European countries for eventing career

[dominik.eventing]

I really desperately want to have a business in the horse world, I’m currently 19 and considering different pathways and options. My biggest issue is figuring out where I would want to be based… bc I cant have a business without land, and I’m not going to buy land and spend money on it just to change my mind and move.

I grew up and live in Australia, however I dont know if this is where I want to stay. Obviously the benefit of staying here is that I am vey familiar with the horse world here and have a small name for myself. The downside is that it’s not ideal for high level eventing, most end up going overseas short term or even long term. I also HATEEEEE the heat.

My other option is europe, my family is polish, I have EU passport/citizenship, and am fluent in polish. Being based in europe would give me a lot more opportunities in eventing, however there would be a lot of adjusting to do. Obviously, I would base myself with other riders first, and eventually try have my own business. The only problem is, I have no idea what places to even consider. I’m currently doing FEI 2*, with a recent 2nd at melbourne international in the CCI2*-L junior/young rider class on my OTTB. I know I’ll need to work under other people initially, however I’d really love to represent myself at some point. I’ve got my eyes set on 3* by the end of the year and my current plan is to just make the most of my current horse and opportunities before going overseas.

Would my best option be just spending some time travelling around, working for a range of people in range of countries? My only worry is losing possible rides/losing connections/the financial struggle of moving around (possibly with horse if i buy one).

What are good countries to consider? what are good pathways for getting into the european horse world? Honestly anything, from personal stories, to general advice, naming possible eventers to reach out to, or just listing some great countries to consider would be appreciated.

[Equibrit]

World's #1 Equestrian Recruitment, Equine and Horse Jobs Site | YardandGroom

[Baybear]

UK or Germany may be the best places to see if you can get based out of. Might want to contact some of the bigger riders there and see what opportunities there might be for you.

[Amberley]

Be warned that UK and Germany are polar opposites in most horse related ways. Coming from Australia I think Germany would be a massive difference in horse keeping culture for you

Best advice is to go somewhere you speak the language to start with, you can move on after a year if you want to. Coming from Australia I would look in the UK, Scotland or Ireland, then France if you can speak it or find a job that accepts your language then central Europe since you are fluent in Polish.

[Baybear]

Great points. Might want to see if your trainer/coach has any contacts in UK or Ireland

[Kirikou]

The UK is obviously the mecca of eventing in Europe but it currently might be a bit tricky visa-wise though. Ireland would be fine though with Polish passport and easier language-wise of course.
If you are willing to also look at jumper yards, the triangle Belgium/France/Netherlands has a high concentrations of high-level barns and lots of shows.
Good luck!

[BWP]

@Amberley

Coming from Australia I would look in the UK, Scotland or Ireland,

Huh? Scotland is in the UK, Ireland (RoI) is not.

Scotland is lovely in many ways but country wide we have a grand total of 4 BE events, which only cater to riders up to Novice level. We have one FEI event. I have seen discussions recently about the lack of events in Ireland but really don’t know enough about their fixtures list to presume.

Some key areas in England where there are FAR more eventing opportunities on offer! There’s a very good reason the majority of upper level eventers congregate within reasonably small geographical areas.

[Willesdon]

The epicentre of Eventing is the UK. There are loads of Events between March and October, small distances (compared to Aus), fierce competition and a lot of variety. Similarly, pure dressage and show jumping is readily available for cross training. There are multiple overseas riders based here and it isn’t unusual for even a BE100 to have 15-20 nationalities running. One approach might be to contact some of the UK-based Australian and NZ riders directly and see what opportunities they might be able to offer you. It is common for Australian and NZ to base themselves with a yard for a season or two. Bill Levitt comes immediately to mind. We are coming to the end of our season now so there will be fewer jobs available but good riders with a record can generally find an opening. Most of the professionals have websites, many make their living bringing on younger horses and teaching, often they have spaces available for a passing population of riders learning skills. Harry Meade comes to mind. Another thought is the British Grooms Association has an online jobs list which might be a starting point as “Grooms” do far, far more than muck out boxes. A winter spent hunting might be useful! Culturally, language and society we aren’t so different: we tend to laugh at the same things.

Ireland is building depth in Eventing but an awful lot of their top riders are based in the UK. With your Polish passport you can work in the Republic perhaps easier than in the UK. You need to check employment status.

Poland currently has a strong economy and a historic depth of horse culture. National and regional government are putting money into the development of equestrian sport which is always helpful! Eventing is still a niche sport but Strezgom has run multiple, high profile FEI competitions which raises the national profile of the sport. The infrastructure is developing. One interesting possibility is that you might have an early opportunity to ride internationally for Poland. I feel like Poland is a nation that has the potential to become a very strong Eventing nation. It has the horses, the land, the climate and the culture to be good at it.

ETA perhaps contact the Polish Eventing Association for a list of riders, addresses etc

[Amberley]

Poland is in the EU, she can live and work with that passport in Ireland (and all other EU countries) but would need an employer sponsor in the UK entering as either Australian or Polish. Some experience at 2* isn’t enough, it’ll likely be tough to get a job in a prominent eventing area or yard and even tougher to be able to stay there long term.

[Red_Dust]

while the Isles are the Mecca for eventing, I would not leave the roads less traveled unchecked.
Poland has a very strong equestrian history but probably a wider market. You might have a better chance to swim to the top there vs the UK (and Ireland)
Political climate wise (and one has to consider that) the western part of the EU looks probably a little better though. North Germany is also a pretty good destination.
However, the distances in Europe are rather short.