Corona Times: Hit & Run with Vanessa Way

Interviews

Hit & Run

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.

New Zealand Grand Prix rider Vanessa Way began her international career at Grand Prix level with Winters Realm. Her next equine partner, KH Arvan made his debut at International GP level in 2010. Way moved to Great Britain to try with Carl Hester in the hopes of qualifying for the 2012 Olympic Games, but missed out on a spot. In 2014 she became the New Zealand Grand Prix Champion with Arvan and briefly rode small tour horse Don Archie for Hester in Europe. As of 2015 Arawn has been her international partner. With NRM Andreas she won the 2019 New Zealand Grand Prix Championships

Hit & Run - Vanessa Way

What is your earliest memory?

First memory hmm after several head injuries (and possible wine overdoses) it would have to be romping around with my plastic barbie pony !

Which person alive do you admire the most and why?

Queen Elizabeth ll - strength of character, poise and just a true leader. And she's still riding at 94 years old (yes, I was addicted to watching the Crown mini series).

When were you the happiest?

always happy when with my horsey friends and bottle of good New Zealand wine

What is your biggest fear?

Death

What was your first thought today?

another day another dollar ( to spend on my ponies )

What is your most annoying character trait?

doing every thing fast - talking , eating, moving and even riding - Carl Hester says I hold the record for the fastest Grand Prix Test in the world - which is actually not a compliment

Which trait do you dislike the most in other people?

Dishonesty

What is your dearest possession?

My animal family

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

lots of riding dressage at home - constantly trying to improve as a rider

What makes you unhappy?

hearing anyone talk badly about someone else

What is the love of your life?

My husband , greedy me - dogs , horses , family and friends

What was the best choice you ever took in life?

stalking Carl Hester

What's your guilty pleasure?

chocolate

What do you owe your parents?

Everything - they taught me to work hard and be a good person

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

Carl Hester, Dan Greenwood, and Christine Eaton - the funniest, nicest people I know

What was the worst job you ever did?

Giving suppositories to the elderly when working in test homes

What was your biggest disappointment in life?

NRM KH Arvan breaking down on my Olympic campaign, missing my dad's funeral

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

coming home when my dad was sick- putting family first

Name one thing that would improve your quality of life?

Money

What is your biggest achievement?

Training several horses by myself to Grand Prix with each one getting better

What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?

family and friends are more important then any thing else

Where would you like to be right now?

Here at home

What's your favourite scent?

horses

Which character would you dress up in for Halloween?

The pumpkin

To whom would you like to say sorry?

My horses - so much to learn

What does love feel like for you?

happy , warm , content

When are you most relaxed?

...

What super power would you like to have?

Being psychic

When did you last cry, and why?

When I heard of a friend's illness

When were you closest to death?

Several horse related accidents - this requires a Book of its own

How do you want to be remembered?

as someone who always encouraged people to enjoy life - and be remembered for being fun happy - horses included