Morgan riding her dream
Amanda Kagiso | Saturday April 23, 2022 06:00
Her dream of riding began from the time she was four-years-old and it was almost inevitable that she would grow to love the sport. Her mother, who was also a rider, would go riding when she was expecting Morgan. And the moment the young Morgan learnt to ride, she never looked back. Her parents were quick to nurture and protect her talent for riding, something she is grateful for and works hard to grow with dedication. Morgan’s hard work shows in all the competition and tournaments she has taken part in since 2018.
She competed in her first competition named the Maple Ridge Youth Festival where she wanted to get a feel and gain some experience to build her confidence.
In 2019, she represented Botswana in Mauritius with three other young Batswana girls and she finished fourth. When Morgan is not competing internationally she enjoys invites to local competitions and tournaments in South Africa where she schools.
The decision for her to enroll in a South African boarding school was influenced by the better exposure and better equestrian facilities in the neighbouring countries. She has participated in the Maple Ridge Youth Festival and the Easter festival where she competed in the Junior Elementary Medium Dressage category.
Morgan’s recent competition was in March in Algeria where she represented Botswana in the individual category at the Africa Nations Cup.
She managed to get a silver medal. “I have enjoyed all my wins and losses with my partner Charleston (her horse), it’s a horse I hold very dear to my heart,” she told Mmegi Sport.
The special relationship she has with her horse is a result of careful nurturing. Charleston requires a lot of attention and Morgan makes sure to spend quality time with her, exercises and grooms her, as well as give her some treats.
Morgan shared her struggle with balancing her career in riding with her school work. “It bothers me a lot but my mother and coach are helping me try to navigate the two,” she said. For now, Morgan is determined to make a name for herself in a sport that is still at its infancy in Botswana, but it is thriving in developed countries.
Fact file Full names: Morgan Raine Irish Date of birth: 22 May 2007 Sport: Equestrian Educational background: Seven Star Nursery, Northside Primary School, and currently Reddam House Helderfontein Hobbies: Art Favourite meal: Pot stickers and anything Mexican