Candice Kent & Grande Roux Willow
Where did you start your riding career?
I started my riding career MANY moons ago at a yard called Carlswald stables. I was extremely blessed to have started my riding career there as I was instructed by many brilliant coaches that coached there.
Who is your equestrian hero?
I would have to say Dani G Waldman , unfortunately she has taken a sabbatical from competing but not only is she a super rider, very competitive and absolutely adores her horses but what she stands for is what I look up too and admire.
What change would you like to make in the equestrian industry?
If I could make one major change in the community, it would 100% be to stop the Bullying within the industry.
Unfortunately its seen all too often in and around yards, show grounds , towards grooms , clients and friends.
People have stopped riding because of what people say and do towards others.....what they wear, what their horses tack looks like , what they ride , how many horses they have or don't have.
My one change , would be that I wish for the industry to make a stand against bullying
Tell us a bit about Branna.
Aaaah my Fatty babes. She is such a dream come true.
I brought her home on the 21 January 2020 as a freshly backed 6 year old and she has been an absolute blessing.
She is By Beau Venuer out of a Conseulo Mare.
We are currently jumping in the 1.20s.
She loves a good cuddle and never forgets a face , especially if you feed her a sweetie (she is very food driven too)
Where do you see yourself going in the next year?
Definitely into the open classes with Fatty , which I am so excited about because she has the heart of a lion and strongest raven wings
And regarding my other rides , I am hoping to get them confidently around their next heights (or 2) too.
What advice do you have for aspiring riders?
Love the horse first and the sport second.
Just Breathe.
In 2023, we tragically lost our beautiful Babes after she fought her heart out against AHS. She was strong, brave and gave her mom enough time to get back home and say her good-byes. We will miss Branna so dearly and know she is the wings that will carry Candice and Grande Roux Willow to the greatest heights!
I started my riding career MANY moons ago at a yard called Carlswald stables. I was extremely blessed to have started my riding career there as I was instructed by many brilliant coaches that coached there.
Who is your equestrian hero?
I would have to say Dani G Waldman , unfortunately she has taken a sabbatical from competing but not only is she a super rider, very competitive and absolutely adores her horses but what she stands for is what I look up too and admire.
What change would you like to make in the equestrian industry?
If I could make one major change in the community, it would 100% be to stop the Bullying within the industry.
Unfortunately its seen all too often in and around yards, show grounds , towards grooms , clients and friends.
People have stopped riding because of what people say and do towards others.....what they wear, what their horses tack looks like , what they ride , how many horses they have or don't have.
My one change , would be that I wish for the industry to make a stand against bullying
Tell us a bit about Branna.
Aaaah my Fatty babes. She is such a dream come true.
I brought her home on the 21 January 2020 as a freshly backed 6 year old and she has been an absolute blessing.
She is By Beau Venuer out of a Conseulo Mare.
We are currently jumping in the 1.20s.
She loves a good cuddle and never forgets a face , especially if you feed her a sweetie (she is very food driven too)
Where do you see yourself going in the next year?
Definitely into the open classes with Fatty , which I am so excited about because she has the heart of a lion and strongest raven wings
And regarding my other rides , I am hoping to get them confidently around their next heights (or 2) too.
What advice do you have for aspiring riders?
Love the horse first and the sport second.
Just Breathe.
In 2023, we tragically lost our beautiful Babes after she fought her heart out against AHS. She was strong, brave and gave her mom enough time to get back home and say her good-byes. We will miss Branna so dearly and know she is the wings that will carry Candice and Grande Roux Willow to the greatest heights!
Monique Cadle-Erasmus & Callaho Connair
What made you decide to start a career in the equestrian industry?
I won't say that it was ever a desion I made but more a dream I needed to live. I've always seen myself working with horses, and from a young age had a extensive interest in 'fixing' or helping horses heal. In 2000 (I was 13 at the time) my parents assisted in that dream by buying a small farm. And that's were my dream became a reality.
JUMANGIS EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
How long have you been riding?
Started riding at the age of 9, at a riding school call Jods owned and run by Felicia Rowan. That's were I met my first horse, and the love for 'helping horses' came about. Her name was Sudden Game
Who is your inspiration as an equestrian?
Meredith Michaels Beerbaum - not only was she the first female showjumper to be ranked #1 in the world, but the love she has for her horses, and the bond she shares is one I look up to.
Tell us a bit about your team mates (horses).
So I have 5 team mates
My top horse Callaho Connair - is currently having an unexpected extended holiday due to an injury. But hoping to have him back on top form in 2023. No words can describe our relationship, but that boy is my wings! We jumped our 1st 1.40 together end 2021.
Seeis de la Noire-has had a break from the jumping scene for 2 yrs, but he is slowly getting back into the swing of things. Hoping to get him back into the open classes soon.
Branic Qaleidescope - truly a diamond in the rough. My problem child!
Is stepping up into the 1.20 classes now.
The Burgh’s Carlota De l'ocean. An insanely talented mare that I got offered the ride on by Leoni and Stan van der Burgh. She is A powerhouse. And im loving the time to get to work with her. She now headed for the open classes with me on her back.
Zest of Life-my home bred 3yr old. That I'm super excited about. Named by my late mother, this boy holds alot of sentiment and will hopefully grace the competition areas In 2023.
What are your goals for the rest of 2022?
My goals are to end my 2022 year with my horses happy and confident. With Connair being off, I had to take a new route and set some new paths. And by taking a step back, I have worked more on myself as a rider to ensure 2023 is a great one.
Where would you like to be in 5 years time?
5 years seems so far, and as much as I'd like to forsee the future and predict the outcome. One thing I've realized this year is how quickly things can change. I now prefer setting shorter more achievable goals. With my horses best interests coming 1st. I want to be the best rider/horsewoman/instructor and yard owner I can be. Also the best wife and mother..
What is the hardest lesson you have learned as a rider?
I don't think there is just one, as working with horses is a constant learning curve and definitly not always easy. But if Id have to name one I'd say, taking a step back (or two) does not mean your less of a rider, but rather by doing so you are reinforcing the building blocks to even greater success. Does not matter what other have to say! They don't walk in your shoes!
What advice do you have for aspiring equestrians?
Strive to be the best you can be. Don't strive to be someone else. This is your path, your story. And only you can make it special. Patience, Perseverance, Practice, participation is the only way to achieve your goals.
I won't say that it was ever a desion I made but more a dream I needed to live. I've always seen myself working with horses, and from a young age had a extensive interest in 'fixing' or helping horses heal. In 2000 (I was 13 at the time) my parents assisted in that dream by buying a small farm. And that's were my dream became a reality.
JUMANGIS EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
How long have you been riding?
Started riding at the age of 9, at a riding school call Jods owned and run by Felicia Rowan. That's were I met my first horse, and the love for 'helping horses' came about. Her name was Sudden Game
Who is your inspiration as an equestrian?
Meredith Michaels Beerbaum - not only was she the first female showjumper to be ranked #1 in the world, but the love she has for her horses, and the bond she shares is one I look up to.
Tell us a bit about your team mates (horses).
So I have 5 team mates
My top horse Callaho Connair - is currently having an unexpected extended holiday due to an injury. But hoping to have him back on top form in 2023. No words can describe our relationship, but that boy is my wings! We jumped our 1st 1.40 together end 2021.
Seeis de la Noire-has had a break from the jumping scene for 2 yrs, but he is slowly getting back into the swing of things. Hoping to get him back into the open classes soon.
Branic Qaleidescope - truly a diamond in the rough. My problem child!
Is stepping up into the 1.20 classes now.
The Burgh’s Carlota De l'ocean. An insanely talented mare that I got offered the ride on by Leoni and Stan van der Burgh. She is A powerhouse. And im loving the time to get to work with her. She now headed for the open classes with me on her back.
Zest of Life-my home bred 3yr old. That I'm super excited about. Named by my late mother, this boy holds alot of sentiment and will hopefully grace the competition areas In 2023.
What are your goals for the rest of 2022?
My goals are to end my 2022 year with my horses happy and confident. With Connair being off, I had to take a new route and set some new paths. And by taking a step back, I have worked more on myself as a rider to ensure 2023 is a great one.
Where would you like to be in 5 years time?
5 years seems so far, and as much as I'd like to forsee the future and predict the outcome. One thing I've realized this year is how quickly things can change. I now prefer setting shorter more achievable goals. With my horses best interests coming 1st. I want to be the best rider/horsewoman/instructor and yard owner I can be. Also the best wife and mother..
What is the hardest lesson you have learned as a rider?
I don't think there is just one, as working with horses is a constant learning curve and definitly not always easy. But if Id have to name one I'd say, taking a step back (or two) does not mean your less of a rider, but rather by doing so you are reinforcing the building blocks to even greater success. Does not matter what other have to say! They don't walk in your shoes!
What advice do you have for aspiring equestrians?
Strive to be the best you can be. Don't strive to be someone else. This is your path, your story. And only you can make it special. Patience, Perseverance, Practice, participation is the only way to achieve your goals.