Tell us about yourself: Where you were born, pet hates, family life, biggest loves.

My name is Lauren Pretorius, I am 38 years old. I was born in Gauteng and grew up In Broadacres on a small holding .My mom (Sally Allan) ran a livery yard and is still a much respected horse woman and coach. I have been riding for as long as I can remember.

As a little girl I would tag along with my mom to all her shows, there was never a doubt in my mind that one day I wanted to compete at the highest level.

My mother always had a way of naturally allowing me to grow within the sport without being spoilt.

My biggest loves outside of horses is most definitely my family. I grew up in a very close family, cemented by love, commitment, kindness, honesty and faith. All of these values I have instilled into my sporting and professional career.

What gets you up in the morning? What motivates you? Keeps you going?

Being a farmer’s wife I kick start my day at 4:45 with a good cup of coffee. I am a morning person, I love to be up early, if I don’t watch a sunrise I feel I’ve missed out on something. Being a mother of two, my children are my main motivation. I work hard to always put them first, after that everything else just flows into place.

I am part owner with my mom of Millstream Equestrian Centre in Hartebeespoort. At the age of 72 she is still a constant boost of energy and motivation in my sporting career. I am always driven to “step it up”, just to keep up with her. She has never let me give up on a goal, even if it’s taken years.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received and how has it helped you in life?

“Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing”

My sister’s favourite advice, I hear this weekly from them and especially on my way to a big competition.

I have taken this and adapted it to my everyday life. With horses you don’t always have to be on the podium to be a winner. In a constantly grounding sport, small victories are often the greatest. Gaining a horses trust, appreciating a good day in the saddle, knowing when you’ve given it the best you’ve got, or simply reflecting on how you could have performed better. The way I see it, if you do everything with love, commitment, kindness, honesty and faith you have already won.

Tell us about your favourite horse: Name, breed, reason why your favourite, successes, qualities, nickname, your journey with him or her?

It’s very tough to have a favourite. I have two very different but wonderful horses of my own that I have the privilege of competing. 

Capital Cashmere is a 7 year old gelding acquired off the 2018 Capital stud auction. He is by Colnardo out of a Belmondo mare. He is currently jumping in the 1.30m classes and I feel he is a horse for the future.

Capital Caleonid is my best friend. I have had him in my life since he was two. A friend and I went to visit Capital Stud one afternoon; I love to virtual shop in the paddocks. And this incredible steel grey stallion cantered over to us. That was me… sold! Convincing Henning of the sale was less simple than falling in love with Callie. Needless to say the next day I took him home. Callie is a son of Calido, who himself only competed in his first big classes at the age of 15. I am confident that my years ahead with Callie will only take me to new heights. Caleonid’s dam line is very interesting, with his grand dam (Wisma) being the dam of the great Cassini. Backing a horse and producing them up to the highest level is so rewarding. He is brave and has immense scope, he always tries his best for me. 

Talk to us about coming back from a fall/failure/losing a ride or horse/ how do you cope with the downs and how do you pick yourself up?

As a woman who has worked sweat, blood and tears, I have experienced many of the negatives as a rider. 

I started working for Capital Stud when I was fresh out of school (2001). Working for a stud and producing horses for sale groomed me to be humble and resilient when the time comes for horses to move on to new partnerships. My lessons learnt producing young horses is priceless.

The toughest comeback for me was getting back in the saddle after having my second child. There were times I convinced myself that 1.10m was big enough for the rest of my life. I have to say that riding horses that gave me confidence was the turnaround point at this stage in my life. I often give myself a gentle reminder that I am a strong woman and whatever comes on my path, God gives me strength to succeed. I have a genuine love for my horses, and just a simple quiet moment with them is all it takes for me to reset.

Please give us some tips on how you juggle a busy life – what have you learnt about yourself/what do you know about yourself that helps you cope and keeps your energy up?

So I think every mother is a pro at juggling life –right?

I have learnt through challenging times that putting your mind to the task, focussing on any challenges in a calm and level headed manner is key to getting the job done.

My energy is fuelled by my family. They are a constant source of support. 

I love to spend weekly time at on-Core Pilates, a specialized pilates studio. Core strength is so important and 11 years with this team has definitely kept me strong, I recommend pilates or something similar to all riders. 

Please give some tips to new derby riders – what to expect in the bob charter in the build-up classes and on derby day.

I, like many others can give enormous amounts of side-line tips and comments. I have not competed in the main class before, but I have produced three horses up to the 1.40’s and competed them in the mini derby. I always make sure I have adequately prepared for the different challenges on track, and I feel fitness of horse and rider is imperative.  It would be a huge privilege and a lifetime dream to qualify for the big class. 

I believe we have many top competitors and horse men and woman in this country. In my experience they are all kind and supportive and are always willing to share their knowledge.

What fence/line in the derby is your most difficult and why?

I would have to say the derby bank to the planks is the most daunting. I have a very big horse and in practice he often wants to push his hindquarter off centre, going sideways down a bank is not ideal. Here’s to a few more weeks of practice!

Who are your rides for this derby – names and in what classes as well as their qualities and expectations of each horse?

I will be competing my two Capital horses, Capital Cashmere and Capital Caleonid.

Cashmere will be taking part in the 1.30m classes. He is relatively new to the open grades. I believe it’s not important for him to set out to be in the top placing’s and consistency is important for his future. Clear and smooth rounds are the goal for this talented young horse. He is a careful horse with scope for the big classes, soundness and the correct introduction to these types of events is crucial for the future years.

Caleonid competed in the mini derby in 2019, and my goal was to have a go at the big classes this year. He loves the atmosphere in the Bob Charter. Being a big horse with incredible stride the open and forward pace of the derby type class suits him. He is brave and eager. On the day anything can happen, but I am confident. If my dream of my first big derby comes to light… I would like to see light at the end of the tunnel. A safe round and seeing the finish would probably see me in tears.

Do you have anything to say to the new sponsor, United aviation group?

What a privilege it is to have such wonderful sponsors on board for the Derby this year. Thank you United Aviation Group for investing in our sport and lending us your wings of support to fly.