Equestrian, popularly known as horse riding, is a sport played by a few, with many considering it a ‘rich' man's sport.
However, this is not the case for 19-year-old Muthoni Kimani, who is bagging wins in the sport as she represents her country.
Recently, the 19-year-old horse rider visited the Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba who confirmed the athlete would receive a continental award.
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“Muthoni Kimani, 19, is causing sporting seismic waves with win after win after win in Equestrian sport (horse riding). Muthoni paid me a courtesy call ahead of receiving a continental award in Cape Town, South Africa, this weekend. Keep shining, champ, Kenya is super proud of you,’ Ababu Namwamba tweeted.
The Kenyan will be battling with former jockey Trevor Harrison, vaulter Estiven Palacio Hernandez and US Para Dressage competitor Mia Rodier-Dawallo for the 2022 FEI Against All Odds.
The FEI Against All Odds award is for an athlete who has pursued their equestrian ambitions despite a physical handicap or extremely difficult personal circumstances.
Muthoni started riding horses at a very young age however, at the age of seven, she was hit by a car while riding her porny causing trauma which took months to overcome.
At age 15, she suffered another accident where the horse she was riding threw her off, causing panic to many as she never remembered the incident.
The second accident affected her both physically and mentally, resulting in Muthoni seeking mental coaching to help her get through the psychological trauma and fear of getting back in the saddle induced by the accidents.
Another horrifying challenge that the young athlete went through was when she came across a pack of lions while riding in the Masaai Mara Horse Safari. She had to lie low with her horse to avoid the lions.
Muthoni has never given up on her dream to represent Kenya on the international scene at the highest level, and through contacting numerous top-level athletes and yards around the world, she was able to join an Italian academy.
She was selected by Cavalleria Toscana Academy for Jumping in Italy, becoming the first young African to join the Academy and compete internationally for Kenya.
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