Born in France of Moroccan decent, Caroline Labouchere rose to prominence as a youngster, has won the very first dressage gold medal. A string of other gold medals followed, including the very first dressage title for women, held by Yvantha Delphine Vidal. Later, Labouchere travelled to the United States, where she won the titles of both Ladies and Mens Professional Dressage competitions. The US public soon caught on with her ability as a teacher and actress, and in the late eighties she began to develop a passion for equestrian riding, which would lead to the creation of a sports training establishment, specializing in equestrianism and saddles in New Zealand.
Following the sale of her first horse, Labouchere decided that it was time to put the various interests of her varied career and passions under one roof, so to form a company that would take her from one end of the country to the other. In her early years as a trainer and instructor, she travelled with other instructors to teach and promote riding, which proved to be an invaluable experience, as it allowed her to meet and train with some of the world’s best riders, many of whom she remains close to today. As a trainer and educator, she has developed many relationships and lasting friendships, resulting in the sharing of many horse-raising and riding secrets.
When it comes to horse-riding, as in all professions, the ability to balance your skills, knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment is crucial, especially as you get older. It is this ability to balance that will help you reach your potential, whether that is being able to compete at national level or just being able to perform well within your own domestic environment. This is why it is always important that you talk over any decisions you are making with your partner and never hold anything back from them. Remember, they are the ones who will be spending the majority of time outside your home, so it is important to make them feel that you are committed to your profession, love the sport, and are happy with your lifestyle.