Hanelize is a standout figure in South African showjumping, celebrated for her discipline, dedication, and deep bond with her horses. As the brand ambassador for Vermate & Thermal Mud, she brings refined elegance and competitive spirit to the arena, particularly alongside her partner Vermate & Thermal Mud White Waters Iolite Champio (affectionately “Champi”).
A BOND FROM THE START
Fling’s connection with Champi began at his earliest days. She was there at his birth, nurturing him through each developmental milestone. Today, he’s a striking, scopey young stallion, flamboyantly beautiful, courageous, and blessed with impeccable manners and work ethic. From a foal by Diamonds Incognito out of Brandenburg Come to the Show, Champi continues a lineage of excellence while carving out his own promising path.
RISING THROUGH THE RANKS
Champi has been steadily gaining competitive experience at the 1.00m level, with a notable recent performance taking 3rd place in the South African Championship class, proudly representing Mpumalanga. In one of his first away shows, he finished 14th out of 76 riders in a 1.00 m class. These early successes underline his natural ability and the thoughtful, gradual approach Fling takes in guiding him as he grows and gains strength.
GENTLE PROGRESSION POWERFUL PROMISE
Champi also features in lighter classes as he matures, like 90 cm introductory rounds, offering insight into his development and temperament. Fling is careful to build his confidence and skillset steadily, mindful of his youth even as he shows ready potential for higher classes.
“Vermate & Thermal Mud have been part of my yard and my horses’ daily routine for more than 15 years. This isn’t just a sponsorship, it’s a partnership I trust and believe in. I’ve seen the difference it makes, my horses recover better, feel stronger, and stay healthy season after season. To carry the brand name into the ring with Champi is really special, because it represents years of shared passion and commitment.”
We continue to proudly fly our colours together in this enduring partnership.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS AND 2025 SEASON
Hailing from White River, Mpumalanga, Fling has carved out an impressive career, competing at both national and international levels and earning widespread recognition for her relentless dedication and undeniable talent.
Her journey in the sport has been remarkable. From competing aboard White Waters On Time, Wohlstand Above the Clouds, Fort Gossamer, Shadow Fly, and White Waters O’Lavey Shalih, to contesting the FEI World Cup Qualifiers and national championships, she has consistently demonstrated her competitive prowess.
In October 2020, she stepped up to her first 1.50m class at the prestigious President’s Cup aboard White Waters On Time. Since then, her career has been decorated with wins and podium finishes, including Toyota Easter Festival, Gauteng Champs, and the South African Derby.
Her recent seasons have shown her depth and consistency. Shadow Fly was instrumental in 2023–24, delivering podium finishes in 1.35m–1.50m classes, while White Waters O’Lavey Shalih emerged as a strong partner in 2023. In 2024, she placed 5th in the 1.50m at the President’s Cup with Shadow Fly and won the 1.35m Consolation at the Toyota Easter Festival.
In early 2025, Fling carried that momentum forward, taking 5th place in the 1.50m class at the Maple Ridge President’s Cup with Shadow Fly, followed by strong rounds at the CSI W Midrand World Cup Qualifier.
That form continued at the Shongweni World Cup Qualifier and the SA Championships, where her full string showcased their promise. At Shongweni, she claimed 2nd place in the 1.00m with Afri-Guard Con de Buissy, 8th with White Waters Iolite Campio, and a superb 5th in the 1.30m with Afri-Guard Capital Capella against over 100 entries. Day 2 brought further highlights with O’Lavey Shalih, Capella, and Casino all producing competitive, committed rounds.
At the SA Championships, Iolite Campio excelled with a brilliant 3rd in the 1.00m Championship and secured the only double clear for Mpumalanga in the Interprovincial Team Event, helping the team to an impressive 2nd overall. Capella and O’Lavey Shalih again impressed in the 1.30m, while Con de Buissy showed his speed in the 1.00m jump-off, finishing 15th with the fastest time after an unlucky rail.
These results underline the depth of Fling’s 2025 team and her skill in producing confident, competitive horses across the levels, strengthening her reputation as one of South Africa’s most versatile riders.
As of 2025, Fling remains firmly ranked among South Africa’s top 30 showjumpers. Beyond the ring, she mentors riders from grassroots to open grade and manages a thriving livery yard, proving her impact on the sport extends far beyond her own success. Her ability to inspire and her relentless pursuit of excellence continue to make her a powerful ambassador for South African showjumping.
