Sports

LOBAMBA – Teenage sensation and horse rider Khetsiwe James has received special international recognition.

James (16) is the sole representative for Eswatini in equestrian sport in Algiers, Algeria, where nine athletes were sent to represent the country in the inaugural African Schools Games. About 3 000 athletes are participating in various sporting activities in the continental competition.

She received this recognition after showcasing her show jumping techniques before a panel of judges in a foreign land. It is reported that nine out of 28 riders who had clear rounds each received a rosette, which was mounted on their horses. Notably, first to third positions are allocated at this point. James completed her show jumping two days ago.

Show jumping is an equestrian discipline that involves horses and riders navigating a jump course in a riding arena. All athletes ride over the jumps in the same order and score penalties, or faults, if they knock down rails (fence poles) or if a horse refuses to clear the jump.

Her mother and manager, Kerry James, who currently doubles as a coach, affirmed these reports.

“Final podium places will be determined by today’s (yesterday’s) two rounds that start at 5pm,” she said. At the time of compiling this report, podium places were yet to be confirmed.

Khetsiwe has already completed her dressage test. A dressage test is a set of specific movements that a horse and rider perform in a particular order inside a marked arena. These movements are designed to show how well the horse has been trained and how well the rider can control and communicate with the horse.

The test is like a routine or pattern that both horse and rider memorise and perform from start to finish. This is not a podium event, but is required to progress to the next stage.

Local horse rider Khetsiwe James has received a special recognition internationally. Her Coach Kerry James (doning Eswatini flag) could not miss out on the celebration. (Courtesy pic)