Local horse rider comes in first
At the Gauteng finals she received her regional colours, qualifying for the SANESA Nationals in four disciplines (2 A-teams and 2 B-teams).
AN Alberton High School learner, Tyla Nepgen received a gold medal at the SANESA (South African National Equestrian Schools Association) Nationals that took place at the Kyalami Park Club from October 5 to October 8.
The Grade 11 learner placed first for in-hand utility receiving a gold medal, eigth in equitation, 13th in working riding and 16th in hunter in large classes of 35-45 riders each. She also received two firsts and a third for team placings.
Tyla represented the Gauteng Province in four classes, riding Al-Shama Till Dawn, a seven-year-old Anglo Arab and qualified in five core disciplines for the Ekhuruleni Region. At the Gauteng finals she received her regional colours, qualifying for the SANESA Nationals in four disciplines (2 A-teams and 2 B-teams).
There are more than 50 schools that participate in the region and are awarded trophies based on a points system and are placed in divisions according to the number of riders represented. Alberton High had five learners representing them this year and was placed second in their division.
“It takes dedication from parents, coaches, riders, time and hard work which is put into this exciting sport all year which has so many disciplines. Unlike other sports, there are two athletes to contend with, the horse and rider and this takes time and sometimes frustration to reach a stage of fitness and competency,” said Leonie Nepgen, Tyla’s mom.
Riders compete over four qualifiers and the top twelve riders in each discipline and level are up for selection to represent Gauteng at the national competition. Over 11 000 entries were received in Gauteng alone.
Tyla started riding Dawn earlier this year and soon competed at the SANESA Qualifiers in dressage, equitation, working riding, performance riding, in-hand showing and jumping. An outstanding achievement for a horse that has only ever competed in in-hand showing before.
Tyla has been schooling Dawn in the different disciplines saying that she is so willing, believing in her. Not forgetting a very talented rider.
“Dawn has changed my life. Without her I would be nothing right now and I am ready to risk everything I have and can give for her. Through hard work, love and dedication anything is possible,” said Tyla.
“I have had so many highlights in my riding career, regional, Gauteng and national colours, ranked in the Top 10 for Sedibeng and Ekurhuleni, victrix ludorum / best rider in all schools every grade and the list of titles and wins goes on.
“I have achieved my biggest goal/dream competing in the English Mounted World Games Team Championships in Ireland 2016, receiving my Protea colours and now a gold medal at SANESA Nationals 2017. I will continue to work hard, to keep my feet firmly on the ground and reach for the stars,” she added.
Tyla currently rides at Bambi Stables and would like to thank Claudia Da Costa and Pat Fernandez for all their support and believing in her. Without them it would not be possible.
“Behind every successful child is not only a coach or teacher but supportive parents. Thank you mom and dad and thank you Lord Jesus for I am blessed and highly favoured,” Tyla said.
*Information and photos supplied by Leonie Nepgen.
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