Take five with Victoria Pendleton
The Olympic cycling dual gold medal winner turned amateur jockey discusses racing at Cheltenham and Goodwood, and how she caught the riding bug
What were the best and the worst things about being an Olympic athlete?
The best part is feeling like a superhero in terms of strength and fitness. You are assisted every day to be a better version of your physical being, which is a gift. I loved feeling so powerful in the gym.
The worst part is the lack of social life and family time you have. You miss a lot of special occasions you will never have the chance to go back to.
What’s your earliest riding memory?
I started learning how to ride in February 2015 aged 34. I had my first lessons in Lambourn with Yogi Breisner and Chris King using his beautiful ex-eventer and Blenheim champion The Secret Weapon, otherwise known as Champ — a big chestnut dreamboat!
Why did you decide to learn to ride?
I was approached by Betfair to train to become a jockey in 12 months to participate in the Cheltenham Festival’s amateurs race, the Foxhunters Chase, in 2016.
I had never had a riding lesson, but I’d sat on a horse a couple of times. It was an audacious idea, which is why I thought I’d give it a go. I knew from the first 10 minutes into my first lesson that I wanted to be around horses a whole lot more.
How did you find learning to ride as an adult?
I am very coachable apparently, as I’ve pretty much spent my whole life being told what to do. This was an advantage to learning as an adult. Also, I don’t easily get overwhelmed and quite enjoy learning new and daunting skills — it’s a bit of an adrenaline rush.
Do you prefer flat racing or steeplechasing?
I really enjoy steeplechasing. When you fly over a brush fence it’s like you’ve sprouted wings — the closest you will get to being a Pegasus! My face ached so much the first time I schooled a racehorse; I was smiling from ear to ear for days.
What was it like competing in the Goodwood Magnolia Cup last year?
I really enjoyed riding in the Magnolia Cup. I met some wonderful women and I was delighted that Khadijah [Mellah, the first rider to race wearing a hijab] won. She’s such a bright, positive and inspiring woman who is breaking boundaries, which is something I love.
Do you still ride?
I do. I have a couple of my own retired National Hunt horses at home and I sometimes ride out at racing yards. I also ride horses for friends and occasionally do some stick and ball during polo season. I’m terrible at it, but still enjoy the challenge.
What was it about riding that you fell in love with?
I think the most profound thing is the partnership you form with such a majestic animal. When they give you their best you feel overwhelmed with gratitude. It’s very different from a machine; you have to relinquish being 100% in control and be persuasive and submit to the ability and character of the horse. It’s a team sport. Horses can be the best therapy too. When you’re in the moment, you’re not in your own head and thoughts — it’s extreme mindfulness.
What’s the next challenge you plan to set yourself?
I’m off to do some ice climbing and cross-country skiing. I set myself the goal of learning — or at least trying — two new sports a year. I’ve decided to try my first adventure race this spring.
Do you have a favourite horse?
I couldn’t possibly choose between my two beauties, Sarah and Vesper. But if you mean outside of the ones I own, I’d say Pacha Du Polder as he helped me so much. That horse could see a stride blindfolded in the fog at night. Another horse I’m particularly fond of is Minella Theatre. He was the first horse I schooled over a steeplechase fence and rode in my first point-to-point. In my first year of riding I rode 92 different horses, mostly Thoroughbreds. Yogi Breisner told me to ride as many as possible as each one will teach me something new. I met so many different characters, many of whom have a place in my heart.
“In my first year of riding I rode 92 different horses”