THE sky is not the limit for Mona-Lisa Dinwayo from KZN as she rides to victory.
Mona-Lisa Dinwayo, a grade 7 learner at Treverton Prep, scooped the first position in the Junior 70cm Showjumping and first in the 70cm Junior Championship.
The championship was held recently at Kyalami from 27 June to 2 July.
Mona-Lisa (13) said she was happy to win the championship and thanked her coach and parents for their support.
“I appreciate the privilege of living my dream. Being around horses brings me peace, and participating in the Western Shoppe Championships was a great opportunity. In the near future, I see myself jumping 1,3M in the next competition.
“I intend to pursue a career in Equine studies and also be an equine veterinary and make my own horse food,” Mona-Lisa said.
According to Mona-Lisa’s mother, Mayanda Dinwayo, her daughter’s journey began at six.
She said her daughter started riding at Jo-Jo’s Riding School in Summetveld, Durban, when she was six years old, using the school’s ponies and winning many competitions.
She later owned two horses, Miss Molly and Dukes Games.
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“Miss Molly, unfortunately, experienced serious health issues and could not continue being ridden anymore, and Dukes Games was simply not the appropriate match for her.
“She’s currently riding Lazar Light Fandango, and they are a match made in heaven,” Mayanda said.
Mayanda said she was happy about her daughter’s achievement in the recent competition.
“It is a momentous achievement. Just seven months riding her current horse, she won the Reserve Champion for Children's Novice Dressage and Champion for Junior 70cm Showjumping for SA.
“I believe it was a realisation that her passion for riding was always true, fierce, and she never gave up. She has had a rough few years but never gave up.
“I look forward to finding her the right horse to take her even further,” Mayanda added.
Mona-Lisa will participate in the SANESA National Championship at Kyalami in September.
