Hilma Nalupe

Namibia’s very own Shani Friede has made waves on the South African equestrian scene after clinching victory in the 1.20 Derby in Shongweni, KwaZulu-Natal, last weekend with her horse Callaho Lucien.

The 19-year-old rider, who is currently taking a gap year to focus fully on horse riding, has been based in outer Durban since earlier this year and continues to grow her reputation under the Namibian banner. Her journey in South Africa has already been marked by standout results, including a 5th place finish overall at the South African Show Jumping Championships in August and third at the Africa Cup, a prestigious international event contested between riders from South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Eswatini.

These results have propelled her to the top of the KwaZulu-Natal rankings, where she currently sits as the number one rider and sixth overall in South Africa for the 1.20m height category.

Her Derby win at Shongweni was a hard-fought triumph. She had to recover quickly from a fall earlier in the day when riding her other horse, which meant she needed to refocus before stepping back into the ring with Lucien. That resilience paid off, as she and Lucien rose to the challenge of the demanding course and delivered when it mattered most.

“The atmosphere was electric! Everyone was excited since the KZN Derby is seen as the start of the Derby season, leading up to the big Derby at Kyalami Equestrian Park in Johannesburg,” she recalled.

The course itself posed unique challenges, from its technical layout to the long stretches that tested both stamina and concentration. Friede and Lucien kept their composure, overcoming an early slip-up to secure a spot in the jump-off. As the last rider to go, she delivered a flawless ride with speed and precision to edge past her competition.

It was a milestone moment in her riding career, reinforcing the progress she has made during her training in South Africa. Under the guidance of her coach, Grant Langley, she has been fine-tuning her technique and adapting to the demands of top-level competition.

Reflecting on the win, she said: “Initially, I wasn’t sure we were fast enough. When they announced we’d won, I was over the moon and so proud of Callaho Lucien.”

The victory has set her sights firmly on the weeks ahead. Friede will next compete at the Youth Extravaganza at Maple Ridge before heading to Johannesburg for the prestigious Kyalami Derby, where she will also attempt her first 1.30m class. -hilmanalupe@gmail.com