THE horses might look like they are past their glory days and the riding accessories are worn out and rudimentary. But the smiles on the faces of the excited riders cancel all of this.
These are the jockeys of the fast-growing Mangaung Township Jockey Club.
At last count, the club had 57 members, but chances are this number has already changed by the time you are reading this if the club’s “first lady” is to be believed.
Connie Sanasie (32) officially started the club on 7 July although the club’s trainer, Thabang Makwane, had been working with the kids for a long time.
“More and more kids come to join us every day and the list of members just keeps on growing daily,” Sanasie says.
Sanasie says one of their biggest challenges, apart from funding, is the lack of knowledge from parents who do not understand what they are trying to achieve and thus keep their children away.
“The kids are very excited about learning how to ride and some of them are naturally talented. With a little bit of help, encouragement and resources, I believe some of them can go on to achieve great things,” Sanasie says.
The club hopes to develop disciplines such as racing, endurance races, show-jumping and polo.
“If we can get a professional trainer as well as someone who can look after the horses medically, I am confident that some of our jockeys, if given a chance to compete in some competition, can come back with something to show,” the confident adult basic education and training educator (ABET), says.) Phone Sanasie on 076-537-8561.
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More and more kids come to join us every day and the list of members just keeps on growing daily.
– Connie Sanasie
