Corona Times: Hit & Run with Shingo Hayashi

Sat, 04/18/2020 - 20:31
Hit & Run
Shingo Hayashi at the 2018 World Equestrian Games :: Photo © Astrid Appels

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. 

Japanese Grand Prix rider Shingo Hayashi first represented his country Japan at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, where he finished fifth with Olga. Sponsored by Mr Shimoda, Hayashi has received a string of horses to compete. He won the 2014 Japan Grand Prix Championships and was team reserve for the 2016 Olympics. Aboard the former Danish Olympic team horse Clearwater he rode at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon. The 35-year old is currently competing Scolari and Fernando for a team spot for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics 

Hit & Run - Shingo Hayashi

What is your earliest memory? 

A piece of BBQ meat stuck in my throat when I was 5.

Which person alive do you admire the most and why?

My parents cause they have made me into who I am.

When were you the happiest?

When the horsne which I trainedn won the Japanese championship

What is your biggest fear?

The time when I have to say goodbye to my horses

What was your first thought today?

That I was thirsty

What is your most annoying character trait?

I'm too optimistic

Which trait do you dislike the most in other people?

Laziness

What is your dearest possession?

My horses

If you look into the future, what do you see?

Nothing

What makes you unhappy?

Sick horses

What is the love of your life?

Food and alcohol, it must be something tasty

What was the best choice you ever took in life?

To decide to become a dressage rider when I was 22

What's your guilty pleasure?

Touching and peeling off scabs

What do you owe your parents?

Everything

Who can sit next to you at your dream dinner table?

My best friends

What was the worst job you ever did?

Collecting ginkgo nuts, they smell soooo badly 

What was your biggest disappointment in life?

When my grand mother, a close friend and my dearest horse died

What would you change if you can go back into the past?

Nothing

Name one thing that would improve your quality of life?

A corona vaccine

What is your biggest achievement?

Competing at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon

What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?

To never give up

Where would you like to be right now? 

In the competition arena

What's your favourite scent?

Ramen noodle

Which character would you dress up in for Halloween?

I don’t like dress up for Halloween

To whom would you like to say sorry?

No one

What does love feel like for you?

Getting a phone call from my parents

When are you most relaxed?

Drinking alcohol

What super power would you like to have?

Cooking skills: to be able to reproduce in the kitchen what I have eaten before.  

When did you last cry, and why?

A month ago when my friend died

When were you closest to death?

A few years ago. My horse panicked in the truck next to me. 

How do you want to be remembered?

As the best Japanese rider

Related Links
Shingo Hayashi Wins 2014 Japanese Dressage Championships
Yoshida, Fukuoka, Hayashi Win Trophies at 2016 CDI Tokyo
Japanese Team for 2016 Olympic Games Selected
Hayashi and Clearwater On Song at the 2017 CDI Gotemba
Kuroki and Toots Win Japanese Selection Trial for 2018 Asian Games
Japanese Team for 2018 World Equestrian Games Selected
Scores: 2010 Asian Games