Our 2024 Junior Open Individual Showjumping Champions
With 24 starters, made up of the best of the best from around the country, the 1.35m Championship Class always promised to be an exciting one. With five horses entering the jump-off on double-clears after two super-competitive rounds, the pressure on the combinations never let up.
Divan Bosman and Cornerstone’s Midgard Zhakiro were second last to go and put in an assured and ultra-speedy performance that proved unbeatable. Taking this title in Divan’s last year as a Junior continues the fairytale that Divan and Zhak have told over the past few years. Congratulations, Divan! This was a very well-deserved win!
HQ Pony had a quick catch-up with Divan following his victory!
HQ: Divan, you and Zhak have been in incredible form for some time now and are consistently competitive…Could you tell us how your SA Champs show started and how the warm-up classes went?
Divan: My show started calmly, and I was very calm. In my first class, I just went for a nice, easy round with a clear, and that’s what I did. I just went for the clear and got a third out of it. I was more competitive in my second class and unfortunately had one pole down, but it was still amazing, and I knew I was ready for the Champs Class.
HQ: Super! Well, it was a cracking Championship Class. Can you talk us through it from your perspective?
Divan: In Round One, Zhakiro was a bit hyped up, but I just went with him and was going for a clear, of course, but I also had to pay attention to the time, so I still focused on turns and went a bit tighter around them but kept them smooth.
In Round Two, I knew time was on the line, and luckily, Zhakiro is already a fast horse, but I took my turns even tighter and just went smoothly around the course, knowing I had to clear for a jump-off. I kept calm and focused at every single jump.
I knew I had to go all in in the jump-off, so I said it was all or nothing. I went in a bit stressed, but I knew if I stayed focused and calm, I could do this. I went to jump one nice and easy, and after jump one, I opened up a bit and just kept on going but tried keeping my turns nice and smooth because that’s what helps with getting a faster time, and I needed it. I took a super short turn to jump number two as I know Zhakiro can do it, and to the combination, I was steadying a bit, keeping him on his hind. I opened up a bit to the white oxer and cleared it nicely. I landed a bit far, though, so I went faster around, making it as smooth as possible. I took a nice line to the last jump and came in on a perfect distance, and that’s how it was. It was amazing, and I’m so proud.
HQ: Do you get ‘nerves’, and if so, how do you deal with them?
Divan: I will only get nervous before the show, but normally, it goes away at the show! But I just try to stay as calm as possible.
HQ: Well, congratulations! What are your plans and goals with Zhak for the rest of the year?
Divan: I’m going to jump the 1.40m on Zhak now and hopefully get him to the 1.50m, but my goal is to win some big titles on him and the Grand Prix.
HQ: What ‘big’ SA title would you like to win the most?
Divan: I would like to win the ‘big’ SA Adult Derby
HQ: And what about the rest of the horses in your string?
Divan: So I have:
Nobello TiJi St: He is ten going on 11. We are going up to 1.40m and 1.50m with him now and want to prep to be ready for the big Derby this year.
Callaho Balvenie: She is seven going on eight years old. She is currently back to the 1.20m. I jumped her in the 1.20m at Champs; it was her first show back after injury. She went so well. I will work her back up to the 1.30m and 1.35m now when we get back.
Callaho Carmen. She is six going on seven years old. For the rest of this year, we will focus on the 1.10m and 1.20m classes, as she is my small feisty mare.
Callaho Bolanne. She is eight going on nine years old. We are just keeping her calm as she is very sensitive. I am not competing with her now, but I hope to compete with her soon.
HQ: What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Divan: That you should never give up on a dream no matter how big it is and that you should just keep working hard for what you want.
HQ: Now that’s a winning attitude! We wish you all the best!
