The four competitors for Philip Smith in 2025 were Hamza Minty from Kwa-Zulu-Natal (KZN), Rebecca Hudson-Peacock from the Western Cape, Alexandra Ric-Hansen from KZN, and Olivia Roberts from KZN. We caught up with the four of them ahead of the Philip Smith.
ALEX RIC-HANSEN
HQ: Please tell us a bit about your equestrian background.
Alex: I have been riding since I was two years old, making it 17 years of riding this year. I have competed in showjumping since I was nine and Equitation since I was ten and slowly worked my way up in both. I’ve been incredibly blessed to have some amazing horses that have helped me develop so much as a rider.
HQ: Which disciplines do you ride now, and what levels do you compete at?
Alex: I mainly compete in showjumping with my horses and occasionally equitation whenever there is a class. I compete in the Adult Opens, bouncing between the 1,35s and 1,50s with my incredible horse – Laios – and my up-and-coming mare is in the 1.30s with plans of moving up in heights this year.
HQ: What do you feel have been your biggest achievements in the sport so far?
Alex: It would have to be a tie between winning SA Junior Open Championship, getting my Junior Protea Colours and jumping my first World Cup Qualifier with Laios.
HQ: Please tell us about your horses.
Alex: To start off with my golden child – Laios. He is a 12-year-old Callaho Warmblood, and he has taken me around my first 1.30-1.55m. He is a soft and loving horse; he is my true once-in-a-lifetime horse. I ride him bareback everywhere. He’s forgiving and has the attitude to win. I am extremely grateful to have found him and had him as a part of my career.
I then have Lemalia. Lulu is an eight-year-old Warmblood. We bought her in 2022, with the help of Michel Van Eck, but only imported her at the end of 2023 due to quarantine restrictions at the time. I have been slowly working through her quirks since she arrived. She tends to be quite an opinionated mare. She is an incredible athlete and I believe she is one of the best horses I have ridden. She is currently in the 1.30s and will continue to develop this year under Jenna Odell.
HQ: Do you know yet who your horse for the competition will be?
Alex: I will be using Carol Nurden’s Capital Chaplin, who she has very kindly lent to me.
HQ: Who is your coach?
Alex: I currently ride with Jenna Odell. I have been with her since the beginning of 2022 and have loved every second. She approaches everything meticulously, sympathetically and professionally – I wouldn’t be where I am without her.
HQ: How are you preparing for the Philip Smith?
Alex: Sadly, I haven’t had a lot of time to prepare for the Philip Smith as I am studying in Stellenbosch. Luckily I had a week of recess where I was able to ride Chaplin daily, doing the elements of the test and getting a feel for how Chaplin wants to be ridden. This time did include a lot of no-stirrup work and when I get back before Easter Festival I will continue to practice my test with him and ride other horses.
HQ: Which phase are you most nervous about, and why? Which phase are you most comfortable with, and why?
Alex: I would say I’m most nervous about the jumping phase—specifically, the gymnastic with only one hand and no stirrups. It is a bit nerve-wracking having to jump with only one hand on a horse I don’t know. I’m mostly content with all the phases. I aim to try and ride every horse the way they want to be ridden.
HQ: Then please tell us a bit about varisty, what you’re up to and how you’re balancing it with your riding?
Alex: I finished matric last year and I am currently studying at Stellenbosch University. I sadly don’t have any horses to ride down in Stellenbosch, as mine stayed home in KZN. I try to go home whenever I can to ride. It does make it easier not having to balance university and riding but I do miss riding every day. Thankfully I have an amazing team at home keeping my horses going, so that I am able to come home and commence as normal.
Good luck, Alex!