Free State siblings champing at the bit

The Olympics introduced us to Chad le Clos and the Africa Cup of Nations unearthed Dean Furman, and now it’s the turn of exceptional brothers Kutloano and Sefenya Moloi to wave South Africa’s flag high as they set the pace for their counterparts at this year’s prestigious Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, taking place in Arizona, USA, from the 14th to the 23rd of February.

The proficient riders’ dreams were realised when their father acquired Yarona Hilltop Arabian Stud, based in Bethlehem, eastern Free State and gifted them with reins to what the equestrian fraternity regards as one of the foremost endurance breeds: Arabian horses.

As if 14-year-old Kutloano and his year younger brother Sefenya were born to be champion riders, the pair were champing at the bit, doing Yarona Hilltop Arabian Stud proud as they successfully competed regionally and nationally, raking up recognition in both riding and show jumping.

By not allowing racial stereotypes to limit their outstanding abilities, the siblings took on a relatively new sport for black South Africans and actively demonstrated what determination and perseverance can result in. Under the guidance of Arabian National Champion rider and trainer Sheila Nortje, the backing of their father and the support of the entire South African nation, Kutloano and Sefenya are well on their way to rewriting the history books as the first black horse riding and show jumping champions.

“My sons are each other's best friends and I knew that they would be magnificent with horses when - of their own free will – they spent endless hours with their thoroughbreds, both in practice and in training,” says Nchakha Moloi, the boys’ father.

“But most importantly for us as a family, equestrian disciplines are more than sports, and it’s this love for horses that confirmed our family did the best thing by investing in the Arabian stud breeding business,” he adds.

Yarona Hilltop Arabian Stud is proving to be more than an incubator of hidden talent but is also the place where lifelong relationships have been formed. Arabian horses are known for displaying high levels of sensitivity and bonding only with one individual, but the centre’s dedicated staff has played an integral part in the riders’ ascension to international acknowledgment.

Spurred on by Kutloano and Sefenya’s insatiable thirst for success, Yarona has dominated the industry and in a short span of time founded the Simply Red Equestrian Clothing Line as well as the Hilltop Saddlery, ensuring that it satisfies riders’ and horses’ requirements. By combining the local community’s efforts and utilising international resources, the centre has grown in leaps and bounds, even starting a breeding programme, producing world-class mares and studs.

The surrounding community continues to be aided by the centre as collaboration with the Charlotte Theron Children’s Home in Bethlehem has identified children who stand to benefit from spending time riding and competing on these majestic animals.

South Africa’s hopes rest on the broad shoulders of Kutlano and Sefenya as they compete in the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, an annual event that sees more than 2 500 of the most accomplished riders in the world competing for top honours.

The Moloi brothers are also hopeful that they will not only come back home with impressive silverware, but that they will also use the opportunity to qualify for the US Youth Nationals, to be held in New Mexico in July.

Yarona is a Sotho word meaning “it is ours” and that is exactly what Kutloano and Sefenya have succeeded in doing, taking what has been - for far too long -considered out of reach and turned it into a matter of national pride and unity.