Then and Now

Bluemoon Equestrian has been a major player for over two and a half decades. In that time, we have had many students come through our hands.

As coaches we raise many kids. Watching them grow as riders and people as we support and guide them.

Not all of them were our students, but they were part of our lives and now are young men and women who were students that became friends and now are our colleagues in the equine industry as they followed our footsteps.

Here we honour their commitment, hard work and dedication by showing their journey. You have done your coaches and our industry proud, and we hope that the next generation of kids see this and realise that those they aspire to be were just like them once.

Bryce is a young rider who started his riding career in the Sedibeng region just south of Johannesburg. Horses were not only his passion but also his safe and happy place, where he could relax and enjoy much-needed downtime with his older sister Jo-anne and his friends.

The love and support he found at the yard from horses and people is a legacy that he is passionate about passing on to younger generations. He has dedicated himself not only to teaching riders but to ensuring those who have difficult personal situations or special needs are included. He has an ability to reach difficult and troubled youth that is entirely out of proportion to his age and experience level.

Bryce competed very successfully in the junior grades as well as at SANESA under the tutelage and guidance of Debs Moore from Horse Sense Stables and was also assisted from Bluemoon Equestrian.

He now work-rides and teaches for Al Tariq Arabian Stud, where he competes successfully in endurance riding, for Etain Stalle in Centurion, and for Bluemoon Equestrian. He will shortly be starting to compete in adult graded showjumping again for both Etain Stalle and us here at Bluemoon Equestrian.

At the age of 30 Emile is a young and upcoming showjumper who has gone from successfully coaching novice and graded riders of all ages, to representing South Africa and riding in the FEI Jumping World Cup.

He is one of the very few South African riders who has had the privilege of riding at Longines.

Thanks to his lead coach Debs Moore, I first met Emile Egen when he was 13 years old and I have had the pleasure of watching him mature into a fine, capable and decent young man as he learned, practised and evolved his riding skills and style as well as his horsemastership to a level way beyond his years. His love for his students and the time he puts into ensuring their success is a testament to his passion, dedication and hard work.

It has been a joy and privilege to be part of that journey and to know that I played a role in it. The fact that there is little for me to teach him these days, and yet he still listens when I give advice and asks for my moral support, is something that is truly treasured.

Emile at 30 has gone from a kid who got by on raw talent and luck to being one of the most empathetic, technically skilled, and capable riders of his generation.

I first met Tarishka when she was about 15. Due to the location of the yard she was riding at, outrides were not possible unless they were on roads. So during school holidays she would come and hack out with us.

A sweeter, shyer teenager would be hard to find.

Over the years she has found not only her passion and calling but also her voice and inner strength. Tarishka now not only works a corporate job but also has her own yard and riding school in the heart of Kyalami, and still finds time to compete very successfully in showing and working hunter.