Just some housekeeping. For those interested, I’ve started a new category that will ‘Profile’ people from particular disciplines. The aim is to build up a heap of interviews of sorts with those who have made it in the industry and are able to pass on some wisdom/insights about their particular field. Enjoy! And feel free to mention people you’d love to see profiled.

“To get in shape to own a horse… Learn to grab your chequebook out of your purse/pocket and write out a $200 cheque without even looking down.”

With her race mare Ethereal, Sheila Laxon became the first female trainer to win the Melbourne Cup in 2001. John Symons and Shelia Laxon run JSL Racing located in Seymour, Victoria, Australia. Sheila kindly took the time to answer some questions about her profession.

Have you always been interested in horses and when did you start out training racehorses?
We spelled beach ponies at our farm from when I was about three so was riding before I can remember! Was involved in training racehorses from 12 years old when my sister and I went to the local racing stable to groom them and ride them out. Actually had a Trainer’s Licence in 1997 but started training a bigger team in 1999.

How much of your day/week is hands on with horses?
You could say 24/7! Never stops (see what time it is now! 6.30am)

In this field is it possible for someone to be a full time professional, earning a livable income?
Yes, the job is what you make it and I do believe that the more you put in to it, the more you get out of it. There is a lot of luck involved in getting the horse that can run, but there are plenty around if you can spend the time in developing them into wanting to be a racehorse. And certainly the prize money is huge if you can get the right horse.

What are the general steps taken to become a qualified trainer?
If you are horse orientated from a young age (i.e. show jumping / eventing etc) I think you gravitate into the racing game because it’s the most financially rewarding aspect to be involved in. You can be involved in breaking in, spelling, pretraining, re-educating rogue horses and get the chance to continue training them to get to the races.

Any advice for those interested in pursuing this discipline?
I am not sure that the courses available are the best way to pursue getting into training as I do believe the hands on experience you can have developing horses that other people have given up on, gives you the edge on the trainer next door. I would suggest someone who is keen to have a go at being involved with training horses should go to work for a trainer they admire and learn as much as they can about why that trainer has the success he/she has.

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
I think you can learn something new about horses every day. I’d love to go back to show jumping, which was my initial involvement in the competition world, but it is a very full time pursuit for little financial reward and, in this day and age, you have to consider the time input ratio into whatever path you wish to follow.

Favourite horse memory?
Ethereal getting to the winning post first in the Melbourne Cup!

Future goals?
Doing it again to prove it wasn’t a fluke!!

Best thing about your sport/profession?
Earning your livelihood out of your favourite pastime, meeting so many people, traveling so much, spending a lot of time outdoors.

“To get in shape to own a horse… drop a heavy steel object on your foot. Don’t pick it up right away. Shout: ‘Get off, Stupid! Get off!'”

tag: training, australia, showjumping, thoroughbreds, racehorses, melbourne cup

Have you always been interested in horses and when did you start out eventing?
Yes, I have always loved and been interested in horses. My earliest memory is riding my aunties horse when I was three. I was first introduced to eventing through pony club when I guess I was 11 or 12, but I didn’t start doing a lot of eventing until I was probably 16 or 17.

How much of your day/week is horse work/horse riding?
Basically all of my waking hours!

In this field is it possible for someone to be a full time professional? If yes, is this on account of sponsorship or is it possible to earn a livable income?
In Australia it is not really possible to be just an event rider, but it is possible to earn a good income through teaching and training horses to sell on.

What are the general steps taken to work your way up in this field?
Most people will start through a pony club or adult riders club and move from there into EFA competition. Once you have developed your skills enough you aim to get involved in state squads and then eventually national squads in the hope of being selected onto a national team for something like the World Games or Olympic Games.

Any advice for those interested in pursuing this discipline?
Be patient and enjoy the learning. Like anything in life there is no quick and easy way to the top.

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
I am very interested in anything to do with horses and love to learn from all the different horse disciplines. There isn’t just one specific think I’d like to try.

Favourite horse memory?
My favourite horse memory is of lying on my pony ‘Cobber’ while he grazed in the paddock with the other horses. I used to wait out in the paddock with him until mum and dad came home from work. He was the best pony.

Future goals?
2008 Olympics and then hopefully future World Games and Olympic Games with upcoming horses.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
The wonderful people you meet. The eventing group are definitely a nice mix of people.

“Just knowing we have both learnt something when I have finished riding is enough for me!”

tag: australia, coaching, instructing, pony club, showjumping, shows, training, competition, eventing

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