Natalia in the Spotlight!
Originally from Russia, Natalia moved to Australia in 2012. She joined the MC Equestrian team in October 2021, not long after the COVID-19 lockdowns. She is a dedicated, knowledgeable, passionate horse woman and talented eventer.
How did riding become such a large part of your life?
Natalia grew up in Perm, a big city near the Ural Mountains about 1,500 km from Moscow. No one in her family rode horses. “Quite by chance it happened quite late in life – in my thirties, back in Russia. I was on a business trip and came across lead horse rides in the city. As a child I had dreamed of riding, however I had never ridden a horse before, so I decided to finally give it a go. From the first moment in the saddle, I was hooked. When I returned home, I immediately found the closest riding school and began taking lessons every weekend. Within six months, I bought my first horse – and that was the beginning of a whole new life with horses.
When my husband and I moved to Australia, my hobby gradually became my job. I often say I don’t “work” anymore, because my work and my passion are one and the same.”
What led you to start your job at MC Equestrian?
In Russia I worked with shares and bonds and later in real estate, however when I moved to Australia I gradually started working with horses, making a career out of my passion. With the Covid lock downs behind us, I was ready for a new start and thought that MC Equestrian would be the perfect place to combine my passion for horses with my work, and the rest is history!
What does your typical day at MC Equestrian involve?
Most of my day is spent coaching riders, but I also enjoy helping out with extra jobs around the yard – no two days are ever the same!
Do you have a favourite horse at work, or one with a cheeky personality that always makes you laugh?
It’s impossible to pick just one favourite – I love them all, especially for their different personalities. Molly is incredibly smart, Foxy is our escape artist, Archie is endlessly curious and puts his nose into everything, and River and Buzz are both wonderfully cheeky. They always make me laugh.
Tell us about your horse?
My horse is Carrick, a 17-year-old ex-race horse (thoroughbred) and a true gentle giant. Everyone who meets him falls in love with him straight away. We compete in eventing together: Carrick is patient and steady in dressage, gives his best in showjumping, and absolutely shines in cross-country – his favourite phase of eventing.
Tell us what you like best about working for MC Equestrian Riding School?
The team. It truly feels like a family here – everyone supports each other, cares, and always lends a hand when needed.
Above is a photo of you doing archery on horseback – is this a hobby of yours?
I recently took up horse archery and absolutely loved it, I even considered competing. For now though, I’ve had to take a break while I let a shoulder injury fully heal before getting back into it.
What is your favourite horse quote?
"Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.” – John Wayne. This perfectly sums up how I feel before every cross-country phase in eventing. 😊