Young riders: no horse? no problem!
Are you serious about a competitive riding career but don’t own a horse? Follow H&H’s advice for improving your performance and getting noticed.
5-point action plan for success
1. Think positive
“Try to make yourself as busy as possible,” advises Dan Neilson, whose can-do attitude has brought about a rapid climb up the senior ranks.
2. Watch and learn
Do whatever it takes to gain experience in a practical setting. As Pammy Hutton points out: “Richard Branson started off making the coffee.”
3. If you don’t ask…
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Blog, tweet or even advertise the fact that you’re after a horse to compete. Be honest, but don’t be afraid to promote yourself in a positive way.
4. Be open-minded
“I’ve ridden dressage with all types,” says Anna Ross Davies, who was a “riding school helper of the year” before hitting the European dressage scene. “I proved myself on those horses. Not having my own made me extremely versatile.”
5. Dream on
A lack of horse didn’t prove a handicap for the likes of Carl Hester, Peter Charles and Emile Faurie – so take inspiration from some of our greatest riders.
Courses, training grants and equitation competitions
Courses, training grants and equitation competitions can give you a much-needed leg-up – and remember these are not necessarily restricted to horse owners. Surf the internet for sport or region-specific opportunities, or try these for starters:
- Apprenticeships. Hands-on training in reputable yards, which could lead to the chance to compete. British Dressage (www.britishdressage.co.uk) and British Showjumping (www. britishshowjumping.co.uk) offer work-based apprenticeships tailored to their disciplines, with a British Eventing (www.britisheventing.com) version in the pipeline.
- Awards. Those with the dedication, talent and qualities to become a dressage professional can enter the BD Young Professionals Award. Winners benefit from a £4,000 cash prize to put towards training.
- Competitions and bursaries. The British Horse Society Equitation Competition (www.bhs.org.uk) is solely for those who don’t own their own horse. And keep an eye out for the winner of the D&H/H&H young rider bursary, which will be announced at the end of September.To read the full young rider special see the current issue of H&H (13 September 2012)Are you looking for a career in the equestrian industry? View our online database of advertised positions
