Conference noted::equitation

959.0. "A female jump rider in the U.K." by SEDOAS::FULTON () Tue May 30 1989 10:08

Right then all you Lester Piggots out there, I've just about had enough.
    I am totally pissed off with the fact that us girlies find it very
    hard to get race rides unless of course, Daddy is a trainer/owner
    or you are prepard to offer your 'services' shall we say in exchange
    for a ride!  I have been involved in racing since the age of 10
    but have only properly become fully involved in it during the past
    2/3 years, by that I mean work riding/schooling etc in some of the
    well known racing yards.  Last year I was down to ride a horse at
    Towcester and Huntingdon but due to the horse being over the top
    that soon put a stop to that.  Back goes the breeches, boots etc
    into the attic.
    
    Anyone out there with the same problem, or even better, anyone out
    there prepared to give me a chance!  I shall not die a happy woman
    until I have succeeded, which I will do - take note of the name
    SARA FULTON - this will become famous as being "THE FIRST LADY TO
    WIN THE NATIONAL" mark my words.  I think in this life if you want
    something bad enough, you get it in the end.
    
    I look forward to your replies
    
    Sara.

    Where were YOU 10 years ago (or more).  I had a friend who had a
    couple of hunter chasers and we wanted a woman rider.  She trained,
    I had part share plus I tried to exercise (I was too scared and
    not fit enough to be any good).  If I ever return to UK, my ambition
    is to own/train hunter chasers, but I am too decrepit and scared
    to do more than ride hunter or low level eventing.
    

    It's typical isn't it!  Ten years ago I was still running around
    the school playground!  Thanks for your reply though, anyone else
    out there ready to make my day?  
    
    I live in Epsom (home of the Derby) and ride out for one of the
    trainers there, unfortunately it is only a fairly small yard and
    all the rides are taken by the retained jockey - the boys always
    come first.
    
    I'm welcome to anymore offers or views on the subject, keep them
    coming all you enthusiasts out there.

    
    
    Well done Sara. Can't help I am afraid but you've got my
    support!
    
    All I can suggest is that contact some racing stables and HARRASS 
    them to death. They may think you're a bloody nuisance but they'll 
    remember you!
    
    Good luck!