In corona times we are all ordered to stay at home, self quarantine, and do social distancing. With more time on your hands to spend online, Eurodressage launches a "Hit & Run" interview series so that you get to know the world's most famous dressage riders and personalities more closely.
British Grand Prix rider Hayley Watson-Greaves had her big international break through at GP level with Rubins Nite. Coached by Carl Hester, Jane Bredin and Adam Kemp, she was the non traveling reserve for Team GB for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. She competed at the 2018 World Cup Finals in Paris and was the 2017 British Dressage National Champion.
Hit & Run - Hayley Watson-Greaves
What is your earliest memory?
When I was 3 years old, falling underneath a pony at a riding school, the saddle slipped as the girth wasn't done up properly!
Which person alive do you admire the most and why?
There are many people I admire and who have been a massive inspiration in my life... the list would be too long but it ranges from Equestrians to Business men and women.
When were you the happiest?
Being with my family and my horses.
What is your biggest fear?
Losing a loved one.
What was your first thought today?
What a beautiful day to be outside.
What is your most annoying character trait?
I'll let my husband answer that; probably that I’m always up at the crack of dawn, I don’t have lie ins!
Which trait do you dislike the most in other people?
Not owning up to a mistake and people that lie.
What is your dearest possession?
My horses and a Rocky the Rocking horse I inherited from my Nan. It was the first type of horse I sat on
If you look into the future, what do you see?
Still doing what im doing now, hopefully even better!
What makes you unhappy?
Rude people
What is the love of your life?
My horses, husband and family
What was the best choice you ever took in life?
To travel when I was in my early twenties before setting out to turn my hobby into my career with horses.
What's your guilty pleasure?
Wine!! Prosecco namely
What do you owe your parents?
Everthing, i wouldn't be where I was now without there love and support!
Who can sit next to you at your dream dinner table?
My whole family, friends and my sponsors who have been an amazing support to me on my journey.
What was the worst job you ever did?
Door to door sales while backpacking in Australia.
What was your biggest disappointment in life?
I try not to focus on things being a disappointment in life, I see it as a bump in the road that I can learn from.
What would you change if you can go back into the past?
Nothing, it’s made me who I am today.
Name one thing that would improve your quality of life?
I have everything I want in my life at the moment..... but not being allergic to horses would be a great help.
What is your biggest achievement?
Being able to train, develop and build a relationship with my horses from 2-year olds to International Grand Prix level.
What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?
Work hard, follow your dreams and never give up.
Where would you like to be right now?
Where I am right now, at home with my husband and ‘Harley’ our dog.
What's your favourite scent?
Fresh herbs and fresh country air.
Which character would you dress up in for Halloween?
Not really into fancy dress.
To whom would you like to say sorry?
No one in particular, I hope I have apologised when I’ve needed to.
What does love feel like for you?
Nothing else matters when your together!
When are you most relaxed?
At home in the evening at the end of the day with my husband, our dog and a nice glass of wine!
What super power would you like to have?
Teleportation! It would be very useful.
When did you last cry, and why?
When the government announced they were going to help pay staff wages so our staff could feel secure in their jobs during this tough time, which is a massive help for our Printing business.
When were you closest to death?
When I was 3, I had a bad Asthma attack - I was hospitalised.
How do you want to be remembered?
As a happy, bubbly person, who turned her dream into a reality!
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