27 year old Debbie Becker is a qualified HIV counsellor, a part time model and she is currently completing an Applied Psychology Degree through UNISA. She is also a member of the 1st for Women Show Jumping team and trains young horses to the highest level of show jumping.

Debbie loves the connection between animals and humans. She says: “There is something so healing and uplifting about horses, they just have this amazing ability to pick one’s spirit up no matter how down one is feeling. They are so sensitive to your moods – if one is feeling a little flat they seem to pick up on that and always find the right ‘remedy’ or if one is feeling on a high they seem to pick up on the energy and join in. I enjoy the challenge of the sport because unlike other sports, there is another live being involved – so it’s essentially a team effort, it’s not always easy to get the synergy perfect but when you do, it’s absolutely amazing and rewarding.”

Debbie says that show jumping is like a heart beat – it has its ups and downs but you have to have the highs and lows in order to stay alive and improve. “Never forget the simplicity of the horse,” says Debbie. “Try not to get side tracked by other elements in the sport – always remember at the end of the day that show jumping is about you and the horse, nothing else. Oh and ladies, the best part – horses are great at listening! You never have to worry whether you are talking too much.”

Debbie says that being humble, confident, honest, hard working and free spirited helped her get to where she is today.

“You need to be able to laugh at yourself and learn from your mistakes but most of all be able to enjoy yourself and truly believe that anything is possible if you set your mind to it,” says Debbie.