2024 YOUNG RIDER ELEMENTARY CHAMPION OF SOUTH AFRICA

MIKAYLA PERKIN

We caught up with the talented Mikayla Perkin after her individual and team victories at Youth Champs with her special Friesian mare Tialda van Coudenburgh (Mama). A sure talent for the future of dressage in South Africa, Mikayla has inspired us with her humble, hard-working approach to the sport and her dedication to her horse.

HQP: Congratulations on your outstanding performance at Youth Champs! What does it mean to you to be the 2024 Young Rider Elementary Champion of South Africa?

MP: Thank you so much! It truly means so much to me to get the 2024 Young Rider Elementary Champion title on the most incredible mare I have had the pleasure of riding and getting to know. It’s such an amazing feeling when all of the hard work, sweat and tears pay off in such a way!

HQP: Tell us how the show generally went for you. What were the highlights for you?

MP: We had an extremely successful show, and I couldn’t have asked for more! From the long drive down to Shongweni, being in an entirely different place, to all the madness of the show and ponies everywhere, Mama (Tialda) was just a superstar!

I would definitely have to say that seeing how well Gauteng did in the team events was a true highlight for me! Dressage has an extremely bright future! Winning the individual championship and a team competition was absolutely fantastic, and I’m so proud to have been a part of it all.

Another highlight for me would simply be the support that I had from my family, as I wouldn’t have been there without them!

HQP: Tell us about your special horse, Tialda van Coudenburgh.

MP: Tialda, more affectionately known as Mama (because my mom owns her two sons and she’s the main lady down at the yard!), is a 10-year-old imported Friesian who my mom, Sarah Perkin, bought four years ago and completed up to medium.

I lost my heart horse about four months ago, so my mom gave me the ride on Mama, which I am so truly grateful and thankful for! It is unbelievable how much Mama has taught me in the short time of our partnership; there’s not a single day where I won’t learn something new from her. She is just the most remarkable mare. For us to make the team and do so well at Youth Champs with only four shows under our belt and 4fourmonths of building our relationship is just beyond special to me!!

HQP: When did you get into dressage?

MP: It feels like I have always been around dressage with my mom, but I only got into it seriously about four years ago. I have been around horses my entire life, and it’s been the best growing up with these animals. They teach you so many life lessons that only equestrians can relate to!

HQP: Do you ride other disciplines, and if so, which ones? Did you compete in different disciplines at Youth Champs?

MP: My passion lies with dressage, so I only compete and train in this discipline. I do have the occasional jump at about 60cm max to keep it interesting!

HQP: Would you recommend dressage to other riders, and if so, why?

MP: I recommend dressage to anyone, as your flatwork and lateral movements are so important for any horse! There is truly no better feeling than dancing with your horse, having that connection, and becoming one with the animal; it is a feeling I could never replicate!

HQP: What are your plans for the future with your riding?

MP: I plan to go up the grades as far as possible, with lots of hard work and dedication. I’m sure something most South African equestrians work towards, or dream of, is to ride overseas, and my goal is most definitely to ride in Europe, especially the Netherlands and Germany; to go over to learn from that experience would truly be incredible and something I hope I can achieve one day! And most importantly, I want to always have fun with the animal I love!