Smit rides to gold on national team debut
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday January 19, 2026 06:00
It was the first time Botswana competed in that area, and it paid dividends after Kayla Smit returned home with a gold medal.
Equestrian horse competitions involve riders and horses performing various skills, judged on form, movement and obstacle clearance.
Smit has had an enduring love for horses, and the bond she built with animals inspired her to become an equestrian. She explained that equestrian sport is not just about riding, but about trust, patience, and communication.
“From a young age, being around horses made me feel connected and motivated, and that passion grew into a competitive career. I have participated in other sport such as athletics, swimming, netball, and hockey. Equestrian is my main sport.
“Like I said, I love horses, that’s what keeps me motivated and committed,” she said.
Born 16 years ago in South Africa, Smit said she has had experience working with many different horse breeds, each with their own temperament and strengths.
She grew up riding from a young age on her family farm in Francistown. Smit said competing in endurance has strengthened her adaptability and patience, as well as bringing the best out of each horse, whilst prioritising their welfare.
“I hope to get involved in more equestrian disciplines in the future. I have had little experience with show jumping and wish to grow my knowledge and passion for it in the future, as well as other equestrian sport,” she said.
“I handle difficult horses with patience, calmness, and understanding. I believe every behaviour has a reason, so I take time to listen to the horse, build trust, and work step by step rather than rushing the process. I often take a lot of time to reassure and talk to my horse, and I find that really helps to form a connection, and once that connection is formed, me and my horse become an unstoppable team,” Smit added.
She noted that her coach, Hannah Ryan, has played a huge role in her development.
The rider said she stays current by training consistently, learning from experienced riders and watching international competitions. She also keeps up with modern training methods that focus on performance and horse welfare. Smit said winning a gold medal at the African Youth Games was an incredible and emotional moment for her and everyone supporting her.
Smit mentioned that she was proud to have represented Botswana for the first time. She said her preparations for the competition involved weeks of disciplined training, a lot of dressage work, as well as many 10-kilometre out rides, which focused on speed and pace.
“I got to ride a number of different horses and get the feel of their strengths and weaknesses. We did a lot of mental preparation as well, such as learning from slide shows with lots of very important information that our coach had prepared for us,” she said.
Her intention now is to promote equestrian sport in Botswana as there is a need for more awareness, youth development programmes, and exposure through schools and media. According to Smit, there are programmes run by the Horse Society of Botswana, called Budding Equestrian for Young Riders and Rising Stars.
“My dream is to compete at the highest international level, continue representing Botswana with pride, and inspire young riders to believe that equestrian sport is possible for them too,” she said.
“My role model is my coach, Ryan and other successful equestrians who prioritise discipline, humanity and horse welfare. I cannot say I have a favourite equestrian discipline, I just love being with horses, no matter the discipline, as long as the number one priority is horse welfare. But if I had to choose, I would pick endurance riding.”
She explained that endurance riding tests fitness, strategy, mental strength, and the partnership between horse and rider, which is her strong suit, as she desires to build a strong bond with a horse.
The discipline requires riders to complete two 40-kilometre rides and two 80-kilometre rides at a restricted speed limit of 16 km/h.
Meanwhile, Smit’s father, Ben, said he encourages and supports his children in their passions. He said Kayla’s love for horses and as a family that loves animals, make it easy for them to support her.
“I cannot explain how proud I was of Kayla winning the gold medal in Angola. It was amazing, I knew she could do it.
“My only wish is for my daughter to do what makes her happy, and horses are her happy place,” Ben said.
Full names: Kayla Smit
Date of birth: January 26, 2010
Place of birth: South Africa
Sport: Equestrian
International appearance: One
Hobbies: Spending time with horses, training, fitness activities, and being outdoors.
Favourite meal: Pasta or pizza
Role Model: Coach Hannah Ryan
FACT FILE