Anele Ferriera has been working towards this title since she was 6 years old, today she is the 2023 South African individual Pony Rider Showjumping Champion.
South Africa (09 August 2023) – Anele Ferreira, a 13-year-old prodigious talent, has recently achieved an exceptional feat by securing the title of the 2023 South African individual Pony Rider Showjumping Champion.
This esteemed championship took place at Kyalami Park Club in Gauteng, spanning from June 27th to July 7th.
Drawing together an assembly of top riders aged 18 and under, the event encompassed a wide range of equestrian disciplines.
Anele’s remarkable triumph came alongside her remarkable equine companion, Tandi whom she has been riding for approximately one year. Demonstrating exceptional skills and finesse, Anele and Tandi delivered three flawless rounds, ultimately clinching the championship title in a thrilling jump-off round against the highly competent rider, Jamie Riley, and her mount Scooby Doo.
Notably, Anele was additionally selected as one of the outstanding children riders to represent KwaZulu Natal in the subsequent Interprovincial Team Championship, which took place the day after the South African Individual Championships. Displaying unparalleled mastery, Anele delivered a flawless performance, contributing to the Kwazulu Natal/Eastern Cape joint team’s resounding victory in the 2023 South African Pony Rider Team Championship.
Returning home adorned with two Gold Medals and proudly donning her KwaZulu Natal Show Jumping Colours for the second consecutive year, Anele’s triumph has solidified her position as a formidable force within the equestrian Community.
Anele is a grade 7 pupil at Howick prep school, who always acknowledge her achievements, she also rides for Howick Prep School at the SANESA events. Anele will go to Howick High in the new year and continue to represent her school.
It is worth mentioning that Anele hails from an equestrian-centric family, with both her parents deeply involved in the world of horses. Anele’s father, (Colin Ferreira) Chookie, holds a prominent stature as a leading course designer, excelling not only in his designs but also as a competitive equestrian in the open classes. Equally impressive, her mother, Deidre, has also actively participated in equestrian competitions. Together, Deidre and Chookie manage an equestrian livery stable yard while simultaneously organizing shows.
Anele started riding when she was 6 years old and showed her talent from an early age. Her instructor being her father Chookie Ferreira, is not only her Dad but also her instructor and role model. She wants to one day ride like he can, getting onto any horse and making it look good.
Residing in the picturesque Karrigen Equestrian Estate in Howick, Anele is part of a vibrant, close-knit family consisting of three sisters and two brothers. With their unwavering support and shared passion for equestrian pursuits, Anele’s family undoubtedly played a pivotal role in nurturing her exceptional talent and facilitating her remarkable success.