The conclusion of the South African Outdoor Grand Prix event hosted by Kyalami Equestrian Park has brought with it some incredible stories to share. With Nicole Horwood claiming the title victory on her wonder mare, Mark White Nissan’s Capital Chantilly, another rider made an incredible step up with her debut 1.50m class, 16-year-old, Ada-Raine Ferguson with Tack N Togs Levitha.
Ada-Raine Ferguson started her competitive career down in the city of Cape Town. With an intense competitive streak and ample talent to boot, she has always been a competitor in the limelight. Her Pony Rider career was filled with victories and trophies on her ponies, Princess Leia and Kiss-A-Me, and as she stepped into her junior career, Princess Leia continued the journey with her. After relocating to Gauteng, Ada-Raine started training with Ronnie Healy from RH Equestrian and that gave her the additional boost she was looking for.
After purchasing Levitha in 2018, Ada-Raine quickly grew to become a highly competitive junior rider at the top heights available to her. With her constant growth in the showjumping industry, it was not going to be long before she tried her hand at the 1.50m ranks and at just 16 years old, that final step has been achieved as Ada-Raine completed her first top-level round at the recent Outdoor Grand Prix.
Although the step up signifies an end to her junior career, the growth opportunities are exponential and with the support of her parents and coach, Ada-Raine will certainly be looking ahead to the future and possibly preparing for a European campaign. With Levitha enabling Ada-Raine to reach the top levels, Ada-Raine has also been competitive on her second equine partner, Tack N Togs Action Girl. A super speedy mare by Action Pezi out of a Diagonal mare, Action Girl also made a step up this weekend with Ada-Raine into the 1.40m ranks.
With 2 top-level horses and a string of youngsters that Ada-Raine helps train for her coach, Ronnie, an exciting future awaits this young South African talent and we look forward to watching your journey further. Congratulations.
-The JumpOff-
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