The wonderful world of work (and horses)
Life has changed a lot for me this year. After embarking on a global eventing adventure in 2011, where I was lucky enough to compete in the US, France and the UK, (that's me below at Burghley last year) my jet-setting lifestyle has skidded to a halt in 2012.
With my 4 Star horse limping around the paddock, I didn’t need a crystal ball to work out that I wouldn’t be riding at the Olympics. And besides, all those stamps in my passport were starting to look untidy.
It was time for a change in direction – fewer horses, less costs and more income. There was only one answer.
Win lotto.
Actually, there were two answers.
I got a job.
Making the transition from full-time riding to full-time work has been smoother than you’d think. Obviously, I’m not the first person that’s ever made the change – Emma Mason has been busily keeping people out of jail for years in her role on Law & Order: Gosford. Amazingly, she now sits happily on the edge of Olympic selection.
With a few important changes to your lifestyle, it’s possible to strike a balance between eventing and working that’s going to keep you, your horses and even your employer happy.
Eat carrots (they’ll help you see in the dark)
Unfortunately, day jobs are just that. This means prime horse-riding hours will be hard to find. At first, you’ll find it tortuous to be sitting inside at a desk when the sun is shining, only to be heading home to ride in the dark.
Fortunately, you’ll get over this at about the same time as your first pay-cheque arrives. Money isn’t everything, but it can sure make you feel better about riding horses at a time when only the owls are watching.
Get a groom (they’re worth their weight in gold)
This is an important one. If you were lucky enough to have a groom while you were riding full-time, it’ll be a big mistake to sack them now. You might only have a few horses to ride but that groom is going to become your best friend in the world.
With your morning’s starting well before the sun has come up, a chirpy and efficient groom who’s happy to get out of bed way earlier than you are is going to be the best investment you ever made.
Buy nice horses (you won’t have time for bad ones)
Back when you were riding full time, you dreamt of turning the wild-eyed, unrideable and altogether unpleasant creature from the back paddock into an Olympic superstar. It was the ultimate challenge, the supreme test of your skill as a rider. And it would make a great story when you finally made it to the Olympics.
After a while in your new job, you’ll wonder what you were thinking. Life’s too short to ride crap horses – sell the bad ones, buy a nice one and enjoy your weekend’s eventing looking pretty and winning ribbons.
Dressed for a day in the office or is that a trot up?
Get a bus pass (public transport’s better than you think)
Horse people rarely catch public transport. We not only don’t live near transport routes, but we’re just not those sort of people – after all, trains and buses are for people who play soccer, go out for coffee and frequent suburban shopping centres on a Saturday afternoon.
You’ll start your working life thinking you can avoid public transport. This won’t last. After a few days of tackling peak-hour traffic, paying tolls and looking for parking spots, you’ll love it more than ice-cream on a hot day.
Soon, you’ll be recognising your fellow commuters, chatting with bus drivers and shaking your head at the stupidity of all those people in cars.
It’s possible (you’ve just got to want to do it)
Riding at a professional level while working isn’t impossible. It just requires greater efficiency, some early mornings and a commitment to making it happen. And while there’ll probably be a line-up of people waiting to watch you crash and burn, nothing is as motivating as the thought of proving people wrong.
See you somewhere out there.
Hamish
