Zoe’s Blog (September)

It only seems like yesterday but in a weeks’ time I will have been working for Philip Hobbs for a whole year, it really has flown by and I’ve loved every moment.

I’m very lucky to have found a career that I love and that gives us so many opportunities. I’ve met so many people, made friends for life and have been able to ride some very special horses.

Over the summer I spent my holidays seeing family and friends as well as jetting off for a few days in Mallorca with my good friend Molly, who I conveniently met when I first started at Hobbs’! I’ve also been showing my Connemara pony (Charlie) who I keep at a yard a few miles down the road from work.

I’ve had the most amazing season with him with so many highlights, not least qualifying for Olympia and winning two national titles at the NPS Summer Championships. Without the support of the yard, this really wouldn’t have been possible as they always do their best to ensure I can compete at the shows I need to.

On the subject of my own horses, it’s safe to say after spending a season in a yard thriving with young jockeys, I have well and truly caught the point to point bug. Therefore I have ended up with my own horse to train for this season, best known as Pedro at home!

It is the perfect set up as we are allowed to use the gallops and schooling facilities at Sandhill, so I felt I should definitely take the opportunity whilst I’m able to. I can also kiss goodbye to my lunchtimes as I will now be cantering another horse instead!

The new National Hunt season is well underway and the yard is full of fresh faces, both old and new (horses and people!). The horses I looked after last season are all back from their summer holidays looking and feeling very well and I have also gained an extra few exciting youngsters for this season.

For any of you who have just begun your journey into the racing world, you won’t be disappointed. Work hard, take advantage of all the opportunities you can and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Good luck!