Free Rein With: Carl Hester

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I would work in the hotel trade because I love dealing with people. I worked tourism before I came to live in England and took on dressage. I would be in tourism.

What word or phrase do you overuse?
That’s it. When I teach, I say, “That’s it, that’s it, that’s it.”

What is the best feeling in the world?
The British team winning a gold medal last year. I never thought that was a possibility in my lifetime. The number of years I’ve waited to see that happen made it the best feeling ever.

Where do you hope to be in 10 years?
In 10 years I still hope to be competing, teaching. Certainly [the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro] is something I would be able for. I’ve got some nice new horses coming up, so I’ll be thinking about that. Then retiring back to the Channel Islands where I come from. Peace and quiet, no cars. Become an alcoholic clinging to a rock again, I suppose!

If you enjoyed this article and would like to read more like it, consider subscribing. The original version of "Free Rein With: Carl Hester" ran in the July 23 & 30, 2012, Olympic Preview issue. Check out the table of contents to see what great stories are in the magazine this week.