Discover the Grit Behind Equestrian Success with Philippa Hamilton
In Episode 18 of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, Aaron Englander dives deep into the world of equestrian training, injury recovery, and the sheer dedication that goes into a successful career with horses. This episode features special guest Philippa Hamilton, who shares her incredible journey in the industry, the ups and downs of owning and training horses, and the power of perseverance.
Why Horses? A Passion from the Start
Aaron opens the podcast with a question that many equestrians ask themselves: “Why horses?”. Philippa humorously responds, sharing a fun fact about her name: “Apparently, the name Philippa actually means lover of horses... It’s almost as if I was destined to end up with them.”
While Philippa didn't grow up in a horse-loving family, her passion was undeniable. Whether you’ve grown up around horses or discovered the love later in life, this episode will resonate with anyone who has ever found themselves drawn to these majestic creatures.
Starting Young: The Path to Self-Employment
At just 19, Philippa started her own livery yard—something that was no small feat. “There was one horse on the yard... and I opened it as a livery yard,” she recalls. It wasn’t long before more horses came along, and the business began to grow.
This part of the podcast gives insight into the mindset required for entrepreneurship in the equestrian world. If you’ve ever considered starting your own horse-related business, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom. Take a look at our collection of everyday horse vitamins and supplements to support your horse's health and performance as Philippa has done for years!
Challenges and the Importance of Resilience
One of the key takeaways from this episode is the importance of resilience in both horse training and life. Philippa shares a particularly amusing story about a client who managed to scratch her enormous horsebox on a wheelbarrow, leaving Philippa to remark, “What happened? Well, your wheelbarrow scratched my wagon!”
The lesson here? Horses are unpredictable, and so is life. But with a sense of humour and determination, you can overcome almost anything.
The Role of Dressage in Equestrian Success
Philippa also discusses her transition into dressage, a discipline that requires precision and focus. "Why dressage?" Aaron asks. Philippa's response? "I think I’ve got a bit of OCD, and that's why I like it." Dressage offers a level of detail and structure that she finds rewarding.
If you're someone who appreciates the art and discipline of dressage, you'll love the tips and stories shared in this episode. Explore our range of jodhpurs and breeches for your next dressage session!
Dealing with Injuries: The Comeback Story
Philippa recently had knee surgery, and Aaron praises her for bouncing back so quickly. “You're here, two weeks after your operation, like an absolute trooper,” Aaron says. Despite the pain and recovery time, Philippa was back on her feet (or rather, in the saddle) almost immediately. “I’ve watched so much Netflix,” she jokes, adding that the downtime wasn’t entirely wasted.
If you’re facing an injury, whether horse-related or not, Philippa’s story is a reminder that setbacks are part of the journey. Her advice? Take your time to heal but never lose sight of your goals. Check out our collection of stable rugs to keep your horses comfortable while you focus on your recovery.
Keeping the Passion Alive
Aaron and Philippa discuss the challenge of maintaining motivation, especially when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s an injury, a difficult horse, or simply the pressures of life, staying passionate is crucial. Philippa reflects on her love for horses, noting, “If you have a good day, you can’t wait to go again. If you have a bad day, you train harder and still can’t wait to go again.”
This tenacity is what makes Philippa's story so inspiring, and it's a reminder that no matter how tough things get, there’s always a reason to keep going. Looking for ways to reward your horse after a hard day? Check out our horse treats and gifts collection!
Injuries in Horses: A Trainer’s Perspective
As the conversation shifts, Aaron and Philippa touch on the topic of horse injuries. Philippa explains, “It’s crucial to know when it’s time to give a horse a break.” She talks about the importance of letting horses rest, especially after competitions. “We used to give horses six months off, but now, with all the artificial surfaces, people keep them going all year round.”
This episode offers valuable insights into the balance between training and rest for both horses and riders. Make sure your horse is comfortable during its downtime with our fly protection range.
It’s All About Balance
Finding balance is key in both life and equestrian training. Philippa’s story of her dressage horse, who was retired after battling lameness, is a poignant reminder that knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing when to push forward. “You can’t keep them going forever,” she says. “Sometimes, you just have to know when it’s time to let them rest.”
Wrapping Up: Lessons Learned
This episode of the Just Horse Riders Podcast is filled with laughter, wisdom, and valuable life lessons from both Aaron and Philippa. Whether you’re an aspiring equestrian or just love a good story about grit and determination, there’s something here for everyone.
Be sure to watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify for even more tips and stories.
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Ready to Gear Up?
If you’re feeling inspired after this episode, why not check out our horse riding boots collection or riding gloves to complete your next outfit? Remember, a well-prepared rider makes for a well-prepared horse!
