and last week we went out and had a clear round. She was a beast.”
She said this season, she is stepping up to the 95cm eventing and hopes to work toward a place on the Gauteng team.
“I am doing my first 95cm event in a few weeks. Hopefully, that will be fun. I want to do more jumping competitions because I have mostly been doing cross-country.”
Aqua is candid about rebuilding her own strength after time away from competition.
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Aqua talks about being back in the ring for a new season, on February 23, 2026. Video: Duduzile Khumalo #Sandton #Aqua ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
“I have lost quite a lot of my core strength and balance, and I really need to work on that. I always made sure my horse was fit because I never wanted her to get injured, but I realised I need to be fitter too.”
She plans to incorporate Pilates, running and balance-focused training into her routine.
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Equally important is strengthening her partnership with her mare, Beautiful Day.
“She’s a mare. Most people say mares are hard, but if you gain the trust and love of a mare, you have got a partnership for life. She makes you understand how hard the sport is. You really feel grateful that they let you love them.”
After nearly five years together, Aqua says her mare is still learning.
“I have realised I can’t force her. I have to understand when to ask and when to stay out of her way.”
She said, instead of chasing every event, she is choosing a more measured approach this year.
“I am focusing on doing the shows that are actually important and beneficial to our career, rather than just seeing how many I can do.”
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