Zebaldt Ngaruka 

The man on the horse, better known as a jockey, plays a pivotal role in horse racing sports.

Jockeys are skilled athletes who compete in horse-races, guiding and controlling the horses.

New Era Sport caught up with some horse riders as they prepare for the Gobabis Summer Derby racing competition, scheduled for 30 November in Omaheke region.

Leading the race is Okahandja Racing’s Mario Dirks, who said the love of horse-racing motivated him to become a jockey.

He said he started riding horses when he was 12 – and now at 30, he is one of the most experienced riders in the country.

“Besides horse riding, I get extra money from repairing air-conditioners, refrigerators and other electronic appliances. This helped me a lot to maintain my family,” he said.

He said his club horses motivate him to do better.

“Our club have one of the best horses in the country, and I am always sure of going home with an envelope from any competition,” Dirks remarked.

Amongst the club horses are seasonal horses called Starlile, Vang en Los, and Pekepeke.

Arnisto Titus (25), who rides Eamon Freygang’s horse, said he started riding in 2010, and his love for horses contributed to him being one of the country’s top jockeys. 

He is also a dog breeder. 

“This is something I like, and I am breeding dogs for profit purposes. I like dogs and I take good care of them, the same as I love horses,” he said.

Titus’ favourite horse is Unbroken Promises because of its dominance in the racing competition.

“I like all of them, but not equally. Unbroken Promises won many accolades, and it gives me pleasure to work with it,” said the jockey.

Otjinene Supporters Club’s Kater Densit Eiman said he does a fencing job if he is not on the racing turf. 

The Okauarongo-based jockey said riding horses is not an easy thing, as one can get harmed at any time.

“Despite the love for the racing sport, one has to plan for a life after horse-racing. The fencing job is also one of the good jobs, and I help my family with income earned from it,” he said.

Eiman appreciates his manager’s effort in trying to uplift his living standard.

“I now have a proper house, and my family are happy to have a roof over their heads. These are some of the things that motivate me to ride better,” he said.

Angermund Racing’s Willow Olivier (28) said he works at the Rehoboth bricks factory when he is not riding horses.

He owns a racehorse called Camarata, from which he earns another income to support his family. 

His club’s favourite horse is Queen Brittania, whom he said always wins a plate in
competitions.

Some horse riders who spoke on condition of anonymity told New Era Sport that they work as farm labourers, and earn a monthly remuneration of N$1 500.

“We are working at farms, and the money we get from horse- racing is our bonus. That is why we honour our bosses with victory at the competition so that we can get bonuses,” said a anonymous jockey.

 – zngaruka@yahoo.com