Driven by Passion

Sometimes, the equestrian world feels surprisingly small. Connections that start on one continent suddenly reappear months later somewhere completely different - and often at exactly the right moment. Last August, during my time with the Global Amateur Tour in São Paulo, while searching for suitable competition horses, I happened to meet South African rider Charlie Bays during a stable visit. At the same time, he was competing at the CSI4*-W Longines São Paulo, and I was luck

Two weeks at the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour (MET) in Oliva, Valencia (Spain) – a journey that once again showed me how much this sport is about adaptation, mindset, and continuous development. Spring MET 2026, Valencia, Spain - Bronce 1.20 m Coming from Cape Town, I arrived without any prior training with my two horses King and O’Brian van Rinsma State. Both horses are based in Mallorca, and I usually ride them only between August and December. The last time I had been in

With the retirement of Generation X, not only has something very special come to an end - it also marks the beginning of a new era for me here in South Africa. March turned everything upside down. Plans changed, routines shifted, and suddenly nothing was as it had been before. A new stable, a new coaching team, a new horse. None of it was planned. But looking back now, I can say: it’s exactly how it was meant to be. Damian Stevens, Tamaryn Burton-Moore, Mia Lerchl and Ivan va

There are those special horses in a rider’s life that are so much more than just sport partners. Horses that shape you, help you grow, and accompany you on your journey. Generation X is exactly that kind of horse for me. At the beginning of April, she will retire – a well-deserved rest after a remarkable journey together. And even though I know it’s the right decision, letting her go is incredibly difficult. Generation X Our Journey Together I got Generation X in 2022, when I

Sometimes it’s not the big arenas, the packed grandstands, or the podium finishes that are most memorable. Sometimes it’s a quiet training day – just the horses, a single jump, and that one feeling that something truly special is happening. That’s exactly how my final training session in 2025 on Mallorca felt. King, Mallorca, Spain - 1.55 m Reaching New Heights In this last training session of the year, I approached something with both of my horses, King and O’Brian, that for

What a weekend! From November 7th to 9th, I had the chance to compete with King at the CSN4* Ciudad de Sevilla – one of Spain’s most beautiful and traditional tournaments, held alongside the Cto. España Veteranos. But actually, the adventure started much earlier – with a lot of uncertainty. CSN4* Ciudad de Sevilla, Spain - 1.30 m Class A Week of Waiting – Then the Relief Until Monday, November 3rd, it was still unclear whether King and I would even be allowed to start. We wer