I’m Jane I’m 36 and live in Scotland. I’m a primary school teacher. I’m married to Jamie and we have a cat called Jarvis.
How long have you been riding?
I’ve been riding for about 4 years now. I started as an adult as riding is always something I wanted to learn to do.
Where and when do you ride?
Jane riding a lovely grey out in the countyside
I ride at Houston Farm riding school, a local riding school for lessons once a week for a half hour private lesson. I usually have the same instructor, Claire. She is brilliant!
I try to go out hacking once or twice a month at a riding school in Fife. I’m trying to build my confidence with riding out on hacks.
Why did you start riding?
I always wanted to learn to ride but never got around to it as a child. So, one day in the summer of 2015 I decided to give it a go and have been riding ever since.
What you are currently doing in your riding?
At the moment I’m working on flat work in the school, mainly canter. I’ve been doing a lot of work on getting smoother transitions.
On hacks I’m trying to build my confidence as I find I’m more anxious when out in open fields.
What do you love about riding?
I love that it is a fun way to keep fit. Also, it’s an opportunity to connect with the horse and get outside in nature.
What you would like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?
I’d love to own my own horse one day hopefully.
Tell us about how you are as a rider
Enjoying a tranquil hack on the beach
I am a nervous rider in general – mostly when out on hacks. I am working on over coming this at the moment. I’ve been reading quite a lot of mindset books and just trying to get out there as much as I can.
What made you a nervous rider and do you have any particular way of dealing with your nerves?
I think my nerves are a mixture of not wanting to get things wrong and I worry what other people think. I’ve made a few mistakes out on hacks and tend to give myself a hard time about it. I’m trying to be a bit kinder to myself and learn from the mistakes.
I also sometimes get afraid of not being completely in control and can let my anxious thoughts get the better of me sometimes.
The Final Furlong – Eight Quick Questions
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
Probably Emily’s (Emd eventing) horse Sprite ?
Who is your equestrian hero?
Anyone who does Cross Country!
If you could have 5 people to dinner who would they be?
Dr Tara Swart – author of The Source mindset book which I’ve read several times.
Chloe Brotheridge – her podcasts are so good.
Emily and Tina – they just seem so lovely and fun!
Marie Kondo – I love organising too.
