Equestrian Centre: Termly Reflection
What a fantastic term it has been at Clifton Equestrian Centre!
Our riders have flourished this term, learning so much more than just how to ride. Through every lesson, competition, and challenge, they have developed perseverance, patience, commitment, resilience, sportsmanship, and the ability to handle disappointment with grace. These are life lessons that extend far beyond the saddle and are all part of what makes our riders true Champions of Childhood.
This term we also stepped out of our comfort zone and hosted our first eventing show in many, many years. It was a truly special occasion and a wonderful opportunity for our riders to experience something different. Throughout the day, the children embraced new challenges, tackled unfamiliar phases, and gained valuable experience. There were hard lessons, good lessons, moments of triumph, and moments that pushed riders out of their comfort zones, but that is exactly what learning is all about. It was incredible to watch confidence grow, friendships strengthen, and determination shine as riders encouraged one another throughout the day.
We also hosted a training showjumping show this term, which once again reminded us that success is about so much more than ribbons and rosettes. Some riders brought home prizes, while others faced challenges along the way, including a few unexpected falls. What made us proud was seeing every rider show courage, get back up, learn from the experience, and continue giving their best. The day was filled with smiles, laughter, cheers, nerves, achievements, and valuable learning opportunities, all while having an enormous amount of fun.
Another highlight of the term was the Waterwoods Training Show on 31 May. Clifton Equestrian Centre was proudly represented by an incredible 25 riders. From the early morning loading in the dark to the late afternoon return to school, there were smiles all day long. Our children rode their hearts out, showed fantastic sportsmanship, and supported one another every stride of the way. It was wonderful to see so many families spending their Sunday cheering on and encouraging our riders. As always, our ponies were exceptional, giving our children confidence, enjoyment, and memories that will last a lifetime. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a fantastic venue right on our doorstep and are grateful to everyone who contributed to making the day such a success.
Of course, none of this would be possible without our amazing ponies. We are so grateful for the effort they give every day, their loving natures, and their incredible ability to teach us not only how to ride, but also patience, kindness, responsibility, confidence, and courage.
We are also incredibly excited to announce that our riding school family has grown. We have officially welcomed Splash and Raspberry to Clifton! We absolutely adore these ponies and are so excited to call them our own. Welcome to your forever home, Splash and Raspberry. We know you will bring so much joy, confidence, and learning to our riders for years to come.
The children continue to shine each and every term, both in the competition arena and in their everyday riding journeys. Whether achieving a personal best, mastering a new skill, overcoming a fear, or simply showing up week after week with enthusiasm and commitment, every rider has something to be proud of.
We are incredibly proud of the achievements our Clifton riders have earned throughout the term and would like to congratulate the following children on their outstanding results.
SANESA Q4 Results
Sophie Miller
1st - Working Hunter Open Level 7 (80cm)
3rd - Show Riding Level 5
Zara Miller
1st - Working Hunter Level 5 (70cm)
2nd - Equitation Level 4 (70cm)
3rd - Showjumping Level 3 (70cm)
3rd - Working Riding Level 5
Olivia Skead
1st - Working Hunter Level 3 (60cm)
2nd - Equitation Level 3 (60cm)
5th - Showjumping Level 3 (70cm)
6th - Showjumping Level 3 (70cm)
Youth Festival at Waterwoods
Miles Triggol riding Cornerstone’s Silverado
1st - 60cm Championship
Leone van der Merwe riding Cornerstone’s Dreamcatcher
3rd - 60cm Championship
Riders Selected to Represent KZN at the Youth Championships
We are thrilled to congratulate the following riders on their selection to represent KZN at the Youth Championships, which will be held during the school holidays at Durban Shongweni Club.
Pony Rider 60cm Showjumping Team
Miles Triggol riding Cornerstone’s Silverado
Leone van der Merwe riding Cornerstone’s Dreamcatcher
Pony Rider 70cm Showjumping Team
Zara Miller riding Ashgar Rosinda
Open Show Pony – Showing Team
Sophie Miller riding Red Doors Daddy Cool
Pony Intermediate Equitation Team
Sophie Miller riding Red Doors Daddy Cool
Open Working Riding – Showing Team
Zara Miller riding Ashgar Rosinda
Clifton Eventing Show Results
35cm
1st - Una van Eeden
2nd - Emily Lazarow
3rd - Grace Dougall
4th - Ava Bredin
5th - Ava Dallaway
55cm
1st - Olivia Skead
2nd - Sophie Miller
3rd - Emily Walker
4th - Taylor Dallaway
5th - Zara Miller
6th - Lucy D’Aubrey
7th - Una van Eeden
8th - Juliette King
9th - Phoebe D’Aubrey
Clifton Training Showjumping Show Results
40cm
1st - Zoe Ngwenya
2nd - Taylor Dallaway
3rd - Emily Lazarow
4th - Holly Greene
5th - Raphaella Constantinou
6th - Georgie King
50cm
1st - Lucy D’Aubrey
2nd - Zoe Ngwenya
3rd - Taylor Dallaway
60cm
1st - Lucy D’Aubrey
2nd - Olivia Skead
70cm
1st - Zara Miller
2nd - Olivia Skead
80cm
1st - Zara Miller
3rd - Sophie Miller
90cm
1st - Sophie Miller
To all our riders, parents, and supporters, thank you for another wonderful term. We wish everyone a happy, safe, and restful holiday and we look forward to welcoming you back next term for even more learning, growth, achievements, and unforgettable memories.