A Magic Dwells in Each Beginning
- Mia Lerchl
- Apr 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 13
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.
A Strong New Base – Equine-Librium Stables
At Equine-Librium Stables, run by Ivan van der Sijde and his wife Savannah, I’ve found the perfect foundation to grow and push my riding forward. Based in Plettenberg Bay – about six hours from Cape Town – it plays a central role in my long-term development now.
Ivan is my Head Coach and Consultant, overseeing the entire program and guiding both my riding and my horses’ progress. While I am in Europe, he takes over the training and development of my horses. When I’m in Cape Town, my horses are based with Tamaryn Burton-Moore, where I train daily under the guidance of Damian Stevens together with Tammy. Both play a key role in my day-to-day training, working closely with Ivan to ensure a consistent and structured system.
Together, this team creates one clear focus: to elevate my riding and my horses’ performance to the next level.
A New Superstar Horse
This new chapter also brings a new horse: Equine-Librium Davenport Caprice, an 8-year-old gelding with an outstanding pedigree (Consuelo x Carthago Z). His bloodlines combine the successful Corofino line over Consuelo with the Carthago/Capitol line - both proven at the highest level of international 1.60 m show jumping. I’m excited to build a great and long lasting partnership with him and to grow together step by step.
Back to the Basics – Building for Performance
From March 28 to 30, we kicked things off with an intensive three-day coaching clinic with Ivan in Plettenberg Bay - together with Damian and Tammy. It was focused, demanding, and incredibly valuable. And it brought me back to what really matters: the fundamentals.
These are the three key riding principles I’m now focusing on:
Maintaining optimal contact between my horses and me at all times - always adapting to the individual horse and its condition on the day.
Riding with a consistent, balanced rhythm throughout the entire round.
Finding the perfect take-off distance, depending on the height and type of obstacle.
It’s all about precision, feeling, and consistency - the small details that make the biggest difference in the arena.
A New Path Forward
This new chapter is about more than just change - it's about growth, development, and stepping up to the next level. With a strong team behind me, a new horse by my side, and a clear focus on improving every single day, I feel more motivated than ever. I’m ready for the work, the challenges, and everything that lies ahead.
Let’s get to work!
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