WELLINGTON – At just 12 years old Paarl’s own Lienke Uys is galloping her way into the national spotlight, proving that passion, perseverance and a perfect partnership can take you far in the world of equestrian sport.
Since first riding at age 7 Lienke, from Wellington, who is currently being homeschooled, has shown remarkable dedication to the discipline of Western Mounted Games, a fast-paced equine sport demanding precision, agility and trust between rider and horse.
Her journey has not been without obstacles, especially in her search for an ideal equine partner, but through determination and hard work she found that bond with Petrus (14), an Arab, the horse that would carry her to record-breaking success, mom Margot Uys said.
This year marked a turning point in Lienke’s riding career. Within just seven months she and Petrus advanced to Child Level 4 Gold Division status in the South African Western Mounted Games Association (SAWMGA), an extraordinary achievement for such a young competitor, the proud mother said, and her hard work had landed her three sponsors.
Along the way the pair shattered three provincial records and clinched the title of Overall Level 4 Gold Division Toyota Regionals Winner for the Western Province, a distinction that recognises outstanding performance across all age groups.
Their impressive momentum continued at the SAWMGA National Championships held in Parys from 6 to 10 October, when Lienke and Petrus represented the Western Province team. Guided by trainer Joshua Menhinick of Fusion Horsemanship, the pair secured an 11th place in the Overall South African Gold Division, Child Level 4 category.
Now Lienke’s journey is set to reach even greater heights. She has received an official invitation to represent the Western Cape at the Barrel Racing SA National Championships, which take place in Ermelo, Mpumalanga on 5 to 6 December.
There she will compete for prestigious titles, including Youth Champion and Open Champion of 2025 on an American Quarter horse.
Barrel racing, a thrilling American rodeo-inspired discipline, challenges horse and rider to race around a clover-leaf pattern of barrels with speed and precision.
The sport, which includes events such as pole bending, is rapidly gaining popularity in SA through the efforts of Barrel Racing South Africa (BRSA), a registered non-profit promoting it at all levels.
