In a world where sporting success is often measured by years of experience and a shelf full of trophies, Emily Milne a young athlete at Fourways High School is proving that passion and dedication can shine just as brightly as she is a rising star in the world of equestrian sports.
Emily’s love for equestrian began from the very first day she had a riding lesson. She recalls that she has always loved animals, especially horses, and instantly fell in love with the sport.
Equestrian means much more to Emily than just horse riding. She explains that the sport includes various disciplines, each scored differently. In Showjumping, which is Emily’s chosen category, riders aim to complete a course quickly while avoiding faults. Knocking over a jump, refusing an obstacle, or crossing tracks results in four faults, while exceeding the time limit adds time faults.
Balancing school and sport are no easy tasks, especially with the demands of competitive riding. Emily admits it’s difficult, especially since she also participates in other sports. However, she gives her success in managing both to having a supportive yard that helps take care of her horse, good time management, and sticking to a weekly schedule. “It’s tough,” she says, “but that’s how I balance school and equestrian.”
Emily’s journey in equestrian officially began in September 2021. Since then, she has achieved remarkable success. In 2022, she won the Pony Regionals at 50 cm and placed in the top five at Nationals in the same height class.
In 2023, she placed in the top five for both Show Jumping and Equitation at 70 cm during Regionals and qualified for Nationals in both but had to withdraw due to her horse falling ill.
In 2024, she qualified for 80 cm Equitation Regionals but again had to withdraw due to her horse’s injury. Currently, she’s competing at 90 cm in Showjumping and 80 cm in Equitation. In Qualifier 1, she placed 1st and 5th, and in Qualifier 2, she placed 3rd and 4th. To qualify for Regionals, riders must place in the top eight overall in their height and discipline. For Nationals, they must be among the top twelve.
Every athlete has someone they look up to. For Emily, that person is Bronwyn Dos Santos, a South African Show Jumper who has competed overseas. Emily admires her greatly and dreams of one day representing South Africa on an international stage, just like her role model.
Emily Milne is not only a talented rider but also a true inspiration to her school and community. Her hard work, discipline, and passion are a shining example of what dedication can achieve.
Keep raising the Fourways High School flag high Emily and soon, the South African flag even higher. We are all proud of you!