Meet: Sabrina Bailey

1. How did you get into riding and when?

I’ve always grown up around horses but was never really encouraged to ride! At the age of 9, I watched Flicka and decided that I wanted to take lessons !

2. What discipline(s) do you do and what do you enjoy most about them?

I do showjumping! I love the thrill and rush of adrenaline you get as soon as you start your round! It’s also amazing to fly with your horse!

3. What is your favourite part of the equestrian sport?

The connection you form with your horse(s). It’s something so special that you cannot find anywhere else in the world! It’s also a great way to make friends and different connections around the world. 

4. Tell us a little bit about your horse(s) their quirks, talents, favourite and least favourite things?

Oh gosh, I currently ride three horses! My main horse is Callaho Liana, a 8 year old Hanoverian mare who I have been producing since she was 4! She’s got the biggest attitude but just wants to please you in the ring! She also loves her carrots and cuddles (when she’s in the mood of course.) Then I have Callaho Contra Vella who I recently purchased! He’s an 8 year old Warmblood gelding! He is the biggest cuddle bug and just wants love. He is also super talented and I cannot wait to see what the future holds with him! Last but not least, Knights Silhouette, my phenomenal 12 year old Paint Warmblood and my biggest banana! He’s honestly terrified of everything that moves and everything that doesn’t but is extremely talented in almost every discipline! 

5. Favourite past time activity besides riding?

 I love art and making video edits for myself or my friends! Any way that I can express my creativity is the best! And of course, supporting La Folie !

6. What has been your biggest riding highlight so far?

Definitely competing Liana successfully in the Maple Ridge Youth Extravaganza in 1.20m recently! The competition was tough but she felt amazing!

7. What’s the biggest life-lesson horses have taught you?

Never give up! There is always light at the end of the tunnel and you will reach it with loads of practice, time and patience

Meet: Emily Coller

Emily is a dressage rider and coach who resides in the UK and primarily competes Gnashers and Dubai. 

1. How did you get into riding and when? 

I’ve been fortunate enough to be riding since birth!  

2. What discipline(s) do you do and what do you enjoy most about them?

Dressage. I love working with each horse and tailoring myself to their needs to get the best out of them. Each horse is a surprise you never know what they’re capable when you start working with them, it’s really exciting to see what they can become ✨. 

3. What is your favourite part of the equestrian sport?

The days where you get mini breakthroughs in training and being able to relax and enjoy the company of my horses.

4. Tell us a little bit about your horse(s) their quirks, talents, favorite and least favourite things? 

Toti- there’s nothing which isn’t quirky - she’s a big grass lover and can never be left in her stable too long in the morning or she goes rogue. She’s incredibly talented at passage and has tried to passage her way around an advanced medium 🤦‍♀️. She can do tempie changes in her sleep which is really lovely to ride!
Ashley- the sweetest horse I’ve ever had and sometimes tries too hard. Her work ethic and talent combination makes every ride I have on her a good one, her favourite thing to do in a test is either a trot half pass or extended canter.

5. Favourite past time activity besides riding?

 I’m a bit weird and have lots of tropical plants in my bedroom which I look after to relax 🌵🌱  I also walk my puppy marble & watch Netflix. 

6.What has been your biggest riding highlight so far?

Coming fourth in my first ever CDI on 68%+ or getting an 8 from Olympic judge Stephan Clark for my first line of tempie changes in a test. 

7.What’s the biggest life-lesson horses have taught you?

Work ethic & if you give up you can never make it 💟.

 

Meet: Zara Viana 

Zara is a show-jumper from South Africa who competes her fantastic Mare GG and alongside this works / competes other horses at her yard. Below are some questions we've asked so that you can get to know her a bit better:

How did you get into riding and when? 

I got into riding because my mom has done it her whole life and a few of my friends were riding, I started in 2013 but had been on a few pony rides before that 😁 

What discipline(s) do you do and what do you enjoy most about them?

I do show jumping just because I enjoy jumping wayyy more than dressage and my yard is more for show jumping than eventing but I still really enjoy going out in the cross country!

What is your favourite part of the equestrian sport?

I just love how close everyone at my yard is and how many friends I’ve made from horse riding, I also just love horses! They are the most beautiful and gentle creatures.

Tell us a little bit about your horse(s) their quirks, talents, favourite and least favourite things?

My horse is Guardian of equity AKA GG, she is a thoroughbred that raced a few times and is now show jumping 1-110 m at shows and 120 at home. She is the most amazing little horse and always tries her heart out for me ❤️

Favourite past time activity besides riding?

I really enjoy netball, but I do love just doing any sport and running in general

What has been your biggest riding highlight so far?

My biggest riding highlight was winning WC youth champs and getting victor ludorum!

What is the biggest life-lesson horses have taught you?

My biggest life lesson was learning that you have to be grateful for what you have and to be very patient with horses! I also learnt not to take anything for granted because anything can happen!

 

Meet: Kylie Van Der Westhuizen

Meet: Sabrina Bailey

1. How did you get into riding and when?

My grandpa used to ride in his young days and I followed his path!

2. What discipline(s) do you do and what do you enjoy most about them?

I love Show Jumping!! It brings me joy when my horses give me power over the fences🤩

3. What is your favourite part of the equestrian sport?

Definitely the horses! They are such beautiful creatures and have beautiful souls🥰

 

4. Favourite past time activity besides riding?

I enjoy netball.

5. What has been your biggest riding highlight so far?

Winning the FEI children’s gold tour and winning Spring Fair 2020

7. What’s the biggest life-lesson horses have taught you?

To be patient. I used to rush toward anything and when I started riding, that changed.