Vaulting, Jumping, Pony Club, Showing

Sofeyah Mouhajar

Young Rider, Big Determination

Sofeyah’s equestrian journey has been shaped by both talent and persistence. She began riding as a toddler and has built confidence through multiple disciplines including Pony Club, show jumping and most recently, vaulting.

Vaulting, a sport that combines gymnastics, dance and horsemanship, became Sofeyah’s passion only last year. What started as curiosity quickly turned into commitment. Sofeyah now vaults three days a week after school, training hard and proudly mastering complex movements such as shoulder stands and roll mounts.

She has also taken on the unique challenge of training her own vaulting horse, Flashy, a 14hh Quarter Pony, due to the shortage of suitable vaulting horses. In a sport where many athletes rely on experienced teams and purpose-trained horses, Sofeyah has helped create her own opportunity.

The results have been extraordinary. At only eight years old, Sofeyah has won a national vaulting title, become an ambassador for Pony Club NSW, and represented Pony Club Australia in an international virtual show jumping competition. She has travelled across the state to attend lessons, clinics, practice days and competitions, showing a level of dedication well beyond her years.

Behind the achievements is a deeper story of resilience.

Sofeyah has faced significant health challenges, and her family has watched her work through physical limitations that many children never experience. Yet she has never stopped showing up. Whether it was learning to cartwheel, building the strength to mount her pony, or developing the core control needed for vaulting, Sofeyah has approached every obstacle with quiet determination. Her parents describe her as someone who never gives up and always gives everything to her sport.

Just as importantly, Sofeyah is known for her kindness. She is fiercely loyal to her friends, a supportive teammate, and often the loudest encourager in the room. She is also generous with her horses, regularly offering catch rides and loaning her horses to riders who need one. She mixes confidently with adults and children alike, riding at adult riding club as well as Pony Club, and is respected by riders of all ages.

Sofeyah is supported by a dedicated vaulting team and her family, and her long-term goal is to compete at Junior Worlds. With her love of horses and her unstoppable work ethic, it is a dream that feels entirely within reach.

She is proof that leadership does not always look loud or polished. Sometimes, it looks like showing up, working hard, and choosing kindness every single day.