5 minute read
Feature: Spreading your wings
FEATURE
Spreading your wings
If an overseas job with horses is top of your agenda, international equestrian vaulter JAMIE HOCKING has some great advice.
It goes without saying that many of us who love horses and equestrian sport have thoughts and dreams about going overseas for the ultimate job experience and adventure.
That’s not to say you can’t get great experience at home, given some of the world’s greatest equestrians are strapping, training and competing right here in Australia. But when it comes to building skills and life experience, doing time overseas can be a real game changer. And sometimes it launches you into a whole new world of limitless opportunity, as I found out when my initial 12 months morphed into ten years and still counting!
Here are some of my tips for successfully planning and kicking off your own equestrian working adventure, whether you go for three months or three years.
Tip One: Set realistic job goals. Regardless of how successful and talented you are, you are unlikely to be offered a rider’s gig first up. You may even find your role offer doesn’t include any riding at all, particularly when you first sign on. The message you consistently hear from the Australian equestrian superstars living and competing overseas is ‘be prepared to start at the bottom and work hard at whatever they throw your way, like I did’. Good riders are everywhere, but good character, maturity and a solid work ethic is harder to find, so expect to prove yourself over weeks and months, not days.
Staying realistic about your expectations will help prevent you from feeling down because you had imagined yourself in a much more glamorous role. In truth, anyone who wins an overseas role
ABOVE: The Australian National Champion in equestrian vaulting, Jamie also holds a world ranking.
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in any capacity learns so much about horses and life, and should be very proud of their achievements. It’s easy to dream, but nothing happens without your own courage and determination.
Tip Two: Research overseas work regulations and possible options well in advance. Work visas can be tricky and will dictate how much time you can legally stay and work and therefore what roles you can apply for. Start by researching your eligibility for working holiday visas as they are usually inexpensive, straightforward and offered by around 60 countries including those with great equestrian sport environments.
Shortlist your preferred countries and barns by seeking out and talking to overseas coaches, officials and competitors visiting Australia. But be respectful of their time - ask if they are willing to share thoughts on finding a job in a good overseas barn and request an appointment if necessary. Also think about approaching some of the great Aussie strappers with overseas experience. They all earned their positions through their skills and hard work. They have great international networks and understand first-hand what overseas barns look for in employees and working students.
Be sure to start conversations emphasising your willingness to start at ground level, so that you come across as having no illusions about overseas life. Don’t be afraid to say you have longterm goals as a rider but are ready and willing to shovel manure, handle horses, and support other top riders in your quest to learn everything you can.
Tip Three: Prepare yourself to live overseas, in the same way you get your horse ready for big competitions. Set a date, identify your vulnerabilities, and make a plan to be fit and ready to go. Take care with nutrition and sleep, and pay attention to the homesickness thing – nobody is immune, it’s a big drag, and you don’t want it to take the shine off your amazing adventure. For younger riders, school excursions or a few short trips interstate to stay with friends or relatives all help to prepare your head for a bigger trip.
And be sure to learn at least a little of the language of the country you are aiming to work in. Even knowing English is spoken in most places, I’ve gotten so much back from a relatively minimal investment of 15 minutes a day for a couple of months, listening and speaking through free interactive language lessons online. Even just saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in your host language gives you a massive leg-up by demonstrating your respect, commitment and willingness to engage with new friends in a new life – and it also helps you feel that you belong a bit more. learned the hard way. It will keep you focused on how far you’ve come and keep you positive through a tough day. And stay upbeat when you call or write home – tell them how much experience and learning you are absorbing as you clean stables, groom horses or take part in a riding lesson.
After all, you are as close to the action as you can get, living life and proudly demonstrating courage, self-discipline, a great work ethic, resilience and determination – coincidentally the same traits you need as a top performance rider.
