MBABANE – Since February 2020, the Eswatini Equestrian Federation has been deeply involved in the Youth Olympic Games Identification Programme.
The initiative is meticulously organised by the African Confederation of Equestrian Sport (ACES). It was during this period that Charley-Ann Barford, the Southern African talent identification representative, travelled to Eswatini, inviting all eligible riders to a dedicated programme at Nyanza Stables.
Among them was Phoebe Garrell, who swiftly distinguished herself as a prime candidate to represent Eswatini at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG26).
This pivotal identification ignited an exhilarating journey for Garrell and her family, launching their pursuit of her ambition to compete in 2026. Barford’s support has been instrumental, particularly in securing Valentine, a horse capable of guiding the young rider through the demanding 2025 qualification stages.
While 2025 once seemed a distant prospect, the moment has now arrived, marking the crucial phase of Garrell’s path to YOG26.
To secure her place at Dakar 2026, Garrell and Valentine must successfully navigate the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) World Jumping Challenge 2025, Category A (1.20m–1.30m), a competition comprising three legs.
Qualification hinges on achieving a double clear round in the third and final leg.
succeed
Should she succeed, Garrell will join an elite cohort of 24 riders from 12 African nations, progressing to the next phase where a team of five will be selected to represent Africa at YOG26.
With Senegal as the host nation, automatically allocated one spot, only four highly-coveted places remain available. At the games, competitors will ride borrowed horses, and selected riders will compete both as part of the African Team and as individuals.
Phoebe’s remarkable partnership with Valentine blossomed during lockdown.
Despite significant travel restrictions, they began intensive training under Eswatini’s national Head Coach Ann Davies at Nyanza Stables.
By 2021, their dedication bore fruit as they competed in numerous events, including the Easter Festival, Young Horse Performance Series, South African National Schools Association (SANESA) series, Rotoflo Youth Championships and the Equestrian Federation National Championships.
Their efforts were rewarded with notable success, clinching second place at the Youth Championships (90cm) and earning the prestigious title of Eswatini 90cm Children’s Champion. In 2022, seeking broader competitive exposure, Garrell relocated to White River in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
She actively participated in shows across Mpumalanga, though a brief hiatus was necessitated by her horse’s illness.
Demonstrating her versatility, she competed in both show jumping and dressage, securing an impressive fourth place overall in the South African DSA Children’s Novice dressage and triumphing as the Mataffin Chrysalis 90cm champion in show jumping.
Moving up to a metre in 2023, Phoebe continued to excel in local competitions, finishing a respectable 12th at the Youth Championships.
champion
Her prowess in dressage continued, earning her second place in the DSA Challenge Children’s Novice and the title of Mpumalanga champion in Children’s Novice Dressage.
In show jumping, she secured third place at 1.10m and sixth at one metre in Mpumalanga, cementing her status as the highest-ranked Children’s Novice rider in dressage.
The year 2024 saw Garrell and Valentine competing at 1.10m, achieving first and second places at the Ponderosa New Year Show and gaining invaluable experience at the Toyota Easter Festival in Gauteng.
They continued to refine their skills at the 1.20m level, competing in local shows and the prestigious Youth Championships in Shongweni, KwaZulu-Natal. Crucially, at the FEI Jumping World Challenge in Gauteng, Phoebe completed all three legs, securing 13th place in Zone 7 (comprising Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe)—a significant accomplishment, especially as this event in 2025 is paramount for YOG26 qualification.
This year marks another significant step as Phoebe and Valentine have relocated to Gauteng, training at CC Equestrian under the expert tutelage of Charley Barford. Secretary General of the Eswatini Equestrian Federation Kerry Deakin has praised their remarkable improvements in partnership and technical skill.
In April, international Coach Gerry Flynn conducted a clinic, which Garrell attended in preparation for the Easter Festival.
enhancing
She has since competed at various venues, consistently honing her abilities. Garrell has also secured a second ride on Rotoflo Capital Kamron, a more experienced horse, which is further enhancing her technique.
Additionally, she has been entrusted with schooling other horses at the yard—a privilege that broadens her skillset, as each horse offers unique lessons.
This experience is vital, given that YOG26 competitors must ride unfamiliar horses with limited preparation time.
Though selected for the Inter-Africa Cup at Kyalami in April 2025, Garrell’s team had to withdraw due to a teammate’s horse being unable to compete.
Nevertheless, she has successfully completed the first two legs of the FEI Jumping World Challenge 2025.
The critical third leg is scheduled for July 27.
This final leg will determine whether she qualifies Eswatini for YOG26. Phoebe and her horse, Motul Coeur de Valentin, must achieve a double clear round in the two-round competition in July to secure the coveted qualification.
Unlike many other nations with multiple riders vying for qualification, Phoebe is Eswatini’s sole representative, which adds considerable pressure to perform swiftly in the second round to achieve a high ranking.
Continental rankings will be finalised once all results are submitted to the FEI, ultimately determining the quota allocations for YOG26.
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