Fourteen-year-old Zenobia Stelzner, a learner at BESA Leadership Academy, made her community proud when she represented Gauteng in the 90cm showjumping team category at the South African Youth Championships.

Stelzner partnered with General Paschal, her talented eight-year-old thoroughbred, to compete against riders from across the country.

Together, they helped secure third place for Gauteng among nine competing provinces – a remarkable achievement for both horse and rider.

Notably, Stelzner was the youngest rider in the Gauteng team, while General Paschal stood out as both the youngest and the largest horse in the class. Despite the stiff competition, the pair delivered a confident performance that left a strong impression.

Her hard work and dedication have already seen her ranked fourth in Gauteng and 14th nationally in her division.

In recognition of her achievements, Stelzner has officially received her Gauteng colours from South African Showjumping (SASJ).

An awards ceremony is scheduled for April 2026, where she will be formally honoured alongside other top young riders.

Her journey is a testament to the talent and commitment of young equestrians in the region. Zenobia’s achievements highlight the importance of nurturing youth sport and providing platforms for young athletes to excel at both provincial and national level.