Ryan Martin and his horse, Callaho Larina, were crowned as the championship victor ludorum in the 1 m show jumping event, competing against 85 of South Africa’s top riders.
Ryan, a Gr. 11 learner of the Goudveld-Hoërskool, competed in the South African Youth Championships’ U18 category, held in collaboration with the South African Equestrian Federation (SAEF), Show Jumping South Africa (SJSA), Showing South Africa (Showing SA), and the South African Equitation Association (SAEQA), at Kyalami from 27 June to 2 July.
Ryan represented the Free State team in equitation, show jumping, and showing with his two horses, Kadush and Callaho Larina.
Ryan and Callaho Larina placed first in the 1 m show jumping accumulator and the 1 m A2 show jump competition, and took third place in the 1 m two-phase show jumping competition.
In the final competition, they went clear, only to knock the second last jump in their jump-off round. They, however, secured 130 points out of 160 points in the 1 m show jumping competition, earning the title.
The duo also ranked among the top six of the South African junior intermediate equitation class, and the Free State team ended third nationally.
In showing, Ryan and Callaho Larina took third place in the working hunter event, and the Free State team ended third overall.
With Kadush, another horse of his, Ryan had a clear round in the 1,1 m show jumping accumulator class, and ended 11th in a class of 86 riders.
In showing, Kadush came second in the open working hunter class and the Free State team ended third overall.
For Ryan it was a dream come true when, for the first time, he competed in the Bob Charter main arena at Kyalami.
“I am proud of my team. Without them this would not have been possible. Being an equestrian, the glory is never yours alone; It is a team effort. From my parents who motivate and support me, to my trainer, Belinda Basson. To my amazing grooms who look after me and then, most of all, my horses. Also to my Lord who gives me the ability and strength, and in whom I put my trust,” says Ryan.
I am proud of my team. Without them this would not have been possible.
– Ryan Martin
