Maties student rider goes the distance in endurance sport

By Agnes Homwe

For first-year BDatSci student Emile Badenhorst, the world of statistical learning isn’t the only place requiring intense focus and stamina. As a high-level equestrian athlete, Badenhorst has recently galloped into the spotlight. He serves as the captain of the South African Junior Protea Endurance Team, which he describes as “amazing”.

For Badenhorst, who started riding at age six to follow in his sister’s footsteps, the discipline is second nature. He started competing for fun at nine and entered more structured competitions in 2022. One of his early endurance challenges involved riding 206 km over three days, with distances of 75 km on the first and second day and 56 km on the third day.

Endurance riding is one of the most demanding disciplines in equestrian sport, requiring riders and horses to travel long distances. Badenhorst describes the sport as both physically demanding and mentally rewarding. “It’s a long-hours sport that requires a lot of focus,” he says. “But there’s also a sense of calmness when you’re alone in nature with your horse. It clears your mind.”

At the heart of these achievements is Picasso, Badenhorst’s grey Arabian horse. “Picasso is very intelligent and loves being around people,” Badenhorst says. “He enjoys endurance, although he tests his rider sometimes.” Their bond is the result of years of training. This partnership was further validated at Fauresmith, where Picasso was awarded the Best Condition prize, a testament to Badenhorst’s meticulous care and preparation.

Balancing rigorous university studies with an elite training schedule is no small feat. A typical week is carefully structured to prepare both horse and rider for competitions. Depending on the week’s focus, Badenhorst alternates between dressage sessions, two-hour outrides, jumping work, and endurance conditioning.  “Good things come out of waiting,” he reflects, noting that the sport has taught him a decade’s worth of patience.

Looking ahead, Badenhorst hopes to earn Senior Honorary Colours and tackle a 160 km ride in a single day. Most daringly, he hopes to compete in the Magnolia 1000 km, a ten-day race on semi-wild horses. “It’s not easy taking the first step,” he says, “But 100% worth it. The joy and relief that come from it make all the effort worthwhile.”