Monday 13 October 2008

Selection day

Here is a link to: How I ended up going to this selection day.

After recent dramas with my alarm clock refusing to work I made sure there were two of them on this morning so I didn't oversleep my train time. Got up well on time only to find out (through Journey Planner website which is a life saver of mine) that the tube was experiencing delays (again).
Spent good few minutes soaking my face in ice-cold water to wake up properly, put my riding stuff on, grabbed my bag and off I went to catch a train to Sutton from London Victoria.
Victoria station welcomed me with Katie Price's face cuddled into horse's neck and beaming from massive The Times billboards - she certainly knows how to attract publicity! I really don't think I have ever seen a horse (maybe other than Lloyd's bank's one) on any billboard in London - Katie goes to HOYS and here we go!

Anyway, I digress. I got to one of those Fast Tickets machines only to find out there were about 5 different Sutton stations - great. Phoned the person who was to pick me up and after establishing the correct Sutton off I went.

The selection day took place in a charming place called Orchard Cottage Riding Centre - lovely yard. There were 13 of us short-listed for the Hendelah Waley Equestrian Fund and we met in order to have our riding skills assessed and to be interviewed by a panel of people from the industry.
Riding section took place in a lovely, warm indoor school with BIG mirrors. It was all quite relaxing and I really enjoyed the experience.
Then onto the interviews. I felt mine went well although if I had a second chance I would probably have said more of what I wanted to say.
We all went one by one so it lasted a couple of hours!

Here are a few pictures I took while awaiting decision of the fund.

Rosie - the horse I rode - very sweet mare

Painting in the office showing artist's impression of the stables

Some old photographs on office walls

After a long, long wait we were all told the results. The panel decided to split the fund and chose 5 of us to receive the grants - I was one of the lucky ones!
Lady who ran the day then took some pictures to be sent to Horse & Hound.
The way it works means that none of us got the money in hand, we now have to decide who we would like to train with and the Fund sends the money to our chosen trainer.

I am going to email Kyra Kyrklund to see if she would take me on for a few days of training! If not, I have two more options on my mind.

What a fab day and what a pleasure to meet people who really want to help you! :)
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9 comments

Daun said...

Wiola! You are a genius!!!

I need to fly over there and get some instruction from you before you get too busy with all your wonderful opportunities!!!

When you make it big, remember Brego and I! We will fly to learn from you!

Anonymous said...

well done wiola!!
yep yep - hoorayyy!!!!
let us know when you'll get your dressage training ;)

Unknown said...

Daun - I am just on my lucky wave I think ;)) But thank you :)
I LOVE your farm (just been to 'visit' you ;)
You are always welcome to come over - I am happy to sort your seat out on one of the horses here so you can then go and practise on Brego :)

Mak - hoorrayy indeed!!! :) I will do! :) x

Anonymous said...

Great photologue of the process.

Linda
The Mane Point

What's your favorite horse breed? Stop by, and vote:

Guess the Breed, at The Mane Point

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I saw the training grant advertised but I don't think I had enough experience to apply for it. I think it's brilliant you got the grant and you're definitely someone who could go really far :)

Unknown said...

Samantha - thank you! There were people there of VERY varied experience, the idea was that you wanted to develop your career with horses, no matter what stage you were at. I think it was more about what plan for your career you had than anything else. Sure they looked into your riding etc but if you think you want to work with horses I would definitely have a go at any of similar opportunties.

Unknown said...

The Mane Point - I shall arrange for a visit to your blog too ;)

Anonymous said...

Congrats! That yard looks wonderful (I love that word by the way; I wish we called them yards in the states instead of farms or barns:)). It's been fun following your career and exciting to see where all you are headed.

I'm a little behind on listening to the Stable Scoop, so I finally caught your episode today. So nice to listen to your voice and hear a little more about your blog and career.

Unknown said...

Thank you ever so much Jackie :)

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