I left last month’s blog on a description of what it is like to be a rider competing at the lower level shows, in classes from 1.20-1.35m and working your way up, from the bottom. Literally. Since last writing I have been to more shows, and with time, it all seems to be getting a little easier.

I find it quite interesting that at home we are often criticised and make critique of the standard of the riders at small to large shows. Bear in mind, I mean purely the riders, not the horses they are sitting on. More often than not, the conclusion is drawn that the level of professionalism, style and grace needs to be better executed in order for Australian riders to have more resemblance to Europeans. I wanted to point out a small but noteworthy observation: excluding the biggest shows in Europe and the top 25-50 riders in the world, the normal, everyday riders in Europe are surprisingly basic. There is kicking, yanking, legs flying, pushing, pulling, and reins that are so long they could be tied around the body of the rider; somewhat different to the ‘perfect picture’ we create in our minds to refer to every rider that is from some part of Europe. I am not saying that we do not need to improve, as this would be somewhat ignorant, but we on a general scale are actually remarkably good. I have been exceptionally happy with my horse Zidane, who has been jumping clean rounds, and within time. I will continue to potter along with him until next month where I will have some starts at bigger shows.

It has also been a very different experience for me, being the outsider, the one that no one knows, the ‘random’ from ‘some’ country, the little girl that is trying to catch that small vertical before it goes up to 1.40m (you would be surprised how hard this is to do). I am not meaning to sound arrogant, but I come from a family that is very well known to the showjumping world. I have unbelievably talented parents who have both succeeded at the top of their sport, and are renowned for how masterful they are. This brings many a good opportunity as their wealth of knowledge flows to me and I instantly have an advantage over others that may not come from a horse background. But, it also brings a certain pressure and a lot of judgement, which whether you like it or not, is usually negative. I am not complaining at all, but our sport can be tough enough without the endless remarks about your riding, your position, the fact that you clearly cannot be talented because your dad obviously fixes all your horses, with you being able to just step on and succeed, whilst reaping the benefits. The fact that the only reason you were picked for a team or accepted into a show, was because of what your last name is… That all your horses must be easy, uncomplicated and perfect, and the shocking idea that you had a ‘Giant’ miss.

People do not see the hours of work and dedication you put in, the good rounds, the transformation of horses, the teams you were not selected for and the shows you did not get into. People only remember the bad over the good. So with this, it is somewhat nice to be absolutely no one. There is no pressure, no one watching, judging and waiting for you to make a mistake. But instead there are people that notice when you ride a good round and see that you are in some small way continuing to improve. In some of my experiences people at home seem to be waiting for you to make a mistake, simply so they can feel the need to point it out to you. “Really, I had no idea that I was two metres too far away from that oxer, and as a result was driven into the top rail,” slips into my mind… Unfortunately, to the disgust of many people, we all make mistakes, and I have certainly made a lot. Life would be boring without them.

I heard an interesting quote yesterday:

“If you do not plan to be present during my struggle, do not expect to be there during my success.”

It very much hit home for me, as I was reminded of the wonderful people who support me from the bottom – hopefully to the top. So far my European dream has claimed: eight kilos, many the sleepless night, stress, relationships, friendships, horses, all of my money and my home. But, sometimes you need to have a little faith that one day, it will all be worth it.

On my final note for this blog:

This month saw the passing of one of the most wonderful women known. I wanted to share a few words, and only a few as there is no single amount that can be written on paper, in order to do her life and herself, justice. Binnie Barclay: a beautiful individual who exuded such kindness and love. An honour to have known, and a lady that touched so many hearts within the equestrian and showjumping community. To her children, although nothing can be said to lessen your tragic loss, may you be able to find some small comfort in knowing how many people admired, and truly loved her. It was only made too clear, of the absolute love and pride she had for you all, with just the mention of your names bringing a light to her face. So it is with heavy hearts and deepest sympathies that we farewell another treasure that was taken far too soon, but Binnie, you were spectacular.

Hails X

Hello once again to all those who may be reading this blog,

Since writing my first blog I have received feedback (which was lovely whether positive or negative, due to the fact that either way someone had gone to the effort of reading it) and was thoroughly pleased with the idea that readers seemed to appreciate a point of view that was quite honest. Totally honest in fact. With this follow up there are a few subjects I wish to discuss, and offer my opinions and also experiences on, for further certain conversations to be stirred.

Firstly, I wanted to mention the idea, and certain aura that surrounds the many perceptions of riders that have chosen to be based in Europe for whatever reason, usually to further their career. I have noticed a growing trend, and perhaps ‘band-wagon’ notion, that involves people within Australia that seem to have a certain attitude towards riders that have been here, stayed here, and succeeded here.  Many people’s opinions seem to always fall back onto the concept of money, and, that some riders have only succeeded due to the result of how much money they have or have not paid for a horse. I say ’have not’ as nine times out of ten, the figure that is most talked about is the one that always comes from the last round of chinese whispers, and is usually grossly exaggerated. It seems a little petty, and perhaps ignorant for anyone to think, that someone can genuinely succeed only due to the fact that they are on a horse that they have paid X amount for, as most people, when you stop and think about it, would agree that it is almost impossible for someone to rely so heavily on just the horse’s ability. Perhaps this could be demonstrated simply by walking a course from The GCT, WEG or Olympics. This might put it into perspective I suspect… Personally, I think we as a nation need to support our riders to the most full extent; domestic and internationally based riders.

Instead of subjecting ourselves to emotions of jealously, fear and negativity, instead use those in a way that is going to help our sport grow and flourish so that one day, riders can make a career within their own country, and be sufficiently prepared, and equipped for the biggest events in the world, simply by what we jump on our own shores.

We need to use people like the famous Edwina, to promote our sport WITHIN Australia, to show that it can be rich, prestigious, and something worth dreaming of, as opposed to just trying to make ends meet, which I am not at all criticizing as I also know exactly how that feels. Also, there is an idea that, those riders based here, who are not jumping in the classes seen on TV, are perhaps not doing so much; when really they are jumping at 3,4 and 5* shows, weekend in and weekend out, earning their way to the top. Sometimes we need to give more credit, where credit is rightfully due.

Also, like in many sports, there are so many people who go unmentioned. The backbone of riders: the support crew. The ones helping with stress, nerves, and absolute meltdowns, which all riders face at one point or other. The ones picking up the pieces of broken dreams, horses, bones, confidence and all else that can be shattered. And then helping to rebuild, from the ground up. Usually out of the mere love for this certain person, and a heart big enough to sacrifice their own needs, wants and life to a certain degree in order to support them. For me, this is my parents; the two people in this world who love me enough to allow me to dream as large as I can dream. Working relentlessly, simply to be able to support my idea of what success could be. I felt the need to mention them, as not always do we remember to, and it is important to acknowledge that none of this would be even ‘dreamworthy’ without them. So, thank you.

Since my last blog I have also had my first outings and shows, upon a horse that is mine (well, technically Mum and Dad’s), but nonetheless, ours.  Shows. Are. Tough. Without having the introduction of such a large scale of competitiveness at home, it is crazy how many good horses and good riders there are.  People are relatively friendly, depending on where you are and what nationality they assume you to be. But, being on your own is difficult. At home, I have no issue driving our truck, with a full load of horses, to any destination within the country. But it was different with my first outing in a “horse van/ mini-lorry”, with my one horse, driving internationally to a small show in -5 degrees, arriving, viewing the start list of 160 horses, just within my class, tacking up – within my van, getting on, warming up indoors with 40-odd horses, and then listening ever so carefully for your name to be called in whatever strange pronunciation it is appearing in, then entering the ring in front of more people than we can gather at a World Cup show and starting your round; I was slightly terrified. But all was well, and I was incredibly relieved that it was over and done with. Then I packed up, drove the two and a half hours home, unloaded, unpacked, redelivered my van from where I had hired it, and was back in bed by two, up and ready to start work at six. And so the cycle continues.

I think it may take me some time in order to feel ’at home’ in the ring here. But, ever the optimist, seeing that very tiny light is enough to keep me persisting.

And so I conclude this blog from my warm little apartment, sheltering myself from the -20 temperature that awaits me at work in the morning, with my packet pasta, Home and Away spoken in Flemish, constant list of ‘things to do’ running through my mind, bills to be paid, emails to be done and horses to figure out.

And I will Figure it out.

Until Next Time…

Hails

Hi to everyone out there,

My name is Hayley Coman, I am 23 and currently working and riding for Henk Nooren in Belgium. As many of you are unable to have opportunities such as this, I thought I might be able to give you a small thrill as to the happenings of one of the most prestigious and influential stables in the world. Home of so many elite riders including the likes of Penelope Leprevost, Kevin Staut, Michelle Robert, Olivier Gullion, and many more from numerous countries and backrounds. Being a mere little Australian girl, unassuming in many ways, I was overwhelmed to say the least, when I first discovered and was introduced to riders of this calibre, as to me, similar to most; they have only existed on Eurosport.

Me with Kevin Staut

Now having come back for my second time, I have appeared to have settled in a little more comfortably, or at least have devised a way to hide my nerves when in the company of such amazing riders. Attines, is the home of the infamous Henk Nooren, Dutch born, and trainer of the French Team. Henk has established one of the most solid and respected reputations for not only his own style and achievements as a rider, but for his unique and talented ability to transform both horses and riders in a sense that allows them to reach their peak. With style and a sense of cool, this one man has managed to turn around countries, horses and riders who had disappeared under the radar, to being on top and at number one: his name holding such value and significance within the horse business throughout the world.

Along with Henk is his wonderful team including wife Nicole, daughters Billy, Tess and Lisa along with all the horses, dogs, cats and two sheep. Set amongst the beautiful hills of Engis, Belgium, the property stands with imposing yet magnificent structure, with world class facilities and only the best provided to both horses and riders based here.

Having been brought up with an incredibly ‘horsey’ family, I thought that nothing could surprise me. It is places like this that make you realise that you are a very, very tiny fish in not a large pond, but an ocean! Having travelled overseas many times and never felt nervous, moving here, on my own, with only the money I have in my bank account, and a suitcase full or clothes and memories from home, has been difficult to say the least. Having full realisation that most riders would kill for this opportunity, I am indeed very thankful to say the least, but this only adds to the pressure you naturally put on yourself. Any rider who has done what I am doing, may or may not admit just how tough it is, and there is a common misperception in Australia, that the Europeans have it easy as it is all at their doorstep. This is in fact wrong, yes they have access to however many countries, shows, and horses but… they work harder than you can imagine. With a will and a very strong desire to succeed. The days are long, the conditions are challenging and the obstacles are countless, but I too am one of the fools, who can see the near invincible light at the end of the tunnel. This is the reason you get up every day, and the reason you take every obstacle with a certain amount of grace, but also an internal fight, that makes you want to keep going.

My new horse, JSH Zidane

I think many Australians who have based themselves in Europe would find similarities in the idea that you almost have to allow yourself to be a little arrogant, a little willing to brush off any negativity or intimidation you may succumb to as otherwise it will consume you. You must learn to feel like you deserve to be here, even though your mind is telling you you’re crazy, you learn to be tough, very tough and to work very hard. You expect nothing but perfection and take criticism without anger or stubbornness and very much listen to all the things you are told, but in a sense that doesn’t make you believe in yourself any less. You will have people at home, speaking harshly out of their own fear to at least try such a dream as they are too scared of failing, you will have people who do not support you, think you’re useless, untalented, wasting your time, money, sanity and to all of this you have to be able to say ‘fair enough’. And then continue on with your day.

Slightly different weather in Belgium compared to Australia's summer...

Henk Nooren’s stable is the central of the horse world within Europe, I plan to continue on this journey with its many downs and few ups. But these ups are what keep you going, day after day. I may have doubted my ability, talent and skills at one point, every rider does, but I have never doubted my will to succeed and my ability to work harder than anyone else to get there. This is the first part of my story, hopefully there will be more…

Hayley

Jumping the World Cup at SIEC back home in Australia on Just Lately