Our DEE
Junior Ambassadors
Hanno Niemand
At just 16 years old, Hanno Niemand is making his mark in the equestrian world. Introduced to horses at a young age through his grandfather, Arno van der Merwe—who bred Arabians and Friesians—Hanno’s true riding journey began in 2021 after his grandfather’s passing.
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Starting in Rustenburg, NW, competing in SANESA, he quickly progressed to graded shows under the guidance of Oscar Ncube. Now, as a dedicated rider and young horse producer, Hanno is focused on developing his strong string of two talented horses, Capital Hayward and Callaho Lissandro, while working towards competing at higher levels in 2025. His long-term ambition is to ride professionally in Europe.
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Beyond competition, Hanno is passionate about shaping the equestrian industry and raising awareness about the deep history and significance of horses. He believes in fostering greater respect for these incredible animals and is determined to make a difference—both in and out of the arena.
Erin-Rae Ratcliffe
Meet Erin-Rae Ratcliffe – DEE Junior Ambassador
At just 13 years old, Erin-Rae Ratcliffe brings incredible passion, dedication, and talent to the DEE Team as our newest Junior Ambassador. A multi-disciplined rider with a special love for show jumping, Erin-Rae has already made her mark on the South African equestrian scene. She currently is in the top 4 rankings for the 1m10 and 1m20 divisions on her horses Africa’s Gold and the 1.00m on Duchess of Africa – two horses she has proudly produced herself.
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Erin-Rae’s riding journey began before she could even walk, and her commitment shines through in every aspect of her equestrian life. Under the guidance of her coaches, Maree Lamont and Nicky Wolmarans, she trains and competes daily, sharing her journey with an engaged and growing audience on social media. Whether she’s retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds or stepping into the ring, Erin-Rae is passionate about the future of the sport—and equally excited to represent a brand like DEE that aligns with her goals and values.
