2024 FEI JUMPING CHALLENGE BRONZE MEDALLIST
Victoria Greyvensteyn and Divan Bosman qualified to compete in the FEI Jumping World Challenge Final 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Victoria achieved an exceptional third place and the FEI Bronze Medallist title in the 2024 FEI Jumping Challenge. SA Showjumping caught up with Victoria to get to know her a little better and find out more about her experience at the Final.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself!
A: I am Victoria Greyvensteyn and am 17 years old. I live in Benoni. I started riding at the age of four and have been gradually working my way up the grades. My first pony was a little piebald called Splat Attack. I now compete with my Thoroughbred mare, Sunny Park Classic Queen. My mom has loved and ridden horses her whole life, which is how I got started.
Q: Tell us about your horses.
A: I have one horse, Queen. She is super quirky and keen. Queen is the type of horse to spook at fillers or things on the side of the arena, but she has the heart of a lion and will jump absolutely anything for me. She and I have an incredible bond, and she will stay with me forever.
Q: What have been your biggest achievements?
A: Earlier this year, I won the open Junior Outdoor Grand Prix and recently placed third in the FEI World Jumping Final, which will always be one of my greatest achievements. I have also had quite a few podium finishes along the way.
Q: How do you balance your equestrian training and competition with other aspects of your life?
A: I wake up before school and ride so I have more time in the afternoons for schoolwork. I also have to make some sacrifices – like I didn’t go away in September this year with my family; I chose to stay home and ride as many horses as possible before the competition. It is very difficult to manage both school and riding, but I push through.
Q: How do you handle the stress and pressure during competitions?
A: I don’t usually get nervous before I compete, but I was extremely nervous on the last day of the FEI World Jumping Final. The pressure did crack me a little bit, but I put my game face on and finished it off on a high. One thing I always do before a round is take a DEEP breath and tell myself, ‘You’ve got this!’
Q: Describe a challenging situation in your equestrian career and how you overcame it.
A: I had a very tricky pony when I was younger. It took me a while to figure him out, but as soon as I did, we were unstoppable. Queen is definitely not the easiest horse either; she does have her moments, and I have just learnt that it’s Queen’s way or the highway – there must be mutual respect between horse and rider. She has a list of mare ‘rules’ that must be obeyed or show days can turn into disasters. I have learnt what makes her ‘tick’, and in return, she’s given me the world.
Q: What motivates you to keep riding?
A: I love schooling horses and seeing them progress. It keeps me motivated every day. There is truly nothing more rewarding than accomplishing something you’ve worked hard for.
Q: What do you consider to be your greatest strength as an athlete?
A: I am a very focused rider, and I am disciplined both on and off my horse. My hard work makes me believe in myself, which I believe is the most important ingredient to accomplishing anything.
Q: What are your long-term goals?
A: I am so confused about what I want to study after school; I am still trying to decide.
Q: How do you handle your athletic responsibilities with other sports and recreational activities?
A: I prioritise my riding over other sports or recreational activities. I say no to many nights out, but in the end, it pays off. Right now, I’m focused on being my best.
Q: What is the most important advice your coach has given you?
A: Nicola Sime-Riley has taught me never to underestimate myself and has given me so much confidence. Sue Mesa (my flatwork coach) has taught me patience with my horses and the importance of a balanced horse.
And now, onto your exceptional FEI World Jumping Final performance:
Q: How did you prepare to compete at the 2024 FEI Jumping World Challenge Final?
A: Nicola (Sime-Riley) prepared me well for the final. I rode any horse I was given or allowed to ride. There were some days when I felt I was in too deep, and that pressure helped me when I was overseas. I had to learn to cope.
Q: What was the most important advice your coach gave you before the 2024 FEI Jumping World Challenge Final?
A: You are not there to school the horse. The time available is too short. You need to feel what their likes and dislikes are, adapt to the horse, and reach a happy medium as soon as you can.
Q: What was your first impression on arriving at the 2024 FEI Jumping World Challenge Final?
A: We were greeted with a warm welcome as soon as we landed. The show venue was beautiful and was beautifully decorated for the show. We never went without food and tried traditional dishes, which were delicious.
Q: How did you handle competing in such a big competition on a borrowed horse?
A: My horse, Jodcassal A-Z, was fantastic; he and I worked well together. He was a very different ride to my Thoroughbred, Queen, but I prepared myself well for the competition and figured out what type of ride he was. I just had to adapt quickly.
Q: Tell us a bit about him.
A: Jodcassal A-Z didn’t have the quickest ground speed, but he could turn tight and cut corners where needed. He had a sweet nature, and I definitely miss him.
Q: When competing as an individual in a competition like this, were you able to support your fellow SA rider?
A: I constantly wished my teammate, Divan, good luck and congratulated him after every round. It is a stressful environment, and I think it’s important to always be there for your teammates. We all had a great time together.
Q: What were your fellow competitors like? Did you make any great connections/friendships?
A: I made so many friends. I am still in touch with them and have made so many memories. Everyone was so kind, friendly and welcoming. Although we were competing against each other, we always wished each other well and cheered from the side of the arena.
Q: What was the most challenging part of the 2024 FEI Jumping Challenge Final competition?
A: The language barrier was huge, but in the end, Google Translate got us out of a few situations.
Q: What were your personal goals for the 2024 FEI Jumping World Challenge Final, and do you think you achieved them?
A: I went to Uzbekistan with the intention of having fun and making memories that will last forever. My medals were just the cherry on top.
Q: Do you have one lesson/experience from the 2024 FEI Jumping World Challenge Final to carry forward in your career?
A: This experience has taught me to enjoy every moment, and going forward, I will take a step back and cherish every moment in the saddle. Memories are precious!
Q: What were your first emotions standing on the podium and getting a medal?
A: Standing on the podium with the South African flag behind me overwhelmed me with pride. This is definitely one of my greatest achievements to date, and I am so grateful that my parents have granted me this opportunity.