Off to represent SA at the Youth Olympic Games

At just 17 years old, Bo Reed is preparing to represent South Africa on one of sport’s most significant stages: the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The occasion will be historic, marking the first Olympic sporting event ever held on African soil, but Bo’s route to Dakar was remarkable in its own right.

At the final national selection event, riders were required to complete rounds on four very different horses, with only three minutes and five practice fences to understand each unfamiliar ride. Bo was the only competitor to produce four clear rounds. It was a result that demonstrated far more than an ability to leave the poles in place: it demanded adaptability, feel, composure and trust in years of carefully developed riding.

Behind those four rounds lies a 13-year journey shaped by very different horses, devoted coaches, an extraordinarily supportive family and a young rider who admits she has not always been the person expected to win. HQ spoke to Bo about the day she qualified, the horses who built her, and what it means to carry the South African flag to Dakar.

HQ: Firstly, huge congratulations! You’ve qualified to represent South Africa at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. When did it actually sink in that you were going, and how did you celebrate?
BR: Thank you so much. I think it’s only really going to sink in properly when I get onto that plane and land in Senegal.

That feeling at the qualifier, when I realised that I had won, is something nothing will ever beat. I think it was genuinely one of the happiest days of my life.

It started to sink in when I got onto Catinka. I realised that, if I jumped that clear round, I could be securing my place at the Youth Olympic Games. From that moment, I realised that I was actually able to do this and that I could make it. However, it still feels so surreal. It still feels like a complete dream, and I’m just beyond thankful.

After the event, my family and I went out for dinner to celebrate. I called lots of my family members, including my grandad, who is one of my biggest supporters, and my aunt and uncle. I also spoke to many of my friends, and they were all so happy for me. Some of my teachers called me too. I received so much support and celebrated with so many people.

After the qualifier, I went straight back to the stables to spend some time with Mardi because, without him, I wouldn’t even have got there. I owe him a lot, so I celebrated with him as well.

HQ: Dakar 2026 is the first Olympic sporting event ever held on African soil. What does it mean to you to be part of that, and to be doing it for South Africa?
BR: I feel tremendously proud of Africa, not only because of how far it has come, but because it is able to support an event like this. I think it really shows how far Africa and African countries have come as a whole.

I’m genuinely so excited to represent South Africa at this event. I also think I have some advantages coming from South Africa, where it is hot and dusty. We’ve had to work with South African conditions, and I feel that will help me in Senegal because I will be used to them.

I’m just beyond honoured to represent South Africa in Africa and to be a product of everything that Africans stand for.

The selection day

HQ: You were the only rider to jump clear rounds on all four horses at the final selection event. Talk us through that day from your side.
BR: Normally, when I wake up on the morning of a show, I am extremely nervous. However, when I woke up that day, I felt quite calm and confident. I remember saying to my mom, “I have a feeling this is going to go well.” Obviously, I didn’t know it at the time, but it would go well!

We collected Mardi and drove to Kumusha, which is such a beautiful show venue. It was perfect for this event.

I remember walking the course with Ronnie and saying to him, “These jumps are quite big, considering we’re riding other horses.” He agreed that it was going to be a test, but told me to trust in myself and my ability and that I would be fine. Anyway, that was when the nerves started to kick in. Seeing the size of the jumps and thinking about all the different horses I had to ride definitely made me nervous.

We then went into the clubhouse to draw the order in which we would jump the horses. In the weeks leading up to the event, I had decided on the order in which I wanted to ride them. I really wanted to jump Mardi first because he is my own horse, followed by Swazi-Lizkhar Heir To Lagos, Diamonds Suzie Q and then Callaho Catinka last.

Obviously, we couldn’t choose our order; it was entirely down to luck, and we had to draw it out of a bin. Because Bo comes first alphabetically, I was the first person to draw. I drew the letter D but didn’t realise until about 20 minutes later, when my mom came up to me and told me, that I had drawn the exact order I wanted.

I couldn’t believe it. I thought, “Wow, luck is really on my side today.” I took it as a very good sign. It boosted my confidence because things were already going my way.

We all went down to the warm-up arena and started on our own horses. I got onto Mardi and warmed him up. Luckily, riders were allowed to warm up their own horses for as long as they wanted, so I made sure Mardi was warm and feeling good for all the other riders.

I jumped him first and managed to produce a clear round, which was one of the biggest things for me. In fact, jumping clear on my own horse was the part I was most nervous about because I felt there was the most pressure to produce a clear on him. It also set the tone for the rest of the day, so I was relieved to get that clear round out of the way.

Then I put my feet into the stirrups of Swazi-Lizkhar Heir To Lagos. Going from Mardi to him was like going from a blazing-hot desert to a freezing-cold Antarctica. They are completely different. Swazi-Lizkhar is small, quick and very hot, whereas Mardi is big, scopey and quite slow. The contrast definitely tested my rideability.

When you get onto one of the other horses, you have only three minutes in the warm-up and a maximum of five jumps. When you don’t know the horse, that is quite hectic. As soon as your bum hits the saddle, you have to start riding.

I really enjoyed Swazi-Lizkhar. When I jumped a clear round on him, I couldn’t believe it. I thought, “Well, you’ve done it. You’ve jumped two clears. There are two more to go, and you can do it.”

I then got onto Diamonds Suzie Q. I must say, I was quite nervous about her because she is a temperamental mare and can be unpredictable. She will either jump for you or she won’t. However, it went really well, and I jumped a clear round on her too. She was actually one of my favourite rides.

At that point, I had jumped three clear rounds out of three. This was why I had wanted Catinka last: she is as careful as a cat and is a proper athlete. I knew that, if I rode her correctly, I should be able to produce a clear round.

I got onto her and told myself, “Bo, just keep your head and ride. You know how to do this. Stick to the rules.”

I managed to jump a clear round on her as well. When I rode through those finish flags, I couldn’t even explain the feeling that went through me. It was incredible.

However, it wasn’t over yet because Claudia (another young rider in contention at the final selection) had also ridden amazingly. I was really proud of her. She had jumped three clear rounds and had to ride Mardi last.

I stood on the sidelines watching her ride my horse, and she was riding him fantastically. I remember thinking, “Mardi, you’re jumping so well for her, my boy.” Then they got to the double and had an unfortunate pole. That was when it really hit me that I had won and was going through to the Youth Olympic Games.

It sounds terrible to say that I was celebrating another person losing the victory, but it was an incredible day. Looking back on it still gives me goosebumps.

HQ: Riding four different horses in one competition is a real test. How do you adjust when you sit on a horse you don’t know well?
BR: This was the part I was most nervous about. I was very lucky because lots of friends offered me their horses to ride beforehand. That allowed me to experience lots of different feelings and practise adjusting to different types of horses before the competition.

I had also done a lot of research, and a bit of spying on Instagram! I watched lots of videos of the other competitors riding their horses. In my mind, I developed a kind of catalogue of how I was going to ride each horse and what each one needed. I’m really glad I did that because it helped me enormously. I knew what I needed to do with Swazi-Lizkhar and what I needed to do with Catinka.

I spoke to Ronnie, and he told me, “You know how to ride. You know the rules. Just stick to the rules, and you’ll be fine.”

When I went from Mardi to Swazi-Lizkhar Heir To Lagos, I made sure I calmed my nerves. I told myself, “Just ride. Keep your rhythm, let him do what he wants to do, don’t get in his way too much and just ride.”

It worked because Swazi-Lizkhar is very forward-going. If you let him do his thing, he will be fine. It is similar with all these horses. I don’t like interfering too much because they know their jobs. They are Open jumpers and know what they have to do. You have to steer them, put them in the right place and give them the opportunity to do what they do best.

My whole mentality was to maintain my rhythm, keep a calm head and talk to the horses. I wanted to let them know that it was okay, even though it was strange to have me riding them. I think that worked to my advantage.

Another thing that helped was the fast-paced nature of the event. You went straight from one horse to the next, with no break in between, and the warm-up was very quick.

That helped me because I tend to overthink things. When I’m given time to overthink, it doesn’t always work to my advantage. Here, I could simply get on, not think about anything and ride. By the time I got to Suzie Q, I was smiling and enjoying myself because it really was fun.

I think that was one reason I did so well. I didn’t place any expectations or pressure on myself; I just rode.

HQ: Were you nervous? And if so, how did you handle it?
BR: I was very nervous about the event. Nerves are important because they show that you care, but I also felt a lot of pressure to perform.

My coach, Ronnie Healy, said to me, “Bo, pressure is a privilege.” He was so right about that. Pressure should be treated as a privilege.

To manage my nerves, I went and sat by myself for a while. I told my mom that I needed some time alone, and I listened to music. Music is a big thing for me. It helps calm me down and gets me into the zone. I listen to it before championship classes as well, and it really helps me.

I spoke to myself and said, “Just trust in your ability. You’ve got this far. You know how to ride. You’ve been doing it for almost your whole life.”

When I took the pressure off myself, it became fun and allowed me to ride and make the most of the experience.
I think that worked in my favour.

Whenever I got onto a different horse and felt nervous, I told myself, “You can do it.” For me, the biggest thing is that, if your mind believes you can do something, you can do it. If you are negative and doubt yourself, you will never be able to do it.

My focus was on getting my mind into the right space. I used the nerves to my advantage and allowed them to fuel me. I think that really helped me win.

Getting into the sport

HQ: How did you first get into riding, and when did you know showjumping was the sport for you?
BR: I’ve been riding since I was four years old. I think the first time I sat in a saddle was at one of my friends’ birthday parties, where they had those little lead-rein horses. From that moment, I decided I wanted to have lessons.

I got my first pony, Ruth, when I was six, but I only started competing when I was ten. My mom wanted to make sure I was in the sport for the right reasons. She didn’t want me to fall in love with the competitive side of it; she wanted me to fall in love with the horse. That is really what happened, and I am eternally grateful to my mom for helping me make that decision.

From the moment I walked into the showjumping arena and received my first rosette, I realised that I loved the sport, not only for the rosettes and prizes, but because it is so rewarding to jump on an animal with whom you have worked so hard to establish a bond.

You can put all the hard work, training, blood, sweat and tears to good use and get something out of it. I fell in love with the little laps of honour, the big pats and everything else.

I don’t think I will ever stop showjumping. It has become part of who I am: the early mornings, walking courses and the nerves. I remember always waking up on the morning of a show with a feeling I had never experienced anywhere else: a mixture of anxiety and excitement. That feeling keeps me coming back every time.

Everyone who showjumps knows that feeling. It’s like a drug: once you’ve started, you can’t stop. I have been addicted from the beginning, and I don’t think I will ever be able to stop doing this sport.

HQ: Who or what inspired you early on?
BR: My first coach was Brendan McNevin. He taught me from the age of four until I was 15, and he is probably one of the people who inspired me most and taught me the most.

Pretty much everything I know, and all my foundations, came from Brendan. He taught me how to ride and really instilled that love of the sport in me. He cemented it.

I always looked up to him. I would watch him ride and think, “I want to do that one day.”

There were also several riders at Blair Atholl, including Kaitlyn Pike and Jamie Mayer, who were my role models. I looked up to them and thought, “I want to be like them one day. I want to ride like them.”

They showed me a side of the sport that I really wanted to fulfil, and I feel that I am doing that now.

HQ: What have been the biggest achievements in the sport for you so far?
BR: I’m not a rider who wins every single class I compete in, but I have had various successes and some very special moments, particularly with Mardi.

Last year, I competed in the FEI World Jumping Challenge and managed to place second in South Africa and 22nd in the world. Jenna Kirk came first and was able to go to Astana. Knowing that I had come so close to that achievement helped motivate me and made me very proud because I realised that I was up there with some of the top showjumpers. That was a big achievement.

The Youth Olympic Games is obviously the biggest achievement I have ever had. Even making it onto the longlist for the selection process was a huge achievement for me, and I was so happy with that. Making the final selection has been incredible.

I also jumped a clear round and finished seventh in the Junior Open Derby, which was another big highlight of my year. I made the Gauteng Equitation Team last year and have had lots of amazing clear rounds and placings in the Junior 1.35m classes.

I’m now aiming to jump my first 1.40m class later this year.

The horses

HQ: Tell us about the horse or horses who have shaped you most as a rider.
BR: My first pony, Highover Ruth, was a little chestnut Welsh pony whom we got from Anthon Hoek. She was incredible and laid the foundations for my love of the sport. She was the most precious thing and never put a foot wrong. I won a lot with her.

I remember, as if it were yesterday, jumping 40cm classes with her and doing SANESA in the top Maple Ridge arena. She really made me love horses.

Then I rode CDE Cadenza. I had her for a shorter period, and she definitely taught me resilience. I didn’t have the typical easy pony career with her; I fell off her in almost every lesson!

She showed me that the sport isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. She showed me that you have to be resilient, that the sport is tough and that it is going to test you.

I then rode Center Genoisseur. He was my first horse and was amazing for the transition from ponies to horses. He got me jumping in the 1.20m classes and helped me start enjoying the more competitive heights.

Then I got Mardi, my current ride, Mardi van het Leliehof. I originally started leasing him, but we eventually bought him because I couldn’t let him go.

He has given me wings. He has taken me from being a nervous 1.10m rider to a confident Junior Open 1.35m rider. He took me that final step: all the other horses built the steps for me, and he managed to take me to the top.

I am eternally grateful for all my horses because, without any of them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Mardi gave me that extra confidence and courage to take the final step, and I am very grateful for him.

HQ: What are you currently doing with Mardi Van Het Leliehof and Rivendell Barbaresco?
BR: Mardi and Barbie, my two horses, are the most precious things in my life. I love them so much. They are unique characters in their own ways, and there are so many different things that I love about each of them.

Everyone asks me which one is my favourite, but I can’t choose.

Mardi is my main horse. I am currently jumping him in the Junior 1.35m classes and will hopefully step up to the 1.40m classes.

He is the goofiest horse. If he were a dog, I think he would be a Labrador because he loves every horse and every person. He is a really special character.

When I go into the arena with him, I never have to worry about him stopping or being cheeky. I know that he will jump whatever is placed in front of him. He is incredible like that and gives an amazing feeling over a jump.

He is quite unorthodox and isn’t very easy to ride. He has a very big stride and is quite slow, so it can be difficult for me to go fast on him, but we are working on that.

I love riding him. There is never a dull moment with Mardi, and he always puts a smile on my face. I’m so honoured to have him as my partner.

My younger horse, Rivendell Barbaresco, is six years old. I am currently producing him for the bigger grades, with the eventual goal of jumping in the 1.40m and 1.50m classes.

He is probably one of the most talented horses I have ever sat on. He is extremely scopey and has an amazing, bouncy canter. He travels across the ground so easily and makes up a lot of ground.

He is definitely a very exciting prospect, and I’m excited about my journey with him. He can be quite challenging because he is cheeky and has a lot of character, but that is a good thing. I often tell people that, if I were a horse, I would be Barbie! He is very spunky, and I really love him.

Having had him from such a young age has allowed me to establish a very good bond with him. I am grateful to have him in my life.

I have also chosen to take his production slowly. I don’t want to hurt him; I want him to be confident when he jumps and not frighten himself. I’m happy that I made that decision because he is feeling incredible at the moment.

About Bo

HQ: What does a normal day look like for you, balancing school, training and everything else?
BR: People who know me know that I am a busybody. I always have to be doing something, and I thrive on being busy and having things to do.

On a normal Tuesday, I go to school until two o’clock and then come home and eat lunch. I usually start riding at three. I ride Barbie first for an hour, rinse him off and untack him, and then ride Mardi for an hour.

If I have time, I go to the gym. It is important to me to stay fit for my horses because, if they have to stay fit, it is only fair that I stay fit as well.

Then I come home and study. I’m a late-night studier, so that suits me. If I don’t have time for the gym, I come straight home from the stables and study.

My horses have a strict weekly training schedule. Monday is generally a dressage lesson; Tuesday is flatwork; and Wednesday is the only day of the week on which they jump. I only jump them once a week because they know their jobs and what they have to do.

Thursday will involve trotting up the hill, while Friday might be another flatwork session. The weekends are for rest and longer, relaxed hacks.

It can be difficult to fit everything in, but I manage. I also do triathlons and athletics, so sometimes a riding day has to move, or I have to miss riding that day so I can do athletics or study. However, I always manage to make it work.

HQ: Outside of horses, what do you love doing?
BR: Horse riding is a massive part of my life, but balance is vital to me. I don’t think it is ideal to become too obsessed with and focused on one thing, and I think I have quite a balanced lifestyle.

I compete in triathlons and love cycling and running. I try to go to the gym every day because I really enjoy it, and it allows me to let off some steam.

I love reading, do public speaking for my school and compete in athletics. I take part in the long jump and the 100m and 200m sprints.

I have also recently been selected as a leader at Heronbridge College, for which I am very grateful.

My biggest thing is simply having fun and making use of all the opportunities available to me. I live in the incredible Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate, where I can walk my dogs and play padel. I’m very lucky to have that freedom, so I try to make the most of it.

Coaching

HQ: Your coach, Ronnie Healy, has been part of this achievement. How is he helping you prepare for overseas competition?
BR: I owe Ronnie the world. He has pushed me to the next level, instilled confidence in me and made me realise that I can do it and that I am capable.

Without him, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I also wouldn’t have the horses I have or be the rider I am today.

He is an incredible coach. He never really gets nervous; he oozes confidence, and that seeps into his riders. I think that shows.

He has been incredible in helping me prepare for this competition. He arranged for me to ride other horses and experience different feelings. We have also been working on my body position and making sure I am properly prepared.

He is currently overseas, and it has been incredible to watch him do what he does best internationally. It is inspiring and motivates me because I know that I am also going to be competing overseas for South Africa. It is awesome to see my coach doing something that I am going to do.

Ronnie is a very busy man and, unfortunately, he won’t be able to come with me to the Youth Olympic Games. I’m quite sad about that, but I completely understand because he needs to be back in South Africa after being away for such a long time.

Alexander Nell will be helping me in Senegal. He is also incredible and has been helping me while Ronnie has been overseas. He really gets the best out of me and has helped me with my body position, my discipline and my riding.

I’m very excited for him to come with me and to have him as my coach at the Games.

Looking ahead to Dakar

HQ: What does your preparation look like between now and the Games in November?
BR: My biggest priority is to keep riding and stay fit.

I leave for Egypt on 20 September for an African training camp in preparation for the Youth Olympic Games. Six African countries will be taking part, and I’m really excited about it.

It will give me valuable insight into what will happen in Senegal. I’ll have the opportunity to ride different horses, learn from different coaches and meet different people.

Until the Games, I’m going to keep riding Mardi and competing at shows. I want to make sure I remain confident at the bigger heights. I’m going to test myself and make sure I am technically prepared.

I will also continue going to the gym and ensure that I am in the best possible shape and fitness for the event because that is a massive part of it. I need to make sure my body is strong and that I’m ready to give the horses the best possible chance.

HQ: What are you most excited about, and what are you most nervous about?
BR: I’m so excited and honoured to represent South Africa in both Senegal and Egypt.

I’m excited about Egypt because it will provide a more one-on-one learning experience. I’ll learn different riding techniques and be taught by different coaches. I think I’m going to learn a lot that I can use in preparation for the Youth Olympic Games.

Obviously, I am also extremely excited to compete at the Youth Olympic Games, ride different horses and meet people from around the world. I think it is going to be awesome.

It comes with a lot of pressure because I really want to do South Africa proud. That makes me a little nervous, but I feel confident in my ability and am overwhelmingly excited.

It is also nerve-racking not knowing which horse I will be given and having to get to know a completely different horse. That is always a concern, but I’m sure I will be able to do great things with whichever horse I receive.

HQ: Do you have a goal in mind for Dakar, or is the focus on the experience itself?
BR: The experience is a very big part of it for me, and I want to go there and make the most of it. However, I also think it is important to set goals for myself.

I would really like to earn a place on the podium. I think having that aspiration and goal for the Youth Olympic Games is reasonable.

My main goal is to try to finish in the top three. There are 24 countries competing, but I think it is doable and within my ability. That would be the dream, so I am going to work very hard and try to achieve it for South Africa.

Obviously, it would be awesome to walk away with the win, but the competition will be steep. I have to work very hard, give it a bash and do my best. I think that is the most important thing.

HQ: What are you looking forward to away from the arena at the Youth Olympic Games?
BR: I think the biggest thing for me will be the friendships and memories I’m going to make on this trip.

I’ll be able to meet so many different people from unique backgrounds, with so many different experiences and stories. I really think that, through the Youth Olympic Games and our shared goals, we will form very close relationships. I can’t wait for that.

I’m also very excited to see Egypt when I go there for the training camp in September. I would love to see the pyramids and experience a different country because I’ve never been there before.

I’ve never been to Senegal either, so that is going to be amazing. I haven’t visited many other African countries, and I can’t wait to see more of them. I think it will be a real eye-opener, and I’m excited to explore more of Africa.

The bigger picture

HQ: You’re a young woman making it to an Olympic stage. What would you say to other young South African riders who dream of the same thing?
BR: Never give up. I know that sounds very clichéd, but if you have a dream and are passionate about something, it will all work out in the end.

I went through a very difficult patch during which I felt as though I wasn’t getting anywhere. I was working so hard and putting so much effort into my riding, but I felt that I was receiving no recognition or reward for it.
That isn’t what the sport is all about, but it is nice to receive recognition and know that your hard work is paying off.

This experience has made me realise that, if you put in the hard work and remain determined and dedicated, you will eventually be rewarded. It will all be worth it.

This is the biggest achievement of my life. I have never achieved anything like this before, and I may never achieve anything quite like it again. It shows that hard work really does pay off. It has made all the falls, tears and difficult moments worth it.

It has shown me that people who work hard are rewarded. You don’t need fancy horses, and you don’t need to win everything to be recognised.

I think I was probably one of the least expected people to win because I haven’t necessarily achieved outstanding results or placed at many shows. However, I don’t think that means anything. Placings aren’t everything. At the end of the day, it is your hard work, talent and passion that will pull you through.

One of my favourite quotes is: “There are no shortcuts to places worth going.” That really resonates with me because it shows that, even through all the hardships, the long journey is worth it in the end.

That is one of the biggest pieces of advice I can give other riders. Even when it feels useless, difficult or as though the journey is taking too long, it will be worth it in the end. Everything eventually works out, and hard work is always rewarded.

HQ: Is there anyone you would like us to thank for you?
BR: Firstly, I would like to thank my mom. She is an incredible woman and probably one of the hardest-working people I know.

She owns Safety First Equestrian, and I owe my success to her because she makes my riding possible. She pays for my horses and works extremely hard to ensure that I can fulfil my dreams. I would never be where I am today, and I would never be able to go to the Youth Olympic Games, without her.

She has invested her time, money and everything else in me since I was four years old. I owe everything to her. I really do.

I would also like to thank Brendan McNevin, my first coach. Brendan, you were the person who cemented my love for the sport in the beginning. You taught me everything I know and showed me the side of the sport with which I fell in love. I wouldn’t be here today without all those lessons, outrides and everything else. I really appreciate you.

Then, obviously, there is Ronnie. Thank you so much for everything. Thank you for finding Mardi for me, believing in me and giving me confidence and courage in myself. You have helped lift my riding to levels I never knew I could achieve, and I am eternally grateful to you.

I would also like to thank Alex. Alex has only recently begun coaching me this year, but he has already improved my riding so much. I’m very blessed to have him on my team and to have him coming to Senegal and Egypt with me. I’m extremely excited.

Then there is Janet Dewar-Pitts, my dressage coach. Janet, you have also helped my riding enormously. You have given me confidence and shown me so many things I didn’t know. I love the chats we have during our lessons. You always listen, and that means a lot to me. You are also one of my number-one supporters, and I will always cherish your support.

I want to thank my whole team, from the farriers and dentists to the physios and chiropractors. Without you, I wouldn’t be going where I am going. Both Mardi and I are eternally grateful to all of you.

I also can’t forget my dad, who makes all my dreams possible. I remember being four years old, sitting on my bed and calling my dad into my room. I said, “Dad, please can I have a pony?” He said yes, and from that day on, shame, it hasn’t been an easy or inexpensive road for him! However, he has supported me through it all and backed me every step of the way.

Without my amazing team, I wouldn’t be able to go where I am going. I am so blessed to have every one of you in my life.

Youth Olympic Games, here we come!