Bryanston-based showjumper Chatan Hendriks is currently sitting among the top-ranked showjumpers in South Africa.
He is currently preparing to compete at the Toyota World Cup Qualifier at the end of May in Midrand. The professional showjumper believes he is fortunate to have an incredible string of horses, along with two loyal and unbelievably supportive sponsors, a coach who believes in him, and a strong team behind him, which allows him to concentrate on being the best he can be in the show ring.

He describes his expectations for this world cup qualifier are no different from previous competitions. He plans to ride his horses to the best of his ability, and has full trust in his preparation. “One jump at a time, and the results will be a bonus.”

Read more: Rising through the ranks with Redhill equestrian Shayla Sachs

Hendriks explained that his relationship with his top horse, Callaho Chupalight, is amazing. “I have ridden Callaho Chupalight for three years now, after taking over the reins from my wife. He was brought into the country in 2020, and I have been a part of his journey ever since. He is extraordinarily intelligent, with an exceptional understanding of what he can do with his body. I know if I give him the right amount of confidence, he will do the rest. He loves his job, perhaps even more than I do.”

According to the athlete, the sport is extremely demanding on their horses, and injuries can occur at any stage. “Every rider has experienced hardship with their horses at some stage in their career, and I certainly have. This sport has taught me never to forget why I started riding. At first, it wasn’t about winning classes or titles. It was for the love of the horse, and this meant that no matter what the result. The horse comes first. So, whenever I experienced a setback in competition, I reminded myself how lucky I was to have a life filled with these amazing animals and that my time would come.”

Hendriks and his wife are both professional showjumpers, and they found each other through this incredible sport. They have a deep respect for, and appreciation of, the horses and what they bring to their lives. “She is hugely supportive of my career and goals. For the time being, she has put her competitive ambitions on hold, as she is primarily focused on the business end of our family’s breeding operations, while soon to become a mom too. At the same time, she just loves being around at lessons and shows, and is an integral part of the day-to-day goings on of being a professional horse rider’s wife. I’m very lucky to share this with her, but I cannot wait for her to join me in the saddle soon.”

He elaborated that equestrian sport has become isolated to very specific show venues due to the requirements of specialised arena footing and equipment. “In previous years, members of the public could watch equestrian events at public venues, such as the Rand Show or the Inanda Derby Show Grounds. Now, we have a select number of privately owned venues where spectators are predominantly related family members of a rider or friends. I also believe that broadcasting of show jumping events has become less, due to the financial pressures of these privately owned venues. We need to bring our sport back to the people.”

Also read: Equestrian rides just to have fun

Hendriks addressed the biggest misconceptions people have about professional showjumping and the lifestyle that comes with it. He said that people don’t realize that it’s a 24-hour, seven days a week, 365-day job. If one doesn’t see their closest friends and family at competitions, then they don’t see them at all. “This sport is an all-consuming lifestyle, but what I can tell you is that, if the bug has bitten, you would not have it any other way.”

His biggest goal for 2026 is to try to stay as consistent as possible, maintain his horse’s health to the best of his ability, and to further produce his young horses into the higher grades. “It is a major dream to one day ride internationally and represent South Africa abroad, something I am working towards every day. Who knows what the future will hold, but, for now, I am happy on South African soil.”

Hendriks concluded by sharing advice to aspiring show jumpers. “Love your horse. We are nothing without them. Trust your coach and believe in your dreams. It takes a lot of sacrifice, but it’s so rewarding. There will be a lot fewer triumphs than setbacks, but how you come back from such setbacks is what will separate you from the best of the best.”

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